How to Get Rid of Legionella?

 
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If you are concerned about the presence of Legionella in your home or business, you are not alone. Legionella is a bacteria that can cause Legionnaires’ disease and other serious health problems. Fortunately, there are steps you can take to reduce the risk of Legionella and keep your home or business safe. In this article, we will discuss how to get rid of Legionella and prevent its spread.

To get rid of Legionella:

Start by testing your water for Legionella bacteria.
If Legionella bacteria is found, treat the water with chlorine or other disinfectant.
Install a filter for your water system to prevent Legionella from entering.
Regularly inspect and maintain your water system.
Drain and clean water tanks and other equipment.
Increase the temperature of hot water systems to higher than 60°C (140°F) and keep it there.

Source: clevelandclinic.org

Table of Contents

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What is Legionella?

Legionella is a type of bacteria that can be found in water sources such as hot tubs, cooling towers, and plumbing systems. It is the cause of Legionnaires’ disease and is associated with serious health risks. The bacteria can spread through inhalation of small droplets of water and can cause severe respiratory illnesses. Symptoms of Legionnaires’ disease include cough, fever, chills, and shortness of breath.

Legionella can easily grow and spread in water systems that are not properly maintained, so it is important to take steps to prevent and control the spread of this bacteria.

How to Prevent Legionella Growth

The best way to prevent Legionella growth is to reduce the risk of exposure by maintaining a clean water system. This includes regularly testing water sources and testing the water temperature, as well as regularly cleaning and disinfecting all water sources. The water temperature should be kept between 68-122°F (20-50°C).

  
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It is also important to regularly inspect and maintain any cooling systems, such as air conditioning units, to ensure that they are free of any contamination. Additionally, any plumbing systems should be regularly inspected and serviced to prevent any problems that may cause Legionella growth.

Regular Water Testing

Regular water testing is necessary in order to detect and identify any Legionella growth in water systems. Testing should be done at least twice a year, and any suspicious results should be reported to the local health department.

Testing should be done using approved methods, and water samples should be taken from all potential sources of contamination. Water samples should be tested for Legionella and any other potential contaminants, such as E. coli and other bacteria.

Disinfection and Cleaning

Regular cleaning and disinfection of water systems is critical in preventing Legionella growth. This includes cleaning all water tanks, pipes, and other plumbing components, as well as regularly flushing all water systems.

Cleaning should be done with a chlorine-based disinfectant, and all pipes and tanks should be thoroughly scrubbed and rinsed. Additionally, it is important to regularly clean any air conditioning units, cooling towers, and other sources of water contamination.

Legionella Prevention Strategies

In order to effectively prevent Legionella growth, it is important to implement a range of prevention strategies. These include:

Regular Maintenance

Regular maintenance of water systems is essential in preventing Legionella growth. This includes regularly inspecting and servicing pipes and other plumbing components, as well as regularly testing the water temperature.

Proper Storage and Disposal of Contaminated Water

It is important to properly store and dispose of any contaminated water in order to prevent Legionella from spreading. This includes properly storing water in tanks and pipes, as well as disposing of any contaminated water in a safe and responsible manner.

Conclusion

In order to prevent Legionella growth and the spread of Legionnaires’ disease, it is important to take steps to maintain a clean and safe water system. This includes regular water testing, cleaning, and disinfection of water sources, as well as implementing a range of prevention strategies. By following these steps, it is possible to reduce the risk of Legionella growth and the associated health risks.