Opening after lockdown: Why your water systems need attention

Businesses across the UK are reopening their spaces to the public after months of closures during lockdown. But opening commercial spaces which have been left empty for such a long time comes with many risks, especially when it comes to your water systems.  

Whether you’re working in a pub, a retail space, a hotel, or even an office – the chances are your water systems haven’t been used for a long time. 

Dangerous bacteria and disease, such as Legionella, can multiply in stagnant water systems – and risk being transmitted to humans, with sometimes dangerous consequences.

But there are a number of steps you can take to make sure you’re not putting your employees and the public at risk from catching Legionnaires’ disease and other illnesses from contaminated water systems.

What is legionella?

Legionella is a naturally occurring bacteria present in natural aquatic environments like lakes, rivers and water reservoirs but it can also be found in indoor plumbing systems.

In low levels, this bacteria doesn’t lead to disease, but it can multiply to dangerous amounts in certain conditions and cause Legionnaires’ disease (Legionellosis) – which is a potentially fatal type of pneumonia. Legionnaires’ disease is most likely to grow to these dangerous levels within hot and cold-water systems in businesses. 

The main factors that contribute towards the development of Legionella bacteria in commercial building water supply systems include:

• Cross-connections between potable and non-potable water
• Water stagnation 
• Lukewarm water temperatures
• Excessive water age
• Insufficient disinfectant

What can your business do to stay safe?

There are simple ways to ensure your water systems within your business or commercial space are safe to use, and free from any harmful bacteria. 

Firstly, a full risk assessment of your hot and cold water systems should be carried out, which monitors water quality parameters and ensures adequate measures are put in place to control the risks. 

If, like most businesses in the UK, your business has recently reopened after a long period of closure or if you’re hoping to reopen soon, your water systems are likely to need prompt action to minimise water stagnation. Your water systems that have stood for months without use need to be flushed and chlorinated, to mitigate the risks of Legionnaires’ disease. 

That’s why our team advises all businesses returning to the workplace after lockdown to undertake our Legionella assessment, where we can assess health risks and rectify areas of concern effectively and efficiently.

You may think the risk of legionella is small, but each year there are 200-250 reported cases of legionnaires disease and there are likely to be many more this year unless precautions are taken following lockdown.

Book your Legionella assessment for your business today! Or, to find out more about our range of commercial services we can offer your business, please get in touch.