Temperature control is widely recognised as the traditional means to reduce the risk of Legionella within domestic hot and cold water systems. The correct method for taking a temperature from an outlet is important to demonstrate that a temperature control strategy is compliant.  

As discussed in Part 1, temperature has limited effectiveness when treating biofilm bacteria (especially mature biofilm) but colonisation of a system with biofilm bacteria may (in the main) be avoided should water temperature be kept within specification and the water within the system kept in regular movement/turned over. Moreover, when outlets test positive for bacteria of ‘human importance’, it’s first of all important to question ‘why’ and to ascertain to what extent the water system has been compromised (ie, how big is the loss of control…?).  

Water undertakers have a responsibility to ensure that ‘wholesome’ water is delivered to the point of entry of buildings, this does not necessarily mean that such waters are free from microorganisms. Moreover, whilst drinking water should be free from parasites (cryptosporidium) and faecal contaminants (coliforms/E. coli), it’s common for wholesome water to contain aquatic bacteria, as such bacteria make-up the ‘normal’ microbiology of drinking water. Therefore, bacteria such as Pseudomonas and Legionella live preferentially in the environment and these soil-derived bacteria frequently reside within water supplied to buildings.

Sampling for Legionella, it is advised that water sampling is undertaken to demonstrate the effectiveness of the established control scheme and is not considered a control measure itself. Sampling of water systems for Legionella, can be somewhat daunting, thoughts of ‘do I need to sample’, ‘how to take a sample’ and ‘where do I need to send the samples’. This video outlines how to take samples and the next steps. 

 In recent months there have been several news stories that have highlighted problems caused by the use of non-approved plumbing materials, failing to check the competency of those working on water systems and the consequences for those that do not comply with the legislation.

It’s been hot… extremely hot, some say a ‘heatwave’ although most would call this a ‘summer’! During these hot spells it is more important than ever to help keep people hydrated.

The single most important aspect of good water management is having a ‘plan’, hence the expression; ‘fail to plan, then plan to fail’!

The Health & Safety Executive’s HSG274 Legionnaires’ Disease: Technical Guidance Part 2 states that any outlet “not used for a period equal to or greater than seven days” should be classed as a little used outlet and that “for high risk populations, e.g. healthcare and care homes, more frequent flushing may be required as indicated by the risk assessment”.

In today’s world people are trying to save money, lead healthier lifestyles, eat healthier foods and be more active. Some of us use gardening to help with healthier lifestyles and growing our own healthy foods.

A recent report from the United States’ Centre of Communicable Disease (CDC) published in April 2018 highlighted the problem of cryptosporidium as the pathogen responsible for most outbreaks of infectious disease originating from treated recreational waters, including swimming pools, spa pools and water play-parks. 

 Image Credit: CDC