What is water hygiene?
Water hygiene is the maintenance of water quality and water system in your home, to ensure the water is safe to use.
Why is it important?
It’s important to ensure that your water is clean and useable otherwise bacteria can form, which may make people unwell.
There are many types of bacteria that can form in a domestic water system. The most common is Legionella, which can cause Legionnaires disease, a respiratory disease that can be deadly to certain groups of people, (the very young, the elderly, smokers and those with a weakened immune systems).
Symptoms of Legionnaires disease
The symptoms of Legionnaires disease can be confused with symptoms of other illnesses such as flu or severe cold. These are several symptoms of Legionnaires disease to look out for:
- Headache
- Muscle aches
- Fever of 40°C or higher
- Cough (bringing up mucus or blood)
- Shortness of breath
- Chest pain
- Gastrointestinal issues such as vomiting, diarrhoea and nausea
- Confusion or other mental issues
If you think you have Legionnaires disease it is important to see your health provider as soon as possible.
What can I do?
Legionella bacteria are found naturally in most water sources and are harmless through ingestion. It is through breathing in steam or droplets that they can cause Legionnaires disease.
The bacteria cannot survive at higher and lower temperatures. This is because 20-45°C is the favoured range for the bacteria to flourish.
- Keep your hot water 60°C (either the water in your water tank, or from your boiler).
- Keep your cold water below 20°C.
- If you don’t use certain outlets (taps, showers, outside taps etc.) you need to flush them regularly. Run the water through them for at least 5 minutes for unused outlets every week, and for used outlets, 2 minutes every week. If you have been away or you have never used or flushed the outlet before, you need to flush them thoroughly. Stand away from the outlet and open a window while the flush is taking place.
- Try and keep outlets free of limescale and bacteria build up. The bacteria like to live in this, and flushing will not necessarily get rid of the bacteria hiding there.
Will this reduce my risk of contracting Legionnaires disease?
In short, yes! These actions will reduce the likelihood of bacteria surviving and will reduce the likelihood that bacteria will be transmitted through water droplets or steam.
What does North Kesteven District Council do?
Before your property is let to you your boiler and taps are checked for signs of wear and to ensure they work properly. The outlets in your property are flushed prior to your tenancy, also.
Your boiler and heating system is checked annually. Where gas is present, a gas safety certificate is provided to you following the appointment.
If you live in a sheltered scheme with a communal kitchen or bathroom, these will be checked and tested for legionella bacteria, and flushed, regularly and disinfected periodically to ensure there is no growth.
For further information about Legionnaires disease, visit the Health and Safety Executive website.
To view our Water Hygiene Policy, visit our dedicated Housing strategies and policies webpage.