Legionella in water
What is Legionella?
Legionella is a genus of rod-shaped bacteria. They are found in damp biotopes and bodies of water. What is particularly relevant for us humans is that they are found in technical water systems, such as sewage treatment plants, recooling plants or drinking water installations.
How are legionella transmitted and what happens after an infection?
Legionella are transmitted by finely atomized, nebulized water, also known as aerosols. The infected aerosols can spread in the air and be inhaled by us. Possible sources of infection include showers, humidifiers and industrial facilities. There is a particular risk in medical facilities such as hospitals or doctors' surgeries, but also in old people's homes, where the residents' immune systems are no longer as strong.
However, they are not transmitted from person to person!
Legionella can cause two different types of disease in humans. One of these is Legionnaires' disease, this infection is a severe form of pneumonia (Legionella pneumonia). Typical symptoms of Legionnaires' disease are a severe cough, headache, chills or high fever. Diarrhea and severe abdominal pain may also occur. With good and early treatment, there is a good chance of recovery. If not treated or treated incorrectly, it can be life-threatening. The milder form of the disease is Pontiac fever. This manifests itself in the form of a feverish infection without pneumonia, it is similar to flu and usually heals itself within a few days. The incubation period for Pontiac fever is usually between 3 hours and 3 days. In the case of Legionnaires' disease, it is between 2 and 10 days.
People with underlying illnesses such as diabetes or chronic heart and lung diseases are particularly at risk from Legionella-related illnesses. Smokers are also at high risk.
When do they occur?
- Temperatures
- Legionella multiply particularly well in a temperature range of 25-45 °C. They are inactive at temperatures below 20°C. They die at temperatures above 60°C.
- Stagnant Water
- Legionella can occur and multiply in water systems with stagnation (stagnant water). This often happens in rarely used pipes or in water tanks.
- Unmaintained Systems
- Limescale and rust deposits provide additional nutrients and protection for the bacteria.
In summary, Legionella bacteria are caused by the interaction of moderate temperatures, in stagnant water or in systems that are not adequately maintained.
In hospitals in particular, strict regulations apply to the control and monitoring of legionella in the water system.
Legionella is particularly dangerous in hospitals because it can cause severe pneumonia (Legionnaires' disease), which is life-threatening for weakened or immunocompromised patients. Here are the main reasons:
- debilitated patients: Many hospitalized patients have weakened immune systems due to illness, surgery or medications, making them more susceptible to infection.
- transmission through water: Legionella spreads via aerosols, e.g. through showers, taps, air conditioning systems or medical devices that use water. There are many opportunities for such transmission in hospitals.
- severe course of the disease: Legionnaires' disease can quickly lead to severe pneumonia, which requires intensive medical treatment.
- particularly vulnerable groups: Elderly people, newborns, cancer patients and people with chronic illnesses are particularly at risk.
- growth in hot water systems: Legionella multiplies at water temperatures between 25 and 45 °C, as found in many hospital systems, if the systems are not regularly maintained.
How do our expert products help you prevent legionella in your systems?
The solution we offer to prevent legionella is to kill the germs using chlorine dioxide. Due to its high redox potential, chlorine dioxide has a much stronger disinfection effect against all types of germs or impurities compared to other biocides, and its oxidation potential is also higher than that of chlorine, meaning that significantly fewer chemicals need to be used. Free legionella in the water can thus be safely killed. We offer two chlorine dioxide generators from the EMEC brand. One is the „emec LOTUS MINI 8 - chlorine dioxide generator“ an the larger version, the „emec LOTUS MINI 20 – Chlordioxidgenerator“.
Here are some more advantages of the emec LOTUS MINI models:
- Reaction under atmospheric pressure
- High stability of the chlorine dioxide solution
- No loss of CIO2 due to closed reaction chamber
- Use of diluted chemicals
- Real-time production data
Use emec's chlorine dioxide generators as a safe solution to kill legionella in water and ensure your health and the health of your patients.
The LOTUS MINI system is a device for the production, dosing and monitoring of chlorine dioxide for the disinfection of water and is available as a system with a capacity of 8 g/h (192 g/day) and as a system for up to 20 g/h (480 g/day). Chlorine dioxide is produced by the acid-chlorite process from diluted hydrochloric acid (HCl 9%) and sodium chlorite (NaClO2 7.5%). Chlorine dioxide production by LOTUS MINI can be controlled according to the flow rate of the water or according to a predefined setpoint. No chlorine dioxide is stored or saved, so neither chlorine dioxide gas nor concentrated solutions are produced outside the process application. LOTUS MINI is designed so that chlorine dioxide is generated in a special reaction chamber. Safety is ensured by multifunction valves at the injection points in the reaction chamber. The starting chemicals are stored in tanks and fed into the reaction chamber via suction lances. Integrated fill level sensors stop the pumps automatically when the tanks are empty. The Lotus Mini system is equipped with the following components: The Lotus control unit Dosing pumps for HCI (red) and NaCIO2 (blue) A pump for dilution water (grey) 3SEFL flow sensors to ensure increased safety An MFKT/V multifunction valve that regulates pressure and safety and acts as an antisiphon and drain valve A reaction chamber Injection valves 2 suction lances Advantages: Reaction under atmospheric pressure High stability of the chlorine dioxide solution No loss of CIO2 due to closed reaction chamber Use of diluted chemicals Functions: Immediate CIO2 production Proportional CIO2 dosing Flow monitoring input (flow alarm) Tank level monitoring (level alarms) Water meter connection Standby input Real-time production data Monitoring of pumps and flow sensors (SEFL) Continuous data storage with system data log (logbook in the menu) ERMES communication mA output Display of the next service date Optional USB data protocol Optional Ethernet module Optional internal GSM/GPRS modem Characteristics: CIO2 concentration: 2g/l Dosing pumps for HCI (red), NaCIO2 (blue) and dilution water (grey) 3 SEFL control sensors for monitoring pump dosing #BBD0E0 »
The LOTUS MINI system is a device for the production, dosing and monitoring of chlorine dioxide for the disinfection of water and is available as a system with a capacity of 8 g/h (192 g/day) and as a system for up to 20 g/h (480 g/day). Chlorine dioxide is produced by the acid-chlorite process from diluted hydrochloric acid (HCl 9%) and sodium chlorite (NaClO2 7.5%). Chlorine dioxide production by LOTUS MINI can be controlled according to the flow rate of the water or according to a predefined setpoint. No chlorine dioxide is stored or saved, so neither chlorine dioxide gas nor concentrated solutions are produced outside the process application. LOTUS MINI is designed so that chlorine dioxide is generated in a special reaction chamber. Safety is ensured by multifunction valves at the injection points in the reaction chamber. The starting chemicals are stored in tanks and fed into the reaction chamber via suction lances. Integrated fill level sensors stop the pumps automatically when the tanks are empty. The Lotus Mini system is equipped with the following components: The Lotus control unit Dosing pumps for HCI (red) and NaCIO2 (blue) A pump for dilution water (grey) 3SEFL flow sensors to ensure increased safety An MFKT/V multifunction valve that regulates pressure and safety and acts as an antisiphon and drain valve A reaction chamber Injection valves 2 suction lances Advantages: Reaction under atmospheric pressure High stability of the chlorine dioxide solution No loss of CIO2 due to closed reaction chamber Use of diluted chemicals Functions: Immediate CIO2 production Proportional CIO2 dosing Flow monitoring input (flow alarm) Tank level monitoring (level alarms) Water meter connection Standby input Real-time production data Monitoring of pumps and flow sensors (SEFL) Continuous data storage with system data log (logbook in the menu) ERMES communication mA output Display of the next service date Optional USB data protocol Optional Ethernet module Optional internal GSM/GPRS modem Characteristics: CIO2 concentration: 2g/l Dosing pumps for HCI (red), NaCIO2 (blue) and dilution water (grey) 3 SEFL control sensors for monitoring pump dosing MFKT/V multifunction valve for pressure and safety, as antisiphon and drain valve Reaction chamber made of PVC Housing made of ASA (acrylonitrile-styrene-acrylate copolymer) Protection class IP65 (NEMA4x) for the LOTUS control unit and pumps Rotary control for easy programming Operating temperature: 0/45°C (32/110°F)
To prevent the formation of legionella in showers and taps, we offer you terminal water filters in the HeylNeomeris product portfolio.
Terminal water filters (also known as point-of-use filters) can prevent Legionella in taps or showers by providing a physical barrier that removes bacteria from the water.
H2Otap4000 – Antibacterial End-of-Point Water Filter for Faucets Sterile filtration directly at the faucet The H2Otap4000 is an antibacterial end-of-point filter for faucets that provides protection against microbial contaminants without altering the chemical composition of the water. Validated sterile filtration reliably captures potential waterborne pathogens – including Legionella, Pseudomonas, Staphylococcus aureus, and Klebsiella. It is particularly suitable for hospitals, nursing homes, sports facilities, residential buildings, and daycare centers. The flow rate remains consistently high for up to 92 days. The filter housing inhibits bacterial growth and reduces the risk of retrograde contamination. Easy Installation and Immediate Effect Installation is done directly at the faucet using a quick-connect or threaded fitting and requires no tools. The filter is effective immediately after installation, providing consistently filtered water without altering water pressure or taste. End-of-Point Filters for Sterile Filtration at the Faucet The H2Otap4000 is an antibacterial, end-of-point water filter for faucets that reliably protects against microbial contaminants without changing the chemical composition of the water. Validated sterile filtration effectively retains waterborne pathogens such as Legionella pneumophila, Pseudomonas, Staphylococcus aureus, Klebsiella, and other harmful microorganisms. This filter is particularly suitable for use in hospitals, nursing homes, sports facilities, residential buildings, and daycare centers, wherever the highest hygienic standards for drinking and utility water are required. Benefits of End-of-Point Water Filters for Hygiene and Operational Safety The H2Otap4000 maintains a consistently high flow rate for up to 92 days, ensuring long-term hygienic protection at the point of use. Its specialized filter housing further reduces the risk of retrograde contamination and inhibits bacterial growth within the filter. Installation is tool-free, directly at the faucet via quick-connect or threaded fitting. The filter is effective immediately, providing reliably filtered water – ideal for continuous operation without interruptions.
Intended use The terminal membrane filters are specially designed to protect consumers from all waterborne pathogens. This is achieved through validated sterile filtration, which leaves the chemical composition of the water unchanged. It is used to prevent nosocomial infections caused by waterborne germs such as Legionella pneumophila, Pseudomona, Staphylococcus aureus, Klebsiella or other pathogens that are common in facilities such as hospitals, nursing homes, sports facilities, residential facilities and low or high risk day care centres. Properties The housing of the terminal sterile filter, which has been treated, inhibits the development of bacteria and the risk of retrograde contamination, whether through splashing water or direct contact. The flow rate remains constant and at a high level over a period of 92 days. Installation is quick and easy using a quick-release fastener or thread. The H2Ower 4500 has a standard thread (1/2"), allowing it to be fitted directly to the shower hose without additional accessories.
H2Ower 4500 – Antibacterial Shower Water Filter for Immediate Protection Sterile filtration directly in the showerhead The H2Ower 4500 is an antibacterial end-of-point filter for showers that effectively removes harmful microorganisms from the water without altering its chemical composition. It helps prevent nosocomial infections caused by waterborne pathogens such as Legionella pneumophila, Pseudomonas, Staphylococcus aureus, Klebsiella, and other harmful microorganisms. With a consistently high flow rate for at least 92 days, the H2Ower 4500 provides immediate protection against waterborne pathogens without compromising water pressure or flow. Installation is quick and easy thanks to its standard 1/2" thread, allowing direct mounting to the shower hose without additional accessories. End-of-Point Filters for Reliable Reduction of Waterborne Pathogens The H2Ower 4500 is an antibacterial end-of-point shower filter that reliably removes harmful microorganisms at the water outlet. Sterile filtration is mechanical and does not alter the chemical composition or taste of the water. The filter serves as a preventive hygiene measure against waterborne pathogens such as Legionella pneumophila, Pseudomonas, Staphylococci, Klebsiella, and other microorganisms, which can pose a risk especially in sensitive areas. Benefits of End-of-Point Filters for Hygiene and User Safety The H2Ower 4500 provides a consistently high flow rate for at least 92 days, offering immediate protection without compromising water pressure or comfort. Installation is easy via quick-connect or standard 1/2" thread, directly on the shower hose – no additional accessories required. Thanks to its reliable filtration performance, the H2Ower 4500 is ideal for use in hospitals, care facilities, hotels, public showers, and private homes. End-of-point filters effectively support infection prevention, reduce the risk of nosocomial infections, and are an essential component of modern hygiene concepts.
Our team of experts will be happy to advise you on the right products to prevent legionella.