Experts warn of increased Legionella risk

Experts are warning that the UK is facing an increased Legionella risk and urgent action must be taken to check water systems.

Legionella and Fire Safe Services, based in Lichfield, are urging people to be aware of the risk of stagnant water remaining in properties for long periods, perhaps hidden in cavities, dead legs or unseen parts of the plumbing system, as it could harbour Legionella bacteria long after the visible flood water has been cleared.

Longer, warmer, and wetter summers are participating in the increased cases of legionnaires ' disease.

Many experts, including Legionella and Fire Safe Services, say that it is increasingly clear that climate change is making the world warmer and wetter, so incidents of flooding are on the rise and therefore potential risks of stagnant water.

A severe inundation of flood water can also cause physical damage to water systems by breaking pipes, dislodging water tanks or destroying other plumbing components.

Steve Morris (pictured), managing director of Legionella and Fire Safe Services, said: “As a compliance business we are aware of the legionnaires disease risk could be somewhat overlooked with living in these unprecedented times.

“With the increase of abnormal weather experienced around the world, such contributing factors as increased temperatures & flooding can all have an impact. We bespoke our guidance to clients however we work to 3 key principles to ensure your water systems & people are safe; 1. Keep it moving, 2. Keep it clean and 3.

“Keep it at the right temperature. We are becoming increasingly concerned in regard to cases of legionnaires disease being overlooked, mainly due to many of the symptoms experienced are identical to Covid-19. ”