Legionella is a bacteria which exists among others in showers, shower heads and hot water tanks. Swimming pool managers and people who are supervising drinking water quality are responsible also for Legionella monitoring.
Legionella can easily multiply in stagnant water tanks, hot water supply systems, air conditioning systems and cooling water circuits. Its presence in water can cause legionellosis (Legionnaires' disease), which is a severe and infectious respiratory disease. Milder version is Pontiac fever, which only brings flu-like symptoms.
Managers of buildings that are supplied with hot water are required to test hot water for the presence of Legionella. Such buildings include: collective residence buildings (hotels and boarding houses), public buildings (nurseries, kindergartens, schools) and health care facilities (including hospitals, sanatoriums) are obliged for making Legionella analysis in hot water.
The guidelines for Legionella analysis in hot water are included in following regulations:
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