What is Legionella?
Legionella pneumophila is a bacterium that can cause the severe pneumonia Legionnaires' disease and the milder Pontiac fever. The bacterium naturally thrives in lakes and streams but can establish itself in technical water installations where conditions are favourable.
When does Legionella thrive?
Legionella thrives best under these conditions:
- Water temperature between 25°C and 45°C
- Occurrence of biofilm, which provides nourishment and protection
- Stagnant water with low turnover
- Limescale deposits and organic material in the pipes
Pontiac fever vs. Legionnaires' disease
Pontiac fever is a milder form of Legionella infection with flu-like symptoms that typically resolve on their own. Legionnaires' disease is a severe pneumonia with a high mortality rate in risk groups – the elderly, immunocompromised individuals, and smokers are particularly vulnerable.
Chemical-free prevention with electrostatic water treatment
Power2H2O from H2O Shift prevents Legionella by removing the fundamental conditions for growth:
- Eliminates biofilm, which Legionella depends on
- Prevents limescale deposits that provide shelter for bacteria
- Improves water circulation and reduces stagnant water pockets
All of this happens without chemical treatment, UV irradiation, or energy consumption – making it a natural and sustainable alternative to traditional Legionella control.
Legislation and requirements
Property owners and operators of technical water installations (hotels, hospitals, nursing homes) are legally obliged to control Legionella risk. Power2H2O helps meet these requirements.