What if preventing Legionella outbreaks wasn't about adding more chemicals, but removing what the bacteria needs to survive? In this episode of Scaling UP! H2O, host Trace Blackmore talks with Dr. David Krause, Certified Industrial Hygienist, toxicologist, and founder of HC3, about his groundbreaking approach — LIDO (Legionella Inhibition by Deoxygenation).

Legionella on the Rise

Dr. Krause has investigated high-profile Legionella outbreaks and seen firsthand how current prevention strategies often fall short. Despite ASHRAE 188 standards, CMS requirements, and increasing water management plan adoption, Legionella cases continue to climb — often due to infrastructure issues, insufficient monitoring, and a lack of evidence-based guidance.

Inside an Outbreak Investigation

From the first call at 4:30 on a Friday to the coordination between local health departments, state agencies, and the CDC, Krause explains the rigorous (and sometimes chaotic) process of pinpointing outbreak sources. He also reveals why public communication can make or break an outbreak response.

Introducing LIDO Technology

Rather than relying solely on chemical disinfection, LIDO uses gas transfer membrane contactors to remove dissolved oxygen from hot water systems. Legionella can't thrive below 0.3 ppm DO — meaning systems treated with LIDO create an inhospitable environment for growth. Krause shares lab results, pilot project findings, and how this approach could extend system life while reducing corrosion and byproducts.

The Bigger Picture

This episode goes beyond technology — it's about rethinking water management, building better outbreak communication, and challenging industry norms. Whether you're a facility manager, water treater, or public health professional, Krause's insights will shift the way you think about Legionella control.

Prevention starts with awareness — and action. Dr. Krause's work shows there's more than one path to safer water systems, and innovation comes from asking better questions.

Listen now to discover how Legionella investigations unfold and how LIDO technology could reshape prevention. Download the free discussion guide located at Connect with the Guest section, and start the conversation with your team.

Stay engaged, keep learning, and continue scaling up your knowledge!

Timestamps

02:24 - Trace Blackmore shares an Introduction to Legionella Awareness Month and the value of ANSI/ASHRAE 188, ASSE 12080 certification

08:17 - Water You Know with James McDonald

11:52 - Interview with Dr. David Krause and his background in public health, toxicology, and Legionella Investigations

16:36 - Why cases are rising despite standards, plans, and certifications

21:39 - The significance of Legionella pneumophila serogroup 1 vs. other species

26:38 - Media influence on outbreak perception and the need for accurate communication

31:15 - Business risks of not having a water management plan

41:48 - How LIDO works: removing dissolved oxygen to prevent Legionella growth

48:41 - Current pilot projects and operational considerations

Quotes

"Legionella is an obligate aerobe – without dissolved oxygen, it simply can't grow."

"An ounce of prevention is worth ten pounds of cure when it comes to water management plans."

"Once an outbreak starts, testing becomes your life."

"We have so much information on waterborne pathogens – the challenge is making a habit of learning the next thing."

Connect with Dr. David Krause

Phone: 850-766-1938

Email: [email protected]

Website: http://www.hc3fl.com/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/drdavidkrause/

Guest Resources Mentioned

AIHA – Recognition, Evaluation, and Control of Legionella in Building Water Systems (2nd Edition, 2022)

ACGIH – Bioaerosols: Assessment and Control (Red Book, Updated Edition)

IDSA's 'Increasing Incidence of Legionellosis in the United States, 1990–2005: Changing Epidemiologic Trends'

Legionella and the Role of Dissolved Oxygen in Its Growth and Inhibition: A Review by J. David Krause

Journal of Occupational and Environmental Hygiene Controlling Legionella pneumophila growth in hot water systems by reducing dissolved oxygen levels by J. David Krause

CSTE – National Legionellosis Case Definitions (2020)

LIDO: A Revolutionary Approach to Legionella Management

Scaling UP! H2O Resources Mentioned

AWT (Association of Water Technologies)

Scaling UP! H2O Academy video courses

Submit a Show Idea

Scaling UP! H2O's Legionella Resources Library

ASHRAE Standard 188 (Legionellosis: Risk Management for Building Water Systems)

ASHRAE-188-2021-Summary-Technical-Bulletin_01.pdf

Water You Know with James

Question: Despite all the training, engineering controls, policies, regulations, laws, and direction, at the end of the day, who is most responsible for your personal safety?

2025 Events for Water Professionals

Check out our Scaling UP! H2O Events Calendar where we've listed every event Water Treaters should be aware of by clicking HERE.