By Anita Dangazele
- Health experts warn that Legionella, a bacteria that can cause a serious form of pneumonia, can grow in water tanks, water pipes and showers.
- A Johannesburg study found the bacteria in 14 of 15 buildings tested in Hillbrow, mostly in water that had been sitting unused.
If you’ve started relying on a water tank or other backup water storage because of water shortages in your area, health experts want you to know about a hidden risk, a bacteria called Legionella that can grow in water that sits still for too long.
The National Institute for Occupational Health says Legionella causes Legionnaires’ disease, a serious form of pneumonia that can be life-threatening if it’s not treated.
As more South Africans turn to water tanks, water storage containers and other backup supplies because of unreliable municipal water, medical scientist Larissa Singh says people need to think about what happens to that water once it’s sitting in their home.
“Periods of low water use can cause water to stagnate in pipes, tanks and outlets. Disinfectant levels may decline, and biofilms, which are layers of microorganisms attached to plumbing surfaces, can develop. This creates conditions that favour the growth of Legionella and other waterborne microorganisms,” Singh explained.
A University of Johannesburg study tested water in 15 high-rise buildings in Hillbrow, Johannesburg, and found Legionella in 14 of them, 93% of the buildings tested. The bacteria showed up more often in cold water than in hot water. People are usually exposed by breathing in tiny water droplets, most commonly from showers.
Dr Noncy Gomba, a senior medical scientist at the institute, said the risk is often overlooked. “Legionnaires’ disease is a serious form of pneumonia that remains poorly recognised. Older adults, smokers, and people with chronic illnesses or weakened immune systems are particularly vulnerable,” she said.
How to protect yourself:
Run taps and showers regularly, especially if they haven’t been used in more than a week.
Clean and maintain water storage tanks, like JoJo tanks, according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
Make sure hot water systems are properly maintained.
Pay extra attention to water systems after a holiday, a building closure, or any long period where the property wasn’t used much.
If a building has a complicated water system, or has had problems with this before, get professional advice.
Pictured above: Your water tank could be making you sick, the National Institute for Occupational Health has warned.
Image source: File
