Legionella bacteria only multiply in water from a temperature of 20 to 55 degrees Celsius (symbol image) Photo: picture alliance/dpa
From Hildburg Bruns
Switched off hot water preparation in all administrations – does that increase the risk of legionella?
The Berlin Senate wants to largely switch off the hot water in public buildings and sports facilities. This does not apply to shower and washrooms in sports halls and swimming pools.
If the rod-shaped bacteria are inhaled with water vapour, they can cause the dangerous Legionnaires’ disease, a severe form of pneumonia.
However, legionella are not a danger in cold water – they only multiply from 20 to 55 degrees. Where people shower, i.e. in gyms and bathing establishments, the storage tanks should be heated to 60 degrees at least once a month. That kills the bacteria.
Contracted companies check regularly. If an increase is detected, the lines are flushed with extra hot water.