Beware of Old Water in Plumbing!
In recent news, several districts in Germany, including Rasseln and Venn, have faced issues with bacterial contamination in their waterworks. This contamination has led to precautionary chlorination of the water supply and a boiling order issued by the health department.
The bacteria found in these cases are typically coliform bacteria, Legionella, and Acinetobacter, among others. These microorganisms can colonize water pipes and distribution systems, posing a significant risk to public health.
Contamination can occur due to various reasons. One common cause is the loss of pressure in water systems, leading to a decrease in disinfectant residual, such as chlorine, and allowing bacterial growth. Another factor is biofilm formation inside pipes, providing a habitat for bacteria to adhere and proliferate.
Contamination can also originate from breaks or leaks in water lines, introducing pathogens from external sources. Additionally, growth can occur in stagnant water areas where water does not circulate adequately. Complex industrial or cooling systems, such as cooling towers and hot water tanks, can also harbor Legionella bacteria.
To prevent such contamination, it is crucial to maintain adequate water pressure to ensure disinfectant residuals remain sufficient to kill bacteria. Regular disinfection and flushing of water distribution systems can also help reduce biofilm and stagnation. Monitoring and cleaning cooling towers, hot tubs, and other potential Legionella reservoirs are essential to prevent outbreaks.
In case of a boil water advisory, it is important to follow the instructions carefully. Particularly for parents of babies and young children, those with weakened health, and the elderly, the boiling order is of utmost importance to ensure the safety of their drinking water.
After vacations, it is advisable to turn on all taps for five minutes to flush the pipes, as suggested by Detlef Poullie. He also advises checking for installation errors, such as insufficient or missing pipe insulation, by holding a thermometer in the running water. If the water cools down after 30 seconds to below 25 degrees, there is likely no major issue.
It is essential to note that contamination is not limited to stagnant water or old and uninsulated copper pipes. Regular maintenance and monitoring of waterworks are crucial to maintain a safe and clean water supply for all.
References:
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (n.d.). Legionnaires' disease fact sheet. Retrieved July 13, 2022, from https://www.cdc.gov/legionella/info/factsheets/legionnaires.html
- World Health Organization. (2015). Guidelines for the management of legionellosis in healthcare facilities. Retrieved July 13, 2022, from https://apps.who.int/iris/handle/10665/204623
- Environmental Protection Agency. (n.d.). Drinking Water Contaminants: Microbial Contaminants. Retrieved July 13, 2022, from https://www.epa.gov/ground-water-and-drinking-water/drinking-water-contaminants-microbial-contaminants
- Water Research Centre. (n.d.). Legionella: The risks and control measures. Retrieved July 13, 2022, from https://www.water-research.co.uk/legionella-risks-and-control-measures
- Search Results, Google. (n.d.). Pfizer bacteria. Retrieved July 13, 2022, from https://www.google.com/search?q=Pfizer+bacteria
The contamination in waterworks can pose a threat to public health, particularly when it involves bacteria like coliform, Legionella, and Acinetobacter. Effective maintenance of water pressure and regular disinfection can help minimize bacterial growth in water distribution systems.
In spite of this, contamination can still occur in various ways, such as breaks in water lines, stagnation, or biofilm formation inside pipes, which can serve as habitats for bacterial proliferation. For sensitive populations like children, the elderly, and individuals with compromised health, it is crucial to adhere to precautions like boil water advisories when such incidents occur.
