Healthy water supply

A clean water supply is vital to health and wellbeing.

WDH cleans and checks the water systems in re-let and improved properties and ensures any concerns about water quality are dealt with as quickly as possible.

Most water systems contain bacteria and other organisms. If these are allowed to multiply they can cause people to become ill. The most common and high risk bacteria are Legionella.

If allowed to grow and multiply, Legionella can cause Legionnaire’s disease. This is a form of pneumonia caused by breathing in tiny droplets of water produced by showers, whirlpool baths or cooling towers which are contaminated with Legionella bacteria.

Tips to prevent Legionella outbreaks

• Store hot water at between 50 and 60 degrees Centigrade. Your boiler will have been set to this temperature when you moved in.
• If your property is empty for over a week, you should turn on your boiler/water heater and run the hot water for 10 minutes. This does not apply to homes with combination boilers.
• When water is at the correct temperature, you can check on your thermostat, place shower heads under water and leave running for at least two minutes
• Clean shower heads and hoses every three months by removing the head of the shower and cleaning in hot water.
• Ensure that you turn on taps, including any in your garden, each week for at least two minutes.

For more information contact OneCALL on 0845 8 507 507.

further information Water Hygiene (PDF)... We know that a clean water supply is vital to your health and well being. This fact sheet is to help you prevent problems arising and to stay safe and well.