Legionella
Legionella bacteria can grow in your home’s water system when not in use. Here's some advice on how you can prevent it in your home.
Legionella bacteria can grow in your home’s water system when not in use. Here's some advice on how you can prevent it in your home.
Legionella is a form of bacteria that can be found in various bodies of water, from streams to lakes. However, it can also be found in mains water and can enter a home’s water system.
Legionella growth in a home water system is rare, but the chances are increased during periods where the water system isn’t being used, such as when you’re away on holiday. This is because the lack of water turnover in your home (e.g. not running a tap or flushing the toilet) leads to the water stagnating, which provides good conditions for Legionella bacteria to grow.
To minimise the risk of exposure to Legionella bacteria, we recommend that you do the following: