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Having clean water in your home is an essential part of everyday life. It’s important that you look after your water systems, to help prevent you from getting ill.
Most water systems, like taps, showers, tanks, heaters etc will contain some bacteria. Normally this bacteria won't cause any problems. However, in the right conditions it can multiply, increasing the chances of you becoming ill.
Legionella and Legionnaires' disease
One of the most common bacteria that can multiply in water systems is Legionella.
This is the bacteria that causes Legionnaires' disease, a lung infection you can catch by inhaling droplets of water.
It's an uncommon disease but anyone can get it. The risk increases if you:
- Are over 45 years of age
- Are a smoker or heavy drinker
- Suffer from a chronic respiratory or kidney disease
- Are diabetic or have lung or heart disease
- Have an impaired immune system
How to prevent it
Legionella bacteria doesn’t usually cause any problems. However, here’s how you can help to keep bacteria numbers low and help keep you safe.
- Descale your taps and shower heads at least every three months. Any household descaling product will work
- Keep hot water in tanks and cylinders at a minimum of 60°C
- Water from hot taps should be at a minimum temperature of 50°C. (You shouldn't be able to hold your hand under the tap for a long period of time). Please be aware of the risk of scalding.
- If you've been on holiday or away for a period of time, run your taps/shower for a couple of minutes to flush through any stagnant water
- Make sure taps that aren't regularly used, such as taps in outside toilets and gardens, are flushed regularly
Report any problems
If you have any concerns about your water temperature, low water flow, taps that aren’t working properly, boiler issues or anything unusual coming from your taps then please let us know.