Langdale and Fylingdales area wildfire
You can find the latest information about the wildfire in the Langdale and Fylingdales area near Scarborough and Whitby on our Langdale and Fylingdales area wildfire page.
Advice related to water safety and hygiene, including advice on how to keep your water supply clean and safe.
Legionnaires' disease
Legionnaires' disease is a rare but serious illness similar to pneumonia. It is caused by breathing in tiny droplets of water from contaminated sources that contain Legionella bacteria. This disease can be fatal.
People at risk include:
- people over 45 years of age
- smokers and heavy drinkers
- people with respiratory or kidney diseases
- those with weakened immune systems
Where Legionella is found
Legionella bacteria are naturally found in water sources. In small amounts, they are usually harmless. However, when these bacteria enter buildings with conditions that allow them to grow, the risk of infection increases.
How Legionella is spread
Legionella bacteria thrive in temperatures between 20°C and 45°C. They can multiply when water is stagnant and when there is sludge, rust, or scale in the water system. Dirty or scaled shower heads and taps can also provide the nutrients needed for the bacteria to grow.
By keeping water systems clean and well-maintained, we can reduce the risk of Legionnaires' disease.
We are dedicated to keeping our water systems safe and clean, meeting all legal requirements. Our proactive approach includes regular checks and monitoring by expert water hygiene contractors.
Key measures
Regular risk assessments
We routinely assess Legionella risk in properties with shared hot and cold water systems, like Independent Living Schemes.
We continuously test and inspect communal water systems to ensure they stay clean and safe.
Vacant properties
Before re-letting any property, we replace showerheads and hoses and thoroughly flush the entire water system.
Staff training
Our staff are trained to understand and manage Legionella risks, staying alert in their duties.
These steps help us create a safe and healthy environment for all residents.
What you can do
Four s simple steps can keep your home's water supply clean and safe.
- Keep your hot water hot
- Keep your cold water cold
- Keep your water circulated
- Keep shower heads and taps clean and free of scale
Tell us about problems
Let us know if your boiler or hot water cylinder isn't working properly. Hot water should reach at least 50°C at the tap within 1 minute.
Stored hot water should be set to 60°C for at least one hour a day. Do not change your boiler or hot water system settings.
Contact us if your cold water is warmer than 20°C after 2 minutes of flushing.
Report any persistent debris or discoloration in your hot or cold water.
You should report a repair to us online.