Reduction of hot water in the tap may create risks for human health, said Latvian Health Inspectorate, commenting on a recent suggestion to reduce hot water temperature in an attempt to reduce energy consumption.
The inspectorate invites municipalities and building managers to ensure hot water in the tap reaches a temperature of above +55° C. The inspectorate notes that lowering hot water temperature in central water supply systems may cause an outbreak of Legionellosis.
It is highly important to maintain hot water temperature above +55° C at all times in locations that distribute water to the house and prevent temperature from dropping periodically. The risk of infection is the highest if water temperature ranges between +37° C and +42° C. The Health Inspectorate stresses that the risk of Legionellosis increases significantly if water temperature drops below +50° C for more than two hours in a single day.
The inspectorate points attention to the fact that the growth of legionella bacteria benefits from organic substances in water, poor water circulation, poor water purification and disinfection, as well as increased concentration of iron, solid water and microbiological contamination. Since legionella bacteria live in natural bodies of water, it is not possible to completely wipe them out in water supply systems. It is possible to prevent excessive growth of these bacteria. Measures to reduce formation of bio membranes in water supply systems are important to help limit growth and spread of these bacteria. The simplest measure, however, is maintaining hot water temperature high enough.
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The inspectorate notes infection with Legionellosis is not possible by drinking water or having a bath. Infection is possible if a person breathes in microscopic infected water droplets. This happens the most often in a shower or bubble bath.
Health Inspectorate: reducing hot water temperature may cause health problems
