Water Safety

Legionella bacteria can cause Legionnaires’ disease, a type of pneumonia. While anyone can catch it if they inhale the bacteria – usually via water vapour or fine droplets suspended in the air – some people are more prone to serious illness. Those who smoke, older adults, and people with lung conditions or impaired immune systems are all at greater risk of developing it.   

We have a responsibility to ensure all communal water outlets are inspected and managed in accordance with ACOP L8 The Control of Legionella Bacteria in Water Systems. 

Regarding legionella prevention, we have a legal duty under the following regulations:

  • Health & Safety at work Act 1974 & Control of Substance Hazardous to Health Regulations 1994 

  • ACOP L8 The Control of Legionella Bacteria in Water Systems  

  • HSG 274 The Control of Legionella Bacteria in Hot and Cold-Water Systems 

Our responsibilities

We undertake water checks and monitoring in line with our legal obligations where we have communal water storage facilities. We identify, assess and monitor potential sources of Legionella risk. Where risks are identified, we take action to prevent contamination of water systems in our properties.

Your responsibilities

Bacteria breeds in stagnant water or limescale. Following the steps below can help to prevent this from happening in your home: 

  • Taps that are not used regularly (at least once a week) should be run or flushed before use. Turn the taps on slowly to avoid splashing and releasing water droplets into the air, and let the water run for a few minutes 

  • If you leave your home empty for longer than a week then you should flush and clean all hot and cold taps and showers in your home as soon as you return 

  • Shower heads should be flushed out on a regular basis by running the shower on its hottest setting for a few minutes at a time 

  • Clean all taps and shower heads regularly to keep them free from lime scale where possible. Soaking them in white vinegar or lemon juice can help clear limescale, or you can buy specialist cleaning products in the supermarket 

  • Controlling water temperature is important too. All water heaters in your home should be permanently switched on and set at a temperature of 60ºC. Combi boilers should also be permanently switched on, and set between 50-60ºC 

Contact us

If you have any queries or need to speak to a member of our team about any of the above information, contact us by calling us on 0808 100 9596 or emailing us contactus@magentaliving.org.uk