Legionella – the invisible danger in drinking water
Legionella are waterborne bacteria that can pose a significant risk in drinking water systems because they multiply rapidly under certain conditions and, in elevated concentrations and in susceptible individuals, can cause illness. Unfortunately, Legionella often goes undetected for a long time because they are neither visible nor detectable by smell – they are usually only discovered when health problems arise. Armatron offers innovative solutions for safe drinking water installations to prevent Legionella contamination. High-quality sanitary ware and our premium washroom equipment guarantee optimal hygiene and maximum safety. Thanks to environmentally friendly materials and customized solutions, you benefit from long-lasting and sustainable protection. Learn more on our product pages and subscribe to our newsletter for further interesting information.
This is how Legionella bacteria develop in drinking water
Legionella are bacteria of the species Legionella pneumophila , which occur naturally in freshwater. They find ideal growth conditions, particularly at temperatures between 25 and 45 degrees Celsius, and adhere to pipes, especially if maintenance is inadequate or if water stagnates for extended periods in infrequently used pipes. Hot water storage tanks, boilers, and showers are also particularly susceptible to Legionella proliferation. Growth slows down when the temperature drops below 20 degrees Celsius, while the bacteria die at temperatures above 60 degrees Celsius. Besides temperature and water stagnation, other factors also play a role: Biofilms that form in water pipes provide the bacteria with protection and nutrients, allowing them to multiply unhindered. Rubber and plastic components in older pipes, in particular, promote the formation of such biofilms. Water quality also influences growth, as a high content of organic matter, for example, can further promote bacterial reproduction. The Legionella concentration in water is measured by the number of colony-forming units per 100 ml of water. In technical terms, this is abbreviated as CFU per 100 ml.
Minimize risks from Legionella in drinking water
To minimize the risk of Legionella contamination, certain measures are important. These include flushing infrequently used pipes by letting the tap or shower run for a few minutes, as well as regular and/or thermal flushing cycles, disinfection measures, monitoring the water temperature, and the use of Legionella filters. In Switzerland, there are legal regulations regarding drinking water quality that also govern protection against Legionella – with specific requirements for water quality, temperature control, and regular monitoring. These include, for example, the Foodstuffs Act (LMG) and the Federal Department of Home Affairs (EDI) Ordinance on Drinking Water and Water in Publicly Accessible Baths and Shower Facilities (TBDV). However, these regulations primarily apply to public or shared hot water systems, such as those found in swimming pools, hotels, and hospitals. To effectively protect against Legionella, our high-quality filter systems for washbasins and showers, such as the BIOFIL Anti-Legionella and Anti-Germs filter for washbasins and showers, offer safety by forming an ideal barrier against bacteria and guaranteeing the highest drinking water hygiene – in both private and commercial sanitary facilities.
These are the symptoms of a Legionella infection
In warm environments with ample nutrients from mucous membranes, Legionella bacteria multiply particularly rapidly and thus pose a potential source of infection. If the bacteria enter the respiratory tract via fine water droplets in the air, Legionnaires' disease can develop—a Legionella infection that can range from flu-like symptoms to severe pneumonia. The elderly and those with weakened immune systems are particularly vulnerable to these pathogens. However, person-to-person transmission is generally not possible. In addition to symptoms such as fever, cough, or shortness of breath, a Legionella infection can also trigger neurological symptoms like headaches, confusion, or difficulty concentrating. Sometimes the gastrointestinal tract is also affected, with symptoms such as nausea, diarrhea, or vomiting, which often complicates accurate diagnosis. Prompt medical treatment is strongly advised, especially in severe cases, to prevent potential complications.
These products will protect you
As a leading provider of sanitary infrastructure, Armatron offers customized solutions that optimally protect your drinking water installation against Legionella. Our robust stainless steel fittings impress with their high corrosion resistance, easy cleaning, and vandal resistance – ideal for public and commercial areas, and of course, suitable for your private home. With integrated thermostats and automatic flushing processes, as found in the TEMPOMATIC MIX 4 electronic mixer tap , or with thermal disinfection, as in the SECURITHERM shower element with thermostat, our products minimize the risk of Legionella proliferation and the spread of these pathogens. Complemented by water filters, hygiene dispensers, and sensor-controlled mixer taps, we guarantee the highest hygiene standards and support sustainable building management with our energy-efficient and environmentally friendly sanitary solutions. Our experienced team of experts will advise you on Legionella, preventative measures, and potential retrofits to ensure your drinking water installation is safe and efficient, perfectly meeting your individual requirements. Thanks to our efficient logistics, you benefit from fast delivery times and reliable service.
Armatron - Your specialist for safe drinking water
Founded over 30 years ago, we have grown from a small family business into a leading supplier in the sanitaryware industry and are represented in many European markets. From the very beginning, our goal has been to combine the highest hygiene standards with first-class workmanship. We collaborate with renowned manufacturers, allowing us to continuously expand our product range – from robust stainless steel fittings to innovative solutions for private, public, and commercial sanitary facilities. Our materials are selected according to strict environmental and quality standards: High-quality stainless steel and skin-friendly surface coatings ensure durability and safety. With our many years of experience and our commitment to quality, we actively contribute to ensuring the highest level of drinking water hygiene. Our innovative hygienic sanitary solutions help to effectively minimize the risk of Legionella while offering a high level of comfort. If you require further information, please contact us using the contact form on our website.
