Understanding water safety
Having clean water in your home is important for your health and wellbeing.
Small amounts of bacteria are naturally found in most water systems and usually don't cause any harm. However, if water is left sitting still for long periods, some bacteria can grow and may make people unwell.
What's Legionnaires' Disease?
Legionnaire's disease is a rare type of pneumonia caused by Legionella bacteria.
Legionella can grow in water systems when water isn't moving and the conditions are right. People can become ill if they breathe in tiny droplets of water that contain the bacteria. This could come from spray from a shower or a spray tap.
You can't catch Legionnaires' disease from another person, and you can't get it from drinking the water.
Most people who become ill make a good recovery with the right treatment.
Who's more at risk from Legionnaires' Disease?
While Legionnaires' disease is rare, some people are more likely to become seriously ill if they are exposed to Legionella bacteria, including:
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People over 45 years old
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Smokers and ex-smokers
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People with long-term health conditions
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People with weakened immune systems
How can you eliminate the risk of Legionella?
Legionella bacteria can be found in most water systems, but doesn’t usually cause any problems. Mains supply water is treated by water companies, so contamination would have to occur between the water plant and your home.
Here’s how you can help to keep bacteria numbers low and prevent disease:
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If you are going to be away from your home for a week or more, make sure you run your taps when you get home, this will help to flush out excess bacteria.
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Keep all showerheads and taps clean and free from the build-up of limescale.
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Make sure any taps that are not normally used (such as outside toilets and taps) are flushed regularly.
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Keep hot water at a minimum temperature of 50°C but beware of the risk of scalding.
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Report any concerns to us on 0800 131 3348, or use the contact form below.
For most healthy people, the risk of becoming ill is very low.
How we're keeping water systems safe
We're committed to helping keep water systems safe in our shared buildings and communal areas. To reduce the risk of Legionella, we:
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Regularly assess and review water safety risks
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Check water temperatures
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Flush communal taps and other water outlets
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Clean and descale communal shower heads
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Inspect water tanks and storage systems
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Maintain equipment that helps keep water safe
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Carry out any repairs or improvements that are needed
How you can help
There are a few simple things you can do to help keep your water safe:
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If you've been away from home for a week or more, run your hot and cold water taps and shower for a few minutes when you return
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Flush your toilet with the lid closed
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Keep shower heads and taps clean and free from limescale
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Regularly run any taps that aren't used day-to-day
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If you think there's a problem with your hot water, let us know
Contact us
If you've got any concerns about water safety, get in touch.
If you're deaf or hard of hearing: 07800 006781. We can also connect you to a British Sign Language interpreter.