Poorly managed water systems within buildings carries a variety of health risks to staff, the public and others using the premises and surrounding areas. The most serious threat is Legionnaires' disease which is a form of pneumonia caused by the legionella bacteria. The elderly, sick and the very young are particularly at risk.

Legionnaires' Disease

The legionnella bacteria breeds in lukewarm water where nutrients such as sludge,scale, rust and organic matter are present. The disease is spread through the inhalation of contaminated water droplets from sources such as taps, showerheads, air conditioning systems and cooling towers.

Whilst outbreaks of Legionnaires' disease are uncommon they can be extremely serious and fatal in approximately 18% of reported cases. It is suggested that the problem could be worse and that between 2 and 10% of all pneumonia cases are in fact Legionnaires' disease.

Water Service Data Sheet