Legionella bacteria are found naturally in water sources and they can multiply in domestic systems given the right conditions of temperature and nutrients. Inhalation or ingestion of legionella bacteria can cause a form of pneumonia called Legionnaires’ disease, as well as other less serious illnesses.
BCHA will carry out risk assessments to its housing stock in line with health and safety executive recommendations. The risk in domestic properties is very small given the relatively small size of most domestic water systems.
To avoid the risk of bacteria forming we advise:
- As legionella bacteria survives best in temperatures of 20-45 degrees Celsius, it starts to die if heated to above 50 degrees Celsius. Therefore, we recommend that if you have a hot water cylinder, turn up the cylinder thermostat to ensure that it is above 60 degrees Celsius.
- Shower heads and hoses should be dismantled and descaled with a domestic descaler every 3 months, or when the shower rose shows signs of blockage.
- If not used more than once per week, you should flush the toilet and flush through the shower hose, basin, bath and sink taps by running the water for 1 minute before use.
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