Water hygiene - Are you at risk and what can you do?
THE potential hazards caused by water systems can result in illness if any problems with them go unresolved.
That’s why it is important residents take the necessary steps to prevent problems, or report them if they do occur.
Domestic hot and cold water systems can provide an environment where Legionella bacteria can grow.
Muir Group Housing Association’s Maintenance Manager, Mike Proudfoot (pictured) said: “In very exceptional circumstances this can cause Legionnaires’ Disease, which is a potentially fatal form of pneumonia caused by inhalation of small droplets of contaminated water containing Legionella bacteria.
“Obviously the health and safety of our residents is a primary concern, so we hope the information here will help stamp out any such risk before it arises.”
The following advice provides information for residents on how to minimise any risk.
Most importantly, make sure that:
Hot water in the system remains hot
Cold water is kept cold
The water is kept circulated
In particular, it is important that you –
Do not interfere with the settings on your boiler or hot water system. The hot water should be set so that the water is heated up to 60°C.
If the cold water is still running warm after you have initially run off any water (for one minute) which may have accumulated in the pipes, contact us. It should not be above 20°C.
Contact us if there are any problems, debris or discolouration in the water. 
Contact us if the boiler or hot water tank are not working properly, particularly if the water is not coming out of the taps at a sufficiently high temperature. It should come out at a temperature of 50°C after it has run for a minute at the latest.
Where showers are fitted –
If they are used only occasionally then flush them through by running them for at least two minutes every week. Keep out of the way whilst this is being done as far as possible.
Clean the shower head periodically, descale and disinfect it. This should be done at least every three months.
Where a property is left vacant for any time, drain down, make sure that when it is occupied again at the outset both hot and cold water systems are flushed through by running all outlets for at least two minutes.
For any further information, please contact Muir on 0300 123 1222