Legionella is a type of bacteria that can cause a serious type of pneumonia called Legionnaires’ disease. It can grow in water systems, like your home’s plumbing, water heaters, and cooling towers. Legionella bacteria thrive in warm water, typically between 77°F (25°C) and 113°F (45°C). Perfect growing conditions occur when the water has not been used for two weeks or more and it sits in the plumbing.
Homeowners can take several simple steps to reduce the risk of Legionella bacteria in their homes and keep their water systems safe. First, keep your water heater at 120°F (49°C) or higher to help stop Legionella from growing, but be careful to avoid burns, especially for kids and older people. It’s also important to flush your water heater now and then to get rid of sediment, following the instructions that came with your water heater.
Next, clean showerheads and faucet aerators regularly by soaking them in vinegar or a cleaner to remove any buildup and use all faucets and showers at least once a week to keep the water fresh. For hot tubs and pools, maintain the right levels of chlorine or bromine and follow cleaning guidelines, testing the water often to make sure the chemical levels are right.
Humidifiers and HVAC systems should be cleaned and disinfected according to the manufacturer’s instructions, and using distilled water in humidifiers can help prevent bacteria growth. Garden hoses and outdoor faucets should be flushed before use to clear out any standing water and stored properly by draining them to prevent water from sitting inside.
Repair any leaks quickly to prevent water from pooling and becoming stagnant and insulate hot water pipes to maintain higher temperatures and reduce bacteria growth. If you’ve been away for a while, run hot water through all faucets and showers for several minutes when you return to replace old water with fresh water.
Finally, stay informed by keeping up with tips from reliable sources like the Oregon Health Authority (OHA) about Legionella prevention, and consider having a someone maintain your water system regularly to ensure everything is in good condition. By following these steps, homeowners can help keep their home’s water safe and reduce the risk of Legionella bacteria. Check recent outbreaks in Oregon. (Portland Outbreak June 2024)(Increase in legionare ouitbreaks)
