Legionella and water safety

Legionella is a bacterium, which can grow in stored or stagnant water under certain conditions.

If you breathe in infected water (via spray, droplets or water vapour), you’re at risk of developing Legionnaire’s disease. This is a type of pneumonia which may be mild and flu-like, but can become more serious, and sometimes fatal. Early treatment with the correct antibiotics is effective in most cases.

It's unlikely that you'll be at risk from legionella bacteria in your home water system. Mains supply water is treated by water companies, so contamination would have to occur between the water plant and your home. Water cylinders and tanks are renewed frequently, so bacteria doesn't have the opportunity to grow. However, we do still advise taking the following precautions:

• Regularly descale taps, showerheads and hoses.
• Ensure all thermostats on stored hot water cylinders are set to 60⁰C or above.
• If you leave your home for a long period of time, drain off and refill any stored water tanks when you return, before you use them again.