For many years, Legionnaires’ disease has remained a major public health concern. Despite increased vigilance and regular checks of water system components for disease control and prevention, outbreaks of illness caused by Legionella bacteria are still reported annually, sometimes tragically resulting in fatalities.
In the UK, the primary source of contracting Legionnaires’ disease is through contaminated water, making it vital to be aware of the regulations and best practices designed to keep the community safe from this severe type of pneumonia. While not everyone is legally mandated to conduct detailed water tests, understanding the risk of Legionnaires and taking proactive measures is highly recommended.
Keep reading to learn more about how legionella spreads and what you can do about it!
What is Legionella and Legionnaires’ Disease?
Legionellosis is a collective term for diseases caused by Legionella bacteria, specifically species like Legionella pneumophila. The most severe form is a lung infection known as Legionnaires’ disease. Milder, flu-like ailments, such as Pontiac fever and Lochgoilhead fever, are also caused by the bacteria but are not as serious.
What are the Symptoms of Legionnaires’ Disease?
The early symptoms of Legionnaires often resemble common flu:
- Fever
- Headaches
- Fatigue (extreme tiredness)
- Joint and muscle aches
If the infection progresses, you may also experience more severe signs:
- Breathing difficulties/shortness of breath
- Chest pain
- Green-coloured phlegm
- Confusion
In serious cases, this can lead to respiratory failure. Symptoms typically appear between two to ten days after exposure. If you experience these symptoms or become seriously ill, seek medical assistance from your healthcare provider immediately. Diagnosis is typically confirmed via blood tests or the testing of water samples from the potential source.
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Can You Catch Legionnaires’ Disease from a Shower?
Yes. Legionella bacteria are spread through inhaling aerosolised water droplets. Therefore, a shower spray is an ideal delivery route. Anyone using a contaminated shower runs the risk of inhaling the bacteria and contracting Legionnaires’ disease. The bacteria can also be spread through contaminated aerosols from other sources, like cooling towers or a poorly maintained hot tub.
Why Do Showerheads Increase the Risk of Legionella?
The internal structure of an unmaintained showerhead, being enclosed and humid, maintains the consistent water temperatures where Legionella thrives—typically between 20 degrees celcius and 45 degrees celcius.
Several factors contribute to Legionnaires’ disease risks on shower heads:
- Limescale & Sludge: The limescale, sludge, and rust provide a shield and nutrients for the bacteria, potentially making them resistant to disinfectants like chlorine.
- Stagnation: Dead legs (sections of unused pipework in the water system) and the hose pipe connecting a showerhead can hold stagnant water for long periods, which is a prime condition for bacterial growth and increases the concentration of Legionella bacteria.
- Temperature Control: To prevent Legionella, hot water should be stored above 60 degrees celsius and distributed at or above 50 degrees celcius. If hot water cools down in the distribution pipe work before reaching the outlet, it enters the danger zone, allowing the bacteria to multiply in the shower system.
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How Do You Prevent Legionella in the Shower?
Preventing the spread of Legionella bacteria in your home or commercial water system is critical. These five steps focus on effective temperature control and maintenance:
Get Regular Legionella Risk Assessments
The most reliable way to monitor and manage your water system is by obtaining a professional risk assessment every two years, or whenever a major change is made to the system. This involves a thorough inspection of the entire water supply chain, from the hot water storage tank to the shower outlets, to identify and mitigate all potential hazards.
Run Rarely Used Showers and Faucets Regularly
To prevent water stagnation, run showers and taps that are used infrequently for several minutes each week. This flushes out the stagnant cold water and hot water that may have reached temperatures perfect for Legionella growth. Stagnation is a key factor in increasing the risk of Legionnaires.
Maintain Consistent Water Temperatures
Ensure that hot water storage systems, such as hot water storage cylinders or tanks, maintain water temperatures above 60 degrees celcius. The circulating hot water should reach the outlets at or above 50 degrees celcius. Similarly, ensure cold water storage tanks and pipes keep the cold water below 20 degrees celcius to inhibit bacterial multiplication.
Clean and Disinfect Showerheads and Hoses Regularly
Limescale and biofilm provide a shield for the bacteria. Dismantle and clean the showerhead and hose every three months, ideally using a specialised showerhead cleaner or disinfectant to remove mineral deposits and sludge. This deprives the bacteria of the habitat needed to thrive and causes ongoing symptoms.
Eliminate Water Stagnation and Dead Legs
Audit your plumbing system to identify and remove any redundant distribution pipe work or “dead legs”—sections of pipe that contain stagnant water. Stagnant water tank sections or pipework dramatically increase the concentration of Legionella bacteria and the subsequent risk assessment outcome.
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Keep Your Bathroom Free From Legionella with LegionellaRiskandPAT.com
As LegionellaRiskandPAT.com, we are committed to safeguarding your property from the danger of Legionnaires’ disease. We specialize in providing detailed and compliant Legionella risk assessments for both domestic and commercial water systems.
Our qualified assessors thoroughly inspect your premises to identify and mitigate any risks, ensuring you meet all legal requirements. Trust us to manage your water hygiene compliance, giving you peace of mind that your water is safe.
