Download Domestic Water system management

Domestic Water System Management
Facts:

Legionnaire’s Disease is a potentially fatal form of pneumonia
caused by legionella bacteria.

It can affect anyone but some people are at higher risk, including
those over 45, smokers and heavy drinkers, people suffering
from chronic respiratory or kidney disease and people whose
immune system has been weakened.

The bacteria is transferred to us by inhalation of aerosol particles
of infected water, by use of showers, sprays and the like.

Legionella bacteria are common in rivers and lakes as well as
artificial water systems such as storage tanks and pipe work.

If allowed it can be found in larger water systems such as swimming pools and cooling systems in buildings, but it can live and
breed given the right conditions in smaller water supply systems
used in homes.

Legionella bacteria can survive at low temperatures but quickly
develop at temperatures between 20°C and 45°C.

Allowing water of both hot and cold systems to stand for long periods (weeks) in pipework at normal room temperature (21°C)
provides a good environment for bacterial growth.
Precautions:
Whilst the risk of contracting Legionnaire’s Disease is very low, there are certain
precautions that you can take to keep levels of bacteria in water systems low.

If you have a shower installed clean the shower head regularly

Run your shower at full temperature for a few minutes if you have been
away or the shower has not been used for several days.

When you have been away from home for extended periods of time (one
week or more) – run the hot and cold taps for at least 1minute allowing a full
flow of hot and cold water from the taps .

Make sure that lids are on any water tanks in your loft and that the tank is
insulated. (If you are doubt about this please contact us)

Regularly use all the taps (both hot and cold) wherever located inside or
outside of your property (house, garage, outbuildings, etc)

Do not tamper with the maximum temperature setting of any installed hot
water heating system of your property. Allowing the regular servicing of
Boilers etc. and prompt reporting of any noticeable reduction in hot water
temperature will insure the system is operating correctly.