The problem of Legionella has sadly returned to the forefront in the final weeks of 2025 in Italy, so we believe it’s important to take an opportunity to revisit the topic of Legionella prevention and control, which, in terms of thermal management, is closely related to systems using evaporative cooling towers. These cooling systems are equipped with a series of measures to prevent Legionella, such as self-draining tanks to prevent water stagnation, in addition to water treatment systems with additives that reduce algae and bacteria.
The Italian regulatory landscape on this topic has undergone a significant transformation in 2025: Legislative Decree 102/2025, which came into force on July 19, 2025, made mandatory certain Guidelines drawn up by the Ministry of Health in May 2015. The new obligations for prevention and control established in the Legionella Decree 2025 include:
- Mandatory monitoring activities. Activities are now classified according to a Priority code. Water monitoring is now mandatory in facilities beyond the previous regulations, such as hotels, sports centers, and restaurants.
- Preparation of the Water Safety Plan (PSA). The Water Safety Plan (PSA) is a mandatory risk assessment and management model for managers of internal building water systems.
- Appointment of the Internal Water Distribution Manager (GIDI). For Priority facilities, the role of the Internal Water Distribution Manager (GIDI) has been introduced. The GIDI is responsible for the building’s internal drinking water system and must be appointed. He or she is responsible for verifying that analyses and the PSA are performed.
Finally, penalties have also been increased, with fines of up to 30.000 euro for failure in compliance with monitoring parameters.
