Legionella is a bacterium which can grow in stagnant water under certain conditions. It can be dangerous, as it may cause Legionnaire’s Disease, a rare, and sometimes severe type of pneumonia.
What we do to help keep you safe
Your safety is important to us. We want to work with you to keep you, and those you live with, safe.
We carry out regular water safety risk assessments in communal blocks and in homes.
We also follow a Health and Safety Executive Approved Code of Practice. We carry out regular inspections, and water safety testing of shared water systems in blocks of flats. In individual homes, the risk of Legionella is relatively low.
General safety advice
It is unlikely that you will be at risk from Legionella in your home water system. This is because mains supply water is treated by water companies.
However, there are a few ways you can reduce your risk even further:
Flush showers and taps for two minutes if they haven’t been used in a week or more. This includes any outdoor taps and hoses
Keep outlets such as taps and showers clean and free of any limescale and mould
Descale taps and shower heads every three months, using a limescale cleaner
Keep hot water at a temperature of 60 C. Be careful, as at this temperature, it may scald you
Tell us if you see anything unusual flowing from your water outlets, such as rust
Legionella can grow in water butts. Only use this water in watering cans with normal rose heads. Don’t use any hoses or spray attachments
Legionella can also multiply in water features, such as ponds in your garden. Don’t spray this water, as it may put you at risk.
Download our leaflet for more advice on preventing Legionella.
