Oldham Metropolitan Borough Council

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Water Quality

What Is Legionnaire’s Disease?

Legionnaire’s Disease is a relatively rare form of Pneumonia which can be very debilitating, difficult to treat and can be fatal in up to 15% of cases.

However, Legionella bacteria is very common and may be found throughout the natural environment, in water sources such as Lakes, rivers and reservoirs. As a result it is imported into water distribution systems within premises.

How Can I Catch It?

The Legionella bacteria have to be inhaled deep into the lungs. Usually this requires a source of small water droplets or aerosol such as may be found in Cooling Tower drift, showers, spray taps etc. Spread of infection person to person has not been noted.

Several risk factors are significant for possibility of infection.

1. A water source with a high Legionella bacteria count
2. A means of creating an aerosol that can be breathed in
3. A person over 45 years of age
4. A person with a low tolerance to infection
5. Poorly maintained water distribution systems
6. Stagnant water

However the risk of infection is quite low, around 5% of those exposed.

What Are The Symptoms?

1. Abrupt onset at between 2 –10 days after exposure.
2. Flu like symptoms such as high fever, malaise, headache and dry cough.
3. Sometimes confusion and diarrhoea.

What Is Oldham Council Doing To Reduce The Risk?

Oldham Council is committed to carrying out a Water Risk Assessment program that is now underway. Any remedial works necessary are being highlighted to the appropriate departments for prompt attention.

The Mechanical & Engineering Services Team, within the Property Services Division of the Unity Partnership, have Water Quality Technicians who provide training to the individuals that have the responsibility for taking temperature readings, carrying out flushing / disinfection regimes and recording them in the log-book at each site.

The Water Quality Technicians are also able to provide advice and information over a wide range of water quality issues. They also monitor the regimes put in place, via a computerised Log-book system, that is capable of interrogating the individual sites and highlighting anomalies. This allows for a rapid response and timely correction of any problems encountered.

Who Do I Contact For Advice Relating To Legionnaire’s Disease?

Water Quality Technicians
Mechanical & Engineering Services Team
Property Services Division
Unity Partnership
Henshaw House
Cheapside
Oldham
OL1 1NY

Telephone Number: 0161 770 4184

The Working Environment:

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