A guide to prevent legionella infection and ensure safe water supply
Water is essential for life, but it can also be a source of serious health risks if not properly maintained. One of the most dangerous waterborne bacteria is legionella, which can cause a severe form of pneumonia called Legionnaires’ disease. Legionella can grow and multiply in water systems that are not regularly cleaned and disinfected, especially in hot and humid climates like Dubai.
According to the Dubai Municipality Health and Safety Department, legionella control in water systems is a mandatory requirement for all buildings and facilities in Dubai. The department has issued technical guidelines for legionella control, which specify the responsibilities, procedures, and standards for water system operators, owners, and contractors. The guidelines also provide best practices and recommendations for water tank cleaning, disinfection, and monitoring.
What is legionella and how does it spread?
Legionella is a type of bacteria that can be found naturally in freshwater environments, such as lakes and rivers. However, it can also contaminate man-made water systems, such as cooling towers, air conditioning units, showers, faucets, and water tanks. Legionella can thrive in water temperatures between 20°C and 50°C, and in stagnant or low-flow conditions. It can also form biofilms, which are slimy layers of microorganisms that protect them from disinfectants and filters.
Legionella can infect people when they inhale water droplets or aerosols that contain the bacteria. This can happen when people use showers, faucets, or humidifiers that are contaminated with legionella. The infection can cause flu-like symptoms, such as fever, cough, headache, and muscle pain. In some cases, it can lead to a severe form of pneumonia called Legionnaires’ disease, which can be fatal if not treated promptly with antibiotics. People who are older, smokers, or have weakened immune systems are more susceptible to legionella infection.
How to prevent legionella infection in water systems?
The best way to prevent legionella infection in water systems is to ensure that the water is clean, safe, and free of contaminants. This can be achieved by following the technical guidelines for legionella control issued by the Dubai Municipality Health and Safety Department. The guidelines cover the following aspects of water system management:
- Design and installation: Water systems should be designed and installed in a way that minimizes the risk of legionella growth and transmission. This includes avoiding dead legs, low-flow areas, cross-connections, and corrosion. Water systems should also be equipped with adequate filters, disinfection devices, and temperature control devices.
- Maintenance and operation: Water systems should be maintained and operated in a way that ensures optimal water quality and flow. This includes checking and adjusting the water temperature, pressure, and pH regularly, and replacing or cleaning the filters, disinfection devices, and other components as needed.
- Cleaning and disinfection: Water systems should be cleaned and disinfected periodically to remove any dirt, debris, scale, biofilm, or legionella that may have accumulated. This includes draining, flushing, scrubbing, and rinsing the water tanks, pipes, and fittings, and applying a suitable disinfectant, such as chlorine, chlorine dioxide, or ozone. The frequency and method of cleaning and disinfection depend on the type, size, and condition of the water system, and should follow the manufacturer’s instructions and the department’s recommendations.
- Monitoring and testing: Water systems should be monitored and tested regularly to verify the effectiveness of the cleaning and disinfection procedures, and to detect any signs of legionella contamination. This includes measuring the water temperature, residual disinfectant level, and microbiological quality at various points of the water system and sending water samples to an accredited laboratory for legionella testing. The frequency and scope of monitoring and testing depend on the risk level of the water system and should follow the department’s requirements and standards.
- Record keeping and reporting: Water system operators, owners, and contractors should keep and maintain records of all the activities related to legionella control, such as design, installation, maintenance, operation, cleaning, disinfection, monitoring, and testing. They should also report any incidents or cases of legionella infection to the department and the relevant authorities, and take corrective actions as instructed.
Why you need to hire a professional water tank cleaning company in Dubai?
Cleaning water tank is not a simple or easy task. It requires specialized equipment, skills, and knowledge to perform it safely and effectively. Moreover, cleaning water tank is subject to strict regulations and standards by the Dubai Municipality Health and Safety Department, which require compliance and certification from the water tank cleaning companies and their staff. Therefore, it is highly recommended that you hire a professional water tank cleaning company in Dubai to handle your water tank cleaning needs.
A professional water tank cleaning company in Dubai can offer you the following benefits:
- Quality and reliability: A professional water tank cleaning company in Dubai has the experience, expertise, and equipment to clean and disinfect your water tank according to the technical guidelines and standards of the department. They can also provide you with a certificate of completion and a report of the cleaning and disinfection results.
- Safety and security: A professional water tank cleaning company in Dubai has the trained and qualified staff who can perform the water tank cleaning safely and securely, without causing any damage to your water system or property. They can also ensure that your water supply is not interrupted or contaminated during or after the cleaning and disinfection process.
- Convenience and affordability: A professional water tank cleaning company in Dubai can offer you a flexible and affordable service that suits your schedule and budget. They can also provide you with a free inspection and quotation, and a guarantee of satisfaction and quality.
If you are looking for a professional water tank cleaning company in Dubai, look no further than MegaMeter Cleaning Services LLC, the leading water tank cleaning company in Dubai. Mega Meter Cleaning Service is approved from Dubai Municipality, Ajman Municipality as well as Trakhees Authority.
We have the expertise, equipment, and certification to ensure that your water tank is clean, safe, and legionella-free. Contact us today and get a free inspection and quotation for your water tank cleaning needs.
