Legionella in Water - Eurofins Scientific AG
Legionella in drinking water - what next?
The issue around legionella monitoring is gaining new traction at the federal level. Planned adjustments to the legislation (probably from 2017) provide for new limits and guidelines for the handling and prevention of
Legionella in the company.
What are Legionella:
Legionella is a bacteria that can multiply in hot water and cause serious respiratory illness.
Who is affected:
Particularly susceptible groups of people who get infections easily because their immune systems are compromised or not yet fully developed (children, seniors, pregnant women, people with immune deficiencies).
Common occurrence:
- Hot water distribution system taps.
- Air conditioning systems with humidifiers and associated cooling towers
- Whirlpool facilities, saunas, steam baths, showers (thermal springs or hot water baths)
- Facilities with large water heating systems
- Minergie buildings (hot water preparation)
Recommendation:
For facilities with increased risk (hospitals, nursing homes, homes for the disabled, hotels, spas, public facilities) it is recommended to perform routine water temperature checks and bacteriological analyses.
Update 2024:
With the current revision of the Stretto 4 legislation, the parameters to be tested for "water in shower facilities" have changed in accordance with the Ordinance on Drinking Water and Water in Publicly Accessible Baths and Shower Facilities (TBDV).
From 01.02.2024, the following parameters with limit values will apply in accordance with Annex 5 of the Ordinance:
Legionella spp. 1000 cfu/l
Escherichia coli nd/100ml
Enterococcus nd/100ml
Previously, only Legionella spp. were regulated for showers. It is recommended that the package be adapted to the latest version of the Ordinance.
Further information can be found here