Water Safety

Water Safety

How you can help us keep your water system safe  

 

What is legionnaires’ disease?  

 

Legionnaires’ disease is a form of pneumonia caused by legionella bacteria and can be potentially fatal. The symptoms are similar to those of flu, for example a high temperature, fever and chills, cough, muscle pains and headache. In a severe case, there may also be pneumonia, and occasionally diarrhoea, as well as signs of mental confusion. Legionnaires’ disease is not known to spread from person to person. Legionella was discovered after an outbreak in 1976 amongst people who went to a Philadelphia convention of the American Legion. This where the name comes from.  

 

Everyone is susceptible to infection; however, some people are at higher risk, including:   

  • People over 45 years of age.
  • Smokers and heavy drinkers
  • People suffering from chronic respiratory
  • or kidney disease.
  • Anyone with an impaired immune system

Legionella bacteria are found in the natural environment and may contaminate and grow in water systems, including domestic hot and cold-water systems. They survive low temperatures and thrive in stagnant water at temperatures between 20 – 45°C if the conditions are right.

 

 They are killed by high temperatures at 60°C or above.  

 

Preventing legionella in your home  

Domestic hot and cold-water systems can provide an environment where Legionella bacteria can grow. Legionnaires’ disease can be caused by the inhalation of small droplets of contaminated water containing Legionella bacteria.  

 

We recommend the following actions for you to minimise the risk of Legionnaires’ disease within your home.  

 

Make sure that:  

  • The hot water in the system is kept hot. 
  • Cold water is kept cold.   
  • The water is kept circulated. 

In particular, it is important that you:  

  • Tell us if the boiler or hot water tank are not working properly, particularly if the water is not coming out of the taps at a sufficiently high temperature. It should come out at a temperature of 60°C after it has run for a minute at the latest.
  • Do not interfere with the settings on your boiler or hot water system. The hot water should be set so that the water is heated up to 60°C.
  • Tell us if the cold water is still running warm after you have initially run off any water, which may have accumulated in the pipes. It should not be above 20°C.
  • Tell us if there are problems, debris, or discolouration in the water.  

 

Where showers are fitted:  

If they are used only occasionally then flush them through by running them for at least 2 minutes weekly if they are not used  regularly. Keep out of the way whilst this is being done as far as possible.  

 

Clean the shower head periodically, descale and disinfect it. This should be done at least every six months.  

 

Holiday and vacant periods  

Where you are away from home and your home is left vacant for any time, please make sure that when you return both hot and cold water systems are flushed through by running all outlets for at least 2 minutes.  

 

For further information or to discuss any concerns please contact us