Water Hygiene Management
Legionella bacteria is commonly found in soil and in waterways in the natural environment and can also occur in man-made water systems (for example, in hot and cold water storage tanks and pipework).
Legionella is usually associated with larger water systems such as those found in office blocks, hotels and hospitals but it can live in smaller water-supply systems used in homes and residential accommodation. Legionella bacteria can survive at low temperatures, but develop quickly at temperatures between 20°C and 45°C. High temperatures over 60°C will kill them.
Legionnaires’ disease is a potentially fatal form of pneumonia caused by legionella bacteria. It can affect anyone but some people are at higher risk, including those over 45, smokers and heavy drinkers, people suffering from chronic respiratory or kidney disease, and people whose immune system has been weakened.
South Essex Homes are assessing all the different water systems in tenant’s homes. Any areas where there is a high risk will be included on our programmes of repair and improvement work.
The heating and hot water controls in all sheltered housing premises are set by the maintenance contractor at the time of servicing. The settings are designed to minimise the risk from legionella bacteria and should not be altered. If you think that your hot water is too hot or too cold you can contact the Customer Contact Centre on 0800 833160 or 0800 833161.
You can assist to keep levels of bacteria in water systems low by following a few simple steps.
· When you have been away from home for extended periods of time (one week or more), run the hot and cold taps in the kitchen and bathroom for 10 minutes when you return to the property.
· Regularly use all of the taps inside and outside your home (both hot and cold).
· Maintain showerheads and tap outlets in clean condition free from scale and any other deposits.
Need more information?
For more information about this service please contact us
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