Legionella
Legionella is a water-borne pathogen best known for Legionnaires’ disease, although it also causes Pontiac fever and Lochgoilhead fever. It’s contracted by inhaling small drops of water, (aerosols), not by drinking. ProEconomy offer advanced Legionella control through our copper silver ionisation system, The Orca.
Where is Legionella Found?
Legionella is found in both natural and man-made water systems and typically multiplies between 20 and 45°C. The current recommended temperature for hot water systems is 60°C. However, there’s increasing scientific evidence that the water borne bacteria can survive above this level. There is also increasing evidence that Legionella can be controlled at lower temperatures with a well maintained water system and copper silver ionisation.
Lower temperatures make Legionella less active while long-standing water gives it more time to multiply.
Deposits such as rust, scale and biofilm can protect Legionella from a range of measures introduced to control them. Reference
Domestic and industrial water systems such as taps, cooling towers and showers provide an ideal breeding ground for Legionella. Hence why it is critical for any commercial or industrial site to install a proven water treatment modality and properly maintain their water outlets.
Incidence
Legionnaires’ Disease is caused when we inhale tiny water droplets (aerosols) which are contaminated with Legionella bacteria.
However, not everyone will catch Legionnaires’ disease. Groups especially at risk include the elderly, newborns, heavy smokers, drinkers, people suffering from lung, heart or kidney disease, diabetics and those who are immune-compromised, e.g. transplant patients. This is why it is especially important to have a proven Legionella control modality at healthcare facilities and care homes. Reference
Health and Safety Executive, (2014) HSG274 Part 2: The control of Legionella bacteria in hot and cold water systems, para. 2, p.3
“There is a reasonably foreseeable Legionella risk in your water system if:
- water is stored or recirculated as part of your system
- the water temperature in all or some part of the system may be between 20–45 °C;
- there are deposits that can support bacterial growth, such as rust, sludge, scale and organic matter;
- it is possible for water droplets to be produced and, if so, if they can be dispersed;
- it is likely that any of your employees, contractors, visitors etc. could be exposed to any contaminated water droplets.”
Legionella Control With The Orca
At ProEconomy, we offer proven Legionella control with our Orca copper silver ionisnation system. Over the past 25 years, our water treatment system has been controlling Legionella worldwide to deliver compliance and water safety for some of the most prestigious sites.
Legionella Sampling With Tetras
Our newly developed water management system, Tetras, provides an advanced water management service that is simplifying water sampling. By allowing estates and facilities managers to effectively manage their water risk on an easy to use online dashboard, Tetras reduces Legionella outbreaks and improves overall compliance and water safety.
Health and Safety Executive, (2014) HSG274 Part 2: The control of bacteria in hot and cold water systems, para. 2, p.3
“There is a reasonably foreseeable risk in your water system if:
- water is stored or recirculated as part of your system
- the water temperature in all or some part of the system may be between 20–45 °C;
- there are deposits that can support bacterial growth, such as rust, sludge, scale and organic matter;
- it is possible for water droplets to be produced and, if so, if they can be dispersed;
- it is likely that any of your employees, contractors, visitors etc. could be exposed to any contaminated water droplets.”
