Legionella

What is Legionella?

Legionella is a naturally occurring bacteria found in lakes, reservoirs, ponds, and rivers and Legionnaires’ disease is a form of pneumonia caused by the bacteria Legionella pneumophila. It is found in warm water environments. There are about 300 reported cases in the UK each year and up to 15% of these are fatal.

Legal Requirements

There is no requirement for mains water to be supplied to properties free from Legionella so it can enter a building through the mains supply. Unfortunately, Legionella can grow in any water system if the conditions are right. Temperatures between 20ºC and 50ºC are ideal for proliferation of the bacteria. The presence of nutrients, i.e. corrosion products, slime, biofilm and other debris, can help it to thrive

Is it harmful?

It is important to remember that Legionella is a naturally occurring and often present in low levels in a lot of water sources, the bacteria is not usually harmful if drunk or ingested. However, if the bacteria is present in water being used in a shower, a garden hose or a water feature, for example, where an aerosol is produced, and it gets inhaled by a susceptible person, it is possible that they could contract Legionnaires’ disease.

Services we offer:

• Risk assessments of water services to BS8580:2010 requirements.
• Legionella prevention works, including improvements to water tanks, etc.
• Regular descaling and disinfection of shower heads
• Sampling and analysis of water for legionella
• Temperature monitoring
• Water tank inspections
• Water tank cleaning and disinfection
• Treatment and monitoring of cooling towers
• Cleaning and disinfection of cooling towers
• Removal of dead legs and alterations to water service pipe work to improve water flow
• Our unique Legionella prevention package which is tailored to your property