Water safety is a crucial concern in both residential and commercial settings and one of the most dangerous threats is Legionella. It can lead to severe illnesses, including Legionnaires’ disease, a type of pneumonia that can be deadly.
This blog post aims to shed light on Legionella, its causes, and its risks. We will also discuss effective prevention strategies, including the innovative Integro™ system, which helps keep water systems safe and free from harmful bacteria.
What is Legionella?
It’s a type of bacteria naturally found in freshwater environments, such as rivers and lakes. Under these natural conditions, Legionella bacteria are typically present in low numbers and do not pose a significant health risk. However, when these bacteria find their way into human-made water systems, they can multiply to dangerous levels, leading to severe health issues, including Legionnaires’ disease.
These bacteria thrive in warm water environments like hot tubes, showerheads, cooling towers, hot water tanks and large plumbing systems. They can cause serious problems when they grow in these systems, particularly if the water temperature is between 25°C to 42°C, there is stagnant water, or if the water is not properly treated with disinfectants.
What is Legionnaires’ Disease?
Legionnaires’ disease is a severe form of pneumonia caused by inhaling small droplets of water contaminated with Legionella bacteria. Symptoms include cough, shortness of breath, high fever, muscle aches, and headaches. The disease can be life-threatening, particularly for individuals with weakened immune systems, the elderly, and those with chronic lung diseases.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), about 5,000 cases of Legionnaires’ disease are reported each year in the United States.
People can contract Legionnaires’ disease by breathing in mist or vapor containing the bacteria. This can happen in places like showers, hot tubs, or large air conditioning systems. It is not spread from person to person.
Why is it Called Legionnaires’ Disease?
The name “Legionnaires’ disease” originates from a 1976 outbreak at a hotel in Philadelphia during an American Legion convention. Over 200 attendees fell ill and researchers eventually identified the cause as a previously unknown bacterium, which was later named Legionella pneumophila.
What Causes Legionella in Water?
Several factors contribute to its growth in water systems. Understanding these factors is crucial for effective prevention:
- Stagnant water: When water stays still in pipes for too long, it can lose its disinfectant. This makes it easier for Legionella bacteria to grow.
- Limescale and Biofilm: This sticky substance formed by bacteria can adhere to the walls of pipes, protecting Legionella from heat and disinfectants.
- Lukewarm water temperatures: These bacteria thrive in water temperatures between 25°C and 42°C.
- Dead Legs: Sections of piping with little or no water flow can harbour these bacteria.
- Inadequate corrosion control: Corrosion in pipes can create environments that support its growth.
How to Prevent Legionella
You can consider taking some actions such as removing dead legs from pipelines and conducting regular Legionella tests in your water system to catch any contamination early.
However, preventing it in water systems requires regular monitoring and effective water treatment solutions. This is especially important in industries such as hospitality and healthcare facilities, where water safety is crucial.
One of the most advanced and effective methods for prevention is the Integro™ system by Sidon Water. This system helps ensure clean and safe water by preventing the conditions that allow Legionella to thrive.
Prevent Legionella & Waterborne Bacteria with the Integro™
The Integro™ system is a revolutionary water treatment technology designed to prevent and remove limescale and biofilm, both of which can harbour Legionella bacteria. The system uses electron injection to disrupt the formation of limescale, ensuring the removal of existing scale and preventing new scale from forming.
The Integro™ system is a maintenance-free, chemical-free and environmentally friendly solution that provides a reliable way to keep water systems safe. It improves water quality, reduces energy consumption, and prevents corrosion in pipes, all of which contribute to preventing Legionella.
Key Benefits of the Integro™ System:
- Improved water quality: By preventing limescale and biofilm, the Integro™ system ensures cleaner and safer water.
- Reduced energy consumption: Limescale build-up can reduce the efficiency of water heaters and other equipment, leading to higher energy consumption. The Integro™ system helps maintain the efficiency of these systems.
- Corrosion control: The system helps prevent corrosion in pipes, reducing the risk of bacteria growth.
Legionella prevention: By removing the environments of limescale biofilm, the Integro™ system is an effective measure in Legionella prevention.
Take Action Against Legionella Now
Legionella bacteria can cause serious health issues, but with proper maintenance and advanced treatment solutions, it is possible to prevent Legionella in water systems.
If you are concerned about your water systems, we invite you to book a call with our team to discuss how the Integro™ system can help.
Our experts are ready to assist you in implementing advanced solutions tailored to your specific needs. Contact us today to learn more about how the Integro™ system can protect your water systems.
