How to Treat Legionella in Water
Coverage across Northern Ireland, we offer a comprehensive range of water testing and laboratory analysis.
The Importance of Water Testing: What You Need to Know
Water testing is essential to ensure that your water supply is safe and clean. Contaminants such as bacteria, viruses, and chemicals can pose serious health risks if they are present in your drinking water. Regular testing can help you identify any potential issues and take steps to address them before they become a problem. It’s important to test your water at least once a year, and more frequently if you notice any changes in taste, odor, or color.
Techright Environmental is a trusted provider of water hygiene and Legionella control services, offering a wide range of water quality testing and in-field sampling options to both commercial and residential clients in Northern Ireland.
All water test samples are carefully analysed at a UKAS accredited laboratory, ensuring that the results are accurate and reliable. With a strong commitment to quality management, Techright Environmental is dedicated to providing the highest level of service to its customers.
How To Test Your Water for Legionella: A Step-by-Step Guide
If you suspect the presence of Legionella in your water system, it is important to conduct a thorough test to identify and address the issue. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to test for Legionella:
Our water technicians will:-
- Collect samples in a sterilised bottle (with sodium thiosulphate)
- Analysis will be carried out by a UKAS accredited laboratory
- Collating the results
- Report to our clients and creating a plan of action, if required
Our team of highly trained technicians can guide you through the process step by step. We will collect water samples and handle them with care to ensure accurate results. Routine sampling will give you an idea of the extent of bacteria in your system and how it is operating. Once we have analysed and evaluated the results, we will provide you with expert interpretation and recommendations to ensure your system is safe and compliant.
We also offer a range of tailored drinking water testing solutions to meet your specific needs. Our comprehensive testing includes microbiological and chemistry testing, as well as investigating potential sources of contamination by testing for multiple parameters. Trust us to provide you with an accurate and efficient service.
Our range of potable water testing include:
Microbiology Testing
Microbiological water testing looks for indicator organisms as a sign of faecal contamination rather than testing for specific pathogens and we can test:
- Total Viable Count at 22°C and 37°C
- Total Coliforms
- E. Coli
- Clostridium Perfringens
- Enterococci
- Legionella
- Pseudomonas Aeruginosa
Chemistry Testing
Water chemistry testing is used to detect and measure natural elements and their inorganic compounds and we can test:
- pH
- Metals
- Heavy metals
- Non Metals
- Chlorine
- Total Dissolved Solids (TDS)
- Effluent analysis
- COD
- Suspended solids
- Conductivity
The Importance of Regular Water Testing for Legionella
Regular testing for Legionella is crucial for businesses to ensure the safety of their employees and customers. By identifying and preventing the growth and spread of this dangerous bacteria, businesses can avoid the risk of outbreaks and potential legal liabilities. Regular testing can also help businesses comply with local and national regulations and guidelines for water safety. According to HSE guidelines “water samples should be analysed for Legionella periodically to demonstrate that bacteria counts are acceptable”. For a comprehensive understanding of the importance of Legionella testing, businesses can refer to our informative guide on the benefits of Legionella water testing.
We specialise in water quality testing and analysis, offering comprehensive services for testing water from a variety of sources. Whether it’s water from homes, commercial offices, factories, wells, boreholes, swimming pools, or industrial cooling towers, we have the expertise to provide accurate and reliable results. It is crucial to have water samples tested by a UKAS accredited laboratory, and we meet this requirement. In addition, we offer cost-effective legionella test kits for legionella sampling, which can be sent via post. If needed, our qualified water technicians can even come to your location to collect samples. Contact us today to schedule your water testing.
Northern Ireland’s Leading Solution for Water Testing and Legionella Treatment
Water testing and the treatment of Legionella in water systems are critical components in ensuring public health and safety. The process of water testing is the first step in identifying the presence of Legionella bacteria, which if left untreated, can lead to Legionnaires’ disease, a serious form of pneumonia. Regular and comprehensive water testing across a variety of water systems, including cooling towers, hot water systems, and other facilities that use or store water, is essential for early detection.
Once Legionella is detected through water testing, effective treatment methods must be implemented promptly to mitigate any risks associated with the bacteria’s presence. There are several approaches to treating Legionella in water systems, each tailored to the specific conditions and requirements of the system in question.
Water Testing & Analysis Across Northern Ireland
One common method for treating Legionella is thermal disinfection, which involves raising the temperature of the water to a level that Legionella bacteria cannot survive. Another approach is the use of chemical disinfectants, such as chlorine or copper-silver ionization, which can effectively eliminate the bacteria when applied correctly. Additionally, ultraviolet (UV) light treatment is a non-chemical option that can kill or inactivate Legionella bacteria by damaging their DNA.
Regardless of the treatment method chosen, it is crucial that it is part of a comprehensive water management plan that includes regular water testing and maintenance to prevent the recurrence of Legionella. Implementing a proactive approach to water testing and the treatment of Legionella in water systems not only complies with health and safety regulations but also protects communities from the potential risks associated with Legionella exposure.