Lockdown has been an unprecedented time in modern history, with much of the UK's commercial building stock, shut up and out of action. At the time of writing, lockdown measures have been significantly eased - pubs and hairdressers are open and many more factories and office spaces are making the tentative steps back to normality. But what of the water systems that have been unused during this period? When it comes to these potential breeding grounds for legionella bacteria, it is not just a case of switching things back on. Apart from the hopefully diminishing threat of COVID-19, there is another pathogen lurking in dormant buildings that needs attention before occupants return. Legionella bacteria has been having a holiday during lockdown, enjoying the lack of water usage and potential for stagnation. Topped with significantly warmer weather than usual, the perfect conditions for the life threatening bacteria have been created. Letting people back in without due preparation could be dangerous. You might be forgiven for thinking that simply flushing out water systems before usage is enough to sort out a bacterial problem. It is not a standalone solution, however, and we urge responsible parties to proceed with caution when it comes to this task. While it might get rid of legionella, that's not the only bacteria floating around in our water systems.
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