legionella

Legionnaires’ disease is a potentially fatal form of pneumonia which is contracted by inhaling small droplets of water containing the legionella bacteria.

Legionella bacteria are present in low numbers in natural water systems such as rivers and ponds but can also be present in domestic hot and cold-water systems. If conditions are favourable, the bacteria may multiply to dangerous levels in 9-10 days.

The control of legionella is a legal requirement and those responsible for dwellings have a duty of care to ensure properties are free from health and safety hazards, this includes taking measures to combat Legionnaires disease.

The nature of some dwellings, such as rental properties and short term holiday lets (unoccupied periods and unknown susceptibility of occupiers), increases the risk and severity of an incident if legionella is present in a hot and cold-water system.