The legionella is a bacteria that grows and multiplies in water. Therefor, every watersystem in a building, including potable water supply, can be a risk factor and can be infected in any place.
In order to prevent infections, a treatment for disinfection and increase of water quality is necessary..
Poorly designed water systems that are not maintained or not well maintained, as well as stagnant water, can favour the growth and colonization of legionella bacteria. Sludge, organic material, corrosive material and amoeba form a biofilm that can increase the risk of an infection. In combination with a temperature that favours the bacteria growth, concentrations rise to a level that is pathogenic for humans. Installations that release or spray water into the air can affect the respiratory system, as small droplets in the air that carry the bacteria can cause an infection.
Illes Control delivers a broad section of services, under the royal decree 865/2003, including documentation, consulting, cleaning and disinfection.
Documentation:
Cleaning and disinfection:
Watersystems for hot and potable water are cleaned and disinfected at least once a year, before commissioning, after the system is shut down for more than a month, after repair or modification of the structur, before general inspections or if public health authorities demands it.
Elements that can be dismantled, like faucets and showers, are cleaned thoroughly with appropiate products that eliminate incrustations and residues by submerging them for 30 minutes in a chloric solution (20mg/l) and then rinsing them with cold, clear water.