Legionella and water safety
Legionnaires’ Disease is caused by legionella bacteria, which are found in the natural environment and may contaminate and grow in water systems, including domestic hot and cold-water systems.
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Legionella and water safety
Legionnaires’ Disease is caused by legionella bacteria, which are found in the natural environment and may contaminate and grow in water systems, including domestic hot and cold-water systems.
Safety advice
- Ensure you turn on unused taps and showers and flush toilets at least once a week, including your outside tap if you have one.
- Clean, descale and disinfect your shower head at least every 3 months. (If you do not use your shower regularly, ensure it is turned on for at least five minutes each week).
- If your home has been empty for over 7 days flush your toilet twice and run your taps and shower for five minutes to flush the hot and cold water systems.
Tell us immediately if:
- Your boiler or hot water tank are not working properly - especially if the water is not coming out hot once the tap has been run for one minute.
- The cold water is still running warm after you have initially run off any water which may have collected in the pipes.
- The water is discoloured or contains any debris.