2024-07-16 09:47:01
The method of raising the temperature of hot water for at least an hour helps prevent legionellosis. Disinfection will be effective if residents turn off the hot water taps at the time specified by the administrators. It is equally important to constantly follow the usual rules of prevention.
Legionella bacteria begin to multiply and pose a danger when improperly maintained building water supply systems create favorable conditions for them to spread. These bacteria breed in stagnant water that is above 20 but below 50 degrees.
Legionnaires’ disease is not contagious from person to person, and it is also impossible to get this disease by drinking water or cooking food. It is contracted by inhaling small droplets of Legionella-infected water that form in showers, baths, saunas and similar places.
“Although the hot water supplier does not control and regulate the hot water temperature in the buildings’ internal hot water systems, we regularly remind our customers, as well as house administrators or associations, of their responsibilities and preventive actions that help prevent serious accidents. Proper hot water temperature is maintained, plumbing devices are regularly cleaned, ensuring that bacteria do not breed in the pipes of the house”, says Rūta Jasiulionienė, head of the Client Team of AB Vilniaus šilimos nettki.
When performing thermal disinfection at the time specified by the house administrators or associations, the domestic hot water system supervisor appointed by the house administrators must raise the temperature of the hot water in the system.
It is especially important that upon receiving a notice from the home administrator or community about the disinfection being carried out in a particular apartment building, the residents dutifully turn off the hot water taps for 5 minutes and let the water run off. It is recommended to do this not only during thermal disinfection.
“If the hot water is not used for a long time, for example after a holiday, it is recommended to drain it. It is still a popular myth among residents that such a hot water drain can be expensive. Although the speed of water flow from the tap depends on various circumstances, but according to our calculations, one resident would use water for only 26-38 cents. Everyone will agree that health is priceless”, says R. Jasiulionienė.
After thermal disinfection, residents are recommended to remove shower and tap heads, clean deposits, and disinfect. It is good to do this regularly, at least once a month.
Lrytas.lt reminds that 4 people have already died from legionellosis in Lithuania this year.
2024-07-16 09:47:01