AquaCert is one of the UKs most successful legionella testing companies. Our aim is to make water testing and analysis, simple and inexpensive so we can all enjoy healthy living. We test many 100’s of water samples every day, especially for the legionella bacteria. Whenever legionella bacteria are released in an aerosol those susceptible can become a victim to serious illness. The elderly, those with a poor immune system, will suffer from its effects if legionella is present in the water system.
Utilising our water testing kits and taking advantage of our laboratories ensures that, as a property owner or a tenant, you can check accurately whether legionella is present. We follow up each and every testing kit that is returned to us. We offer expert advice so that you can manage any potential risk in the proper manner.
What is Legionella?
The bacterium causing legionnaires disease can develop and grow within water systems. This is especially true if the systems are designed for warming water and keeping it at a certain temperature.
Legionella can spread serious illness especially for those suffering from the following:
- Chronic Respiratory or Lung Disease.
- Kidney Disease.
- Heart Imperfections
- Cancer patients
- Diabetes.
- People Over 45 Years Old.
- Heavy Smokers and Drinkers
Legionella Pneumophila is common in natural water sources in small numbers. Engineered water systems, such as those in domestic and commercial properties, can harbour the bacteria as they are designed to retain the water at a certain temperature. Between 20°C and 45°C can be the ideal growth areas for the bacteria, so cold water should remain below 20°C and hot water retained at 60°C or above.
How Often to Carry Out Water Testing?
Wouldn’t it be good to ensure that your water system is free of any risk?. Water testing helps to ensure that people living or working in your building are free from any risk associated with legionella.
In commercial property, it is recommended that water testing is carried out on a six monthly basis.
Those who manage a cooling tower please refer to HSG274 or contact us for specialist advice as these systems should be subject to very stringent testing regimes.
For domestic hot and cold-water systems, it is not a standard or legal requirement to test it on a regular basis if you are managing and controlling the system in the right manner – however it is strongly recommended to test for legionella regularly. This ensure your control measures continue to be effective ensuring your patients, colleagues and tenants occupying the building are free from risk.
Who are Aquacert ?
Aquacert cover a wide range of buildings and water systems in both natural and engineered water systems. Our testing kits help with precautionary and result-measured legionella sampling, testing and analysis.
Our water testing kits can pick up on the most unsuspecting systems that may return positive results when it comes to legionella bacteria. These are designed to accurately detect legionella bacteria if it is present in any water system. Sampling ensures that you can pick up any of the bacteria and the water testing kits are easy to use and return to us for analysis at the laboratory.
When you return your test samples, analysis is carried out at our UKAS accredited Laboratory. All our clients receive complete advice following water testing which ensures that you can carry out further control measures should you need to.
As a specialist Legionella Testing Company, we may recommend:
• Removing or cutting back deadleg pipework
• Weekly flushing of outlets that are used infrequently such as shower heads or taps
• Retesting the system monthly for three months to ensure the system is free from the bacteria
• Cleaning and de-scaling water outlets regularly
• Draining hot water systems to check for signs of corrosion/rust/debris collection
• Insulating water tanks sufficiently and ensuring they have lids or insect screening
It is a legal requirement to have a Water Risk Assessment for a commercial property; this report will highlight areas of risk and guidance on control measures. Controlling the risk of legionella is vital. Anyone is at risk although the particularly vulnerable are especially susceptible.
Water testing kits are available from us here at Aquacert.
Author: Duncan Hollis