Post by Viega Group

Legionella is a very real risk. It thrives in environments where maintenance is neglected, temperatures are uncontrolled, and water stagnates. Summer is a particularly critical season. A recent case in Berlin illustrates this. Around 800 apartments in the Nahariya housing estate in Lichtenrade were found to be contaminated with Legionella. Residents reported health complaints, including asthma-like symptoms in both children and adults. According to local health authorities, findings were available for more than 50 buildings. As outdoor temperatures rise, both cold and hot water systems require careful attention. Cold water in drinking water systems must be kept consistently below 25°C – better still, below 20°C at the point of use, while hot water must be maintained at a minimum of 60/55°C. When these thresholds are not met through stagnation, inadequate temperature control insufficient separation and insulation of cold and hot water pipes, Legionella bacteria find ideal conditions to multiply rapidly. Spring and summer put additional pressure on cold water systems in particular: studies have shown for years that ground temperatures have risen by up to 3 °C. This trend has continued ever since. In multi-story buildings, keeping cold water below the critical threshold is already becoming increasingly difficult. Buildings with outdated installations, inadequate flushing routines or poor temperature control are particularly susceptible year-round. Climate change is making this challenge more persistent. As global temperatures continue to rise, the conditions that favour Legionella growth will occur more frequently and in more buildings. Clean water is essential for hygiene and health. It's one of our most valuable resources, and we must protect it. That's what we do. With our technologies, we make an important contribution to maintaining potable water hygiene, as well as improving energy efficiency, comfort, and safety in buildings.💧