“Since Legionella bacteria have adapted to survive at temperatures even higher than 40-45°C, tepid water systems are known to be potential sources of Legionella outbreaks. ”
Potable and tepid water
Tepid Water Systems
Tepid water systems are common in hospitals, aged care facilities, hotels, schools, jails and other institutions where hot domestic water systems are considered dangerous. Since Legionella bacteria have adapted to survive at temperatures even higher than 40-45°C, tepid water systems are known to be potential sources of Legionella outbreaks.
Risk of Legionella
People are primarily concerned about the risk of acquiring Legionella from the cooling towers of air-conditioning systems. Although these are certainly a potential threat, current research suggests that potable water systems, in particular tepid water systems are highly susceptible to the growth of micro-organisms including Legionella.
Virtually all hospital outbreaks of Legionnaires' disease occurring since 1982 have been traced back to water distribution systems rather than air conditioning cooling towers.
Research shows that Legionella is transmitted through aspiration via aerosol (e.g. showers) or by direct exposure during respiratory tract manipulation, e.g. in hospitals.Immune-suppressed persons have the greatest risk of contracting Legionella.
The principle of a Tepid Water System
The principle of a tepid water system is depicted in the diagram. Water in the loop is heated in a calorifier and pumped through the loop using a circulating pump. Any tepid water drawn from the loop via the outlets is replaced through the make up line. The loop and circulating pump will ensure the availability of tepid water at any outlet instantaneously.
Residual disinfection using AccuIon™ Technology
The required location for our AccuIon™ technology is the entry point into the system, i.e., the cold water make up line. Hence this application constitutes a Flow-Through system.
Since the water is precisely dosed with ions at this point, it enters the loop and will provide continuous, residual disinfection of the loop. Valves are put in place to disconnect the equipment from the loop for service and maintenance purposes.
Other applications
The principles described above apply to more applications than just tepid water loops. The technology can also be deployed in residential homes and other reticulated water installations. Due to recent legislation requiring tempering valves, pipe work nowadays often carries tepid water and can potentially provide a breeding ground for biofilm and pathogens.. Our potable water solution will remove the biofilm, protect and disinfect the water as well as help in the prevention of corrosion.
The future of potable water quality
Even more drastic, some countries are already indicating now that in the future the potable water quality can only be ensured to a certain level and the consumer will have to be responsible for their own water disinfection solution.