Legionella, often better known as "Veterans' Disease" is caused by the Legionella bacteria,

the effect of which can be the onset of Pneumonia, or in a lighter form, Legionella 'Flu. "Veterans' Disease" is a rare illness that was discovered in the U.S.A when a Pneumonia epidemic occurred among Vietnam veterans. Since the discovery of Legionella contamination during the Westfriese Flora in Bovenkarspel in 1999, attention and publicity for this disease have shown a marked increase.   

 
What we do

In order to prevent the formation of Legionella, the temperatures of all our collective warm water installations are set to 60° C.

At night, in a number of the (larger) complexes the temperature in the circulation system is raised to 70° C.

The bacteria which can cause the illness is to be found in very small quantities in the ground and in (tap)water, but the quantities are so small that the bacteria can pose no real threat. The problem only  arises when the Legionella bacteria has been able to multiply.

This can happen in water with a temperature of between 25 °C and 55 °C in which, if the water has been  still for a long time, huge numbers of bacteria will have formed. A strong flow of water can prevent bacteria from multiplying. But if the water is not able to flow through the complete system, it could come to a standstill in a 'dead' corner, where the bacteria can multiply, thus creating a risky situation.

What you can do

Have you got a boiler? Then check the settings for your boiler and (re)set it to 60° C.

Has the shower not been used for a while? Then flush the shower head and ´hose' with hot water ( do not add cold water).While doing so, hold the shower-head over the drain. It is inevitable that the cold water system should warm up with such warm temperatures, so make sure to let the cold tap run for a while in order to get fresh water.