Legionella is a type of bacteria that live and grow in water. If water containing these bacteria is inhaled through airborne droplets or spray, it can cause Legionnaire's disease, a lung infection similar to pneumonia, which can sometimes be fatal.

While small amounts of Legionella bacteria are usually found in both natural and man-made water sources, the risk of infection increases when:

• Water is stagnant or not flowing
• The temperature of the water is between 20°C and 45°C
• Water or the equipment holding or carrying it becomes contaminated.
• Certain people are more at risk of getting Legionnaire's disease, including:
• People over 50
• Those with existing respiratory conditions (e.g., asthma)
• Smokers
• People with weakened immune systems

Note : Legionnaire's disease is ONLY possible by the inhalation of large amounts of infected/active bacteria through airborne droplets or spray , not by drinking water.

We have a responsibility to make sure the hot and cold-water systems in our multi-occupied buildings with shared water systems, such as communal hot water are safe and free from bacteria like Legionella.

To do this we carry out regular checks to prevent Legionella in multi-occupied buildings with shared water systems, such as communal hot water. A specialist contractor does the risk assessment and monthly monitoring.

Our housing & property staff are trained to understand what can increase the risk of Legionella, and we also carry out a Legionella check in Independent Living Schemes, as residents may be more at risk. We also check the water system when a property becomes empty, as well as replace shower heads and hoses, and we flush all the water through before the next person moves in.

Make sure you clean your shower head, hose, and the inside of your taps every 3 months to stop dirt building up, which can help bacteria grow.

• If you have an outside tap, turn it on and let it run for 1 minute once a week to stop water from getting stagnant.
• If you’re away for a week or more, when you return, run all your taps and showers for 2 minutes before using them.
• Never connect a hose or jet wash to a water butt.
• Make sure any hot water that is stored in a cylinder or similar is heated to a temperature of at least 60c.

If you think your cold water is flowing too warm from the taps  ( it should not exceed 20c ), call Lancaster City Council straight away on 01524 582929.