Everyday water hygiene: five top tips for tenants

There are some simple things which we can all do in our homes to improve the safety and hygiene of our water. Follow these five steps and you will be doing your bit to keep you, your family and visitors safe:

1. Report changes in water temperature

To stop Legionella bacteria from growing in your water system, your hot water must be hot (over 50˚C) and your cold water must be cold (below 20˚C). If you notice that your water isn’t running hot enough or cold enough, tell your housing provider.

2. Use taps and water outlets regularly

Keeping water moving through the water system is another important way of stopping Legionella bacteria growth. If you have a sink, shower or toilet that is rarely used, remember to turn on the taps or flush the toilet at least once a week and – in the case of a tap or shower – let the water run for at least five minutes.

3. Flush the system if you’ve been away from the property for more than a week

If you’ve been away from home for a week or more (on holiday, in hospital etc.), when you come home flush the toilets and run the taps and the shower. Ideally, remove the showerhead first (so it doesn’t create a spray) but if this isn’t possible, wrap it in a plastic bag or towel to prevent water spray. Turn the taps/shower on and leave the room. Let them run for five minutes before going back into the room to turn off.

4. Descale regularly

If you live in a hard water area (which is the majority of England, and all of the South East), it’s very important to control limescale. Limescale is a food source for Legionella bacteria so, by reducing the scale build-up in taps, showers etc., you are helping to stop bacteria from surviving. Use a stiff brush or limescale removal product on taps and showers at least once every three months (or more often if you can see a limescale build-up), following the instructions on the bottle.

5. Report any discolouration in your water

Rust, sediment and other debris in your water is another source of food for Legionella bacteria. It can also be a sign that pipework or tanks are in poor repair and in need of attention. If you notice your water is a funny colour or has any bits in it, report it immediately to your housing provider. They will need to find and fix the cause of the problem promptly.

FAQs

What is Legionella?

Legionella pneumophila (commonly known as Legionella) is the bacteria which causes Legionnaires’ disease. It is often found in natural water sources such as rivers and ponds, however, it can rapidly multiply if it gets into manmade hot and cold water systems, especially if the system provides a source of ‘food’ such as limescale, rust or algae. The bacteria thrives at temperatures between 20°C and 50°C and the organism can colonise large and small water systems so both must be managed effectively to prevent risk to human life.

What is Legionnaires’ disease?

The Legionella bacteria is commonly found in nature. It mainly lives in bodies of water e.g. ponds and lakes, and is usually harmless.

Outbreaks of Legionnaire’s disease originate in manmade water systems where temperatures are suitable to encourage growth of the bacteria (i.e. between 20°C and 50°C), e.g. in evaporative condensers, cooling towers, spa pools/hot tubs and from water used for domestic purposes in buildings such as offices, hospitals, hotels.

Most UK outbreaks of Legionnaires’ disease have been traced to air-conditioning or water cooling systems which can spread infected droplets of water over a large area.

What are the symptoms of Legionnaires’ disease?

Initial symptoms usually include flu-like symptoms, such as mild headaches, muscle pain, high temperature (usually 38°C or above), chills, tiredness, and a confused mental state. Once bacteria begin to infect the lungs symptoms of pneumonia may develop, such as a persistent cough, shortness of breath or chest pains. It usually takes six to seven days between getting the infection and the start of symptoms (known as the incubation period), although it can be any time from two to 19 days. As it has similar symptoms to other illnesses, a urine or blood test can be used to check for Legionnaires' disease. The infection isn't contagious and can't be spread directly from person to person.

What is the treatment for Legionnaires’ disease?

Sufferers are usually hospitalised and treated with antibiotics.

What are the laws which apply to the control of Legionella?

There are a number of different regulations which relate to the control of Legionella, including the Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974, the Control of Substances Hazardous to Health Regulations 2002 and the Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations 1999.

What measures can be used to control Legionella?

Measures used to control Legionella include regular cleaning and flushing of the water system, regulation of water temperatures and maintaining safe pipework. Employing a professional, accredited firm to carry out regular risk assessments can be one way to comply with regulations.

What should I do if I am worried about water hygiene in my home?

Contact your social housing provider with your concerns, telling them why you are worried and describing any changes in your water supply e.g. discolouration or temperature changes.

How often will an engineer visit my property?

We visit tenants’ properties in line with government guidelines, which is currently around 6 -7 years depending on your providers portfolio size and complexity but they must be reviewed in a reasonable period of time. For communal buildings or areas e.g. offices, drop-in centres, common areas of HMOs (houses of multiple occupation), we visit every two years.

What is a Legionella risk assessment?

A Legionella risk assessment is a is a statutory document that lists the parts of a water system in a property and records the level of risk each part presents in relation to Legionella bacteria. It will include information gathered during our visit and list any actions to be taken to reduce the risk. It is a legal requirement for your landlord to carry out and keep a record of the risk assessment.