What is Legionella?

Legionella is a type of bacteria that causes Legionnaire’s disease (as well as the less dangerous Pontiac fever) when inhaled through water droplets in the air.

Legionella bacteria can be found naturally in freshwater rivers and ponds, but they exist in such low numbers that they’re generally harmless.

However, they can become a serious danger if they manage to enter man-made water systems. Here, they can not only multiply in large numbers – thanks to warmer water temperatures and plenty of rust, limescale and other contaminants to feed on – but legionella can also be spread to other parts of the building through the vapour that evaporates from these systems.

Treatment and regular maintenance of water systems is essential for preventing legionella growth. For example, swimming pools are usually chlorinated to stop legionella and other bacteria from spreading in the water.

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