Water systems can harbour hidden dangers, and Legionella bacteria are amongst the most serious. Left unchecked, they pose a significant health risk, particularly in workplaces, healthcare settings, and public buildings. But what is Legionella testing, and why is it essential? This guide will explore the process, its importance, and how regular testing can safeguard both compliance and wellbeing.
Chapter 1
Legionella Testing Explained Simply
- What are Legionella Bacteria?
- Where do these bacteria live?
- How dangerous are they?
Although legionella bacteria have probably been around for many thousands of years, they were only discovered and named 50 years ago.
Legionella are a family of bacteria (at least 60 different species) which live predominantly in water. In cooler waters, such as rivers and lakes, their concentrations are very low and do not pose a risk to humans. When the bacteria get into man made water systems where the temperatures are between 20-45°C, they can proliferate quickly.
The most common sources of legionella are:
- Cooling Towers
- Showers
- Water Features
- Fountains
- Irrigation Systems
- Ice Machines
- Swimming Pools
- Hot Tubs
- Domestic Water Systems
- Water Features
- Dental Water Lines
- Fire Suppression Systems
Legionnaires’ disease is a serious type of pneumonia which can occur when legionella bacteria are breathed into our lungs. The route into our lungs normally happens when the bacteria contains minute water droplets. These water droplets or aerosols are produced from showers, hot tubs or even just running a tap. Occasionally legionella bacteria can accidentally reach the lungs when someone chokes while drinking.
Some species of the legionella family are more dangerous than others. The strain Legionella pneumophila serogroup 1 causes the most fatalities. Up to 10% of the people who contract this particular illness will die. The people who are at greatest risk are:
- People 50 years or older, especially men
- Current or former smokers
- People with a chronic lung disease (like chronic obstructive pulmonary disease or emphysema)
- People with weak immune systems or who take drugs that weaken the immune system (like after a transplant operation or chemotherapy)
- People with cancer
- People with underlying illnesses such as diabetes, kidney failure, or liver failure
Can you treat Legionnaires’ disease?
If caught soon enough, the majority of people will respond to antibiotics and make a full recovery.
Are legionella bacteria difficult to kill?
All species of legionella bacteria can be easily and quickly killed by common disinfectants or simply raising the water temperature. Elevating the water temperature above 60°C will kill the bacteria within a few minutes, at 70°C they are destroyed almost instantly.
How difficult is it to test if legionella bacteria are in a water supply?
Our laboratories test thousands of water samples every day, so we’re more than qualified to provide you with the answer to the question “What is Legionella testing?” If you want your water tested, AquaCert will send you a suitable, sterile bottle. You fill it with the water you want testing, AquaCert will send a courier to collect the bottle from you and deliver it to the laboratory for analysis.
So, you fill the bottle, we do the rest.
Stay Ahead of the Curve with Expert Testing Solutions
Keep your water systems safe from Legionnaire’s Disease by testing regularly for Legionella bacteria. If you require professional testing services or need expert support with compliance and Legionella risk management, contact us at AquaCert.
