WITH a number of households in eThekwini still without running water and others experiencing intermittent water cuts, experts have warned of a potentially life-threatening bacterium that could be harbouring in showers, JoJo tanks and hosepipes.

Legionella is a bacterium that causes Legionnaires’ disease, a severe form of pneumonia, and can multiply in warm, stagnant water found in plumbing systems.

With more South Africans relying on backup and alternative water supplies amid municipal outages, water shortages and ageing infrastructure, Larissa Singh, a medical scientist at the National Institute for Occupational Health (NIOH), said people should consider what happens to water once it enters their homes and buildings.

“Periods of low water use can cause water to stagnate in pipes, tanks and outlets. Disinfectant levels may decline, and biofilms, which are layers of microorganisms attached to plumbing surfaces, can develop. This creates conditions that favour the growth of Legionella and other waterborne microorganisms,” Singh said.

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An NIOH review of published research found that reduced water use and prolonged stagnation may affect the microbiological quality of building water systems.

Singh said people are primarily exposed to Legionella by inhaling tiny airborne droplets or mist produced when contaminated water is dispersed from outlets such as showers.

Dr Noncy Gomba, a senior medical scientist at the NIOH, said older adults, smokers and people with chronic illnesses or weakened immune systems are particularly vulnerable to Legionnaires’ disease.

She advised homeowners and building managers to prevent prolonged water stagnation and maintain their plumbing systems.

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“Protecting public health requires us to look beyond the quality of water supplied by the municipality. Legionella can multiply in stagnant water within building plumbing systems when conditions are favourable. Homeowners and building managers should pay attention to taps, showers and outlets that have not been used for long,” said Gomba.

The NIOH recommends running taps and showers regularly, particularly if they have not been used for more than a week, and cleaning and maintaining water storage tanks according to manufacturers’ recommendations.

Hot-water systems should also be properly maintained, while water systems should be assessed after holidays, building closures or extended periods of reduced occupancy.

People with complex water systems or a history of Legionella contamination are advised to seek professional advice.

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