Legionella bacteria are widespread in natural water systems such as rivers and ponds, they can also be found in hot and cold water systems in our homes.

Domestic water systems are considered to be low-risk, as the bacteria needs a certain environment to grow. For example, where water is not used very often and is left to sit in pipes to stagnate. 

Precautions you can take to prevent Legionella bacteria infection

When you first move into your home, flush through any bacteria by running the bath and hand basin taps continuously for at least five minutes.  

If your shower has not been used for over a week, turn on your shower and run hot and cold water for two minutes. To prevent water spray escaping from the shower head, run it through a bucket of water or full bath. 

If you have been away on holiday or your home has been empty for a while, it is a good idea to flush the whole water system. First flush your toilet, then run hot and cold water from kitchen and hand basin taps for two minutes or more. Next, turn on your shower and run hot and cold water for two minutes. Finally, let any other taps run for two minutes. 

Keeping tenants safe in our independent living schemes 

We carry out regular water testing and shower head cleaning in our independent living schemes to keep our tenants safe and minimise the risk of Legionella. Water is flushed on a monthly basis and Legionella sampling is carried out every twelve months. Shower heads are disinfected every four months.