Legionella What is Legionella?
Legionella is a bacteria that can live in domestic hot and cold water pipes and tanks. The bacteria can survive and grow rapidly at temperatures between 20 and 45 degrees celsius. Higher temperatures kill the bacteria. Legionnaires Disease is a pneumonia-like illness caused by this bacteria. Although the risk of legionella being present in frequently-used domestic hot and cold water systems is not as high as in larger-scale water systems, it should not be ignored.
How can Legionnaires Disease be caught?
Legionnaires Disease is caused by breathing in water droplets or spray-mists which have been contaminated by the legionella bacteria. Those most at risk include elderly people, smokers and those suffering from long-term illnesses. It cannot be contracted through drinking contaminated water and cannot be passed from person to person.
What can YOU do to reduce the risk from Legionella?
If your house has a hot water tank, make sure that the water temperature is set at a minimum of 60 degrees Celsius on the tank thermostat. If you need help or advice on this please contact us. Regularly run all cold water taps for at least 2 minutes to flush them out. For hot water taps and showers, make sure they run at full temperature for at least 2 minutes. For taps used less often, this should be done weekly. Regularly clean your shower head and hose (if you have one) with a mild disinfectant solution. If your house is going to be unoccupied for more than two weeks at any time (particularly in the summer) drain down your water system and refill it on your return. If you need help or advice on doing this please contact us in advance of your holiday. By following these basic rules you will minimise any risk to you and those in your household from Legionella