Thermostatic Mixing Valve

What exactly  is Legionella

Legionella is a tiny bacterium – less than 1 micrometre in width and 3 micrometre in length. They can be found in water, sticking to the internal surface of pipes or other plumbing network populating in biofilm within the water supply pipeline, faucets and within shower roses. Legionella infection occurs by inhalation or aspiration of aerosol droplets containing Legionella bacteria. Incubation period for Legionnaires’ disease is usually 2–10 days before the start of illness, but is usually 5–6 days. When exposed, people with poor  or weak immune systems are at greater risk of Legionella infection.

The risk

Legionella is hence of important concern in health and elderly care facilities because of the presence of person or persons with clinical risk factors that increase both the likelihood and possible severity of Legionella infection.

Legionella within the water supply system

Understanding water network system and the patients or residents most at risk is the initial step in detecting and handling the hazards connected with the growth of Legionella in a water network system.

Water system risk refers to the risk of water contamination, microbial occupation of water network facility and subsequent spread of Legionella bacteria within the water network system of a health or an elderly care facility.