Is there a risk of catching Legionnaires Disease from my fountain?
Legionnaires Disease is a pneumonia which principally effects those who are susceptible due to age, illness, immunosuppression, smoking etc. The disease is caused by the inhalation of water droplets which are infected by the legionella pneumophile bacteria. For infection to occur all the following factors must be present:
- Nutrients such as dirt, sediment, stagnation, slime or scale.
- Water temperature between 20 and 45 degrees Celsius, the ideal growth range for legionella bacteria is above 35 degrees celsius.
- Creation of water droplets, mist or spray.
- Inhalation by susceptible persons.
Provided the water temperature remains below 20 degree Celsius there is no risk, the bacteria is dormant. Above 20 degrees Celsius you should ensure that the water in your fountain does not develop the legionalle bacteria by taking the following steps:
- Do not let the water become stagnant, keep the pump turned on to keep water flowing.
- Keep the water clean, avoid buildup of slime and mineral scale which the bacteria needs as nutrient. You may want to use Henri Water Clarifier to avoid the growth of algae and limescale deposits.
Taking these simple steps will avoid any possible risk, for more information see wikipedia article on legionnaires disease. There are no documented cases of people becoming infected from garden fountains.