Legionella are waterborne bacteria that can pose a considerable risk in drinking water systems, as they multiply rapidly under certain conditions and cause illness in high concentrations and in sensitive people. Unfortunately, legionella remain unnoticed for a long time as they are neither visible nor odour-perceptible - they are usually only discovered when health consequences become noticeable. Armatron offers innovative solutions for safe drinking water installations to prevent legionella infestation. High-quality sanitary equipment and our first-class products for equipping washrooms guarantee optimum hygiene and maximum safety. Thanks to environmentally friendly materials and customised concepts, you benefit from long-lasting and sustainable protection. Find out more directly on our product pages and subscribe to our newsletter for further interesting information.
How legionella develops in drinking water
Legionella are bacteria of the genus Legionella pneumophila that occur naturally in fresh water. They find ideal growth conditions, particularly at temperatures between 25 and 45 degrees Celsius, and stick to pipes, especially if they are inadequately maintained or if water has been standing in little-used pipes for a long time. In addition, hot water tanks, boilers and showers are particularly susceptible to the proliferation of legionella. If the temperature falls below 20 degrees, growth slows down, while the bacteria die off from 60 C. In addition to the temperature or water stagnation, other factors also play a role: so-called 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 favour the formation of such biofilms. The water quality also influences growth, as a high content of organic substances, for example, can also promote the reproduction of bacteria. The concentration of legionella in water is measured using the number of colony-forming units per 100 ml of water. In technical jargon, this is called CFU 100 ml for short.
Minimise risks from legionella in drinking water
Certain measures are important to minimise the risk of legionella contamination. These include, for example, flushing little-used pipes by letting the water run from the tap or shower for a few minutes, but also regular and/or thermal flushing cycles, disinfection measures, checking the water temperature and the use of so-called legionella filters. In Switzerland, there are legal requirements for drinking water quality that also regulate protection against legionella - with specific requirements for water quality, temperature control and regular control measures. These include, for example, the Foodstuffs Act (LMG) and the FDHA Ordinance on Drinking Water and Water in Publicly Accessible Bathrooms and Shower Facilities (TBDV). However, these regulations primarily apply to public or communal hot water systems, such as in swimming pools, hotels and hospitals. For effective protection against legionella, our high-quality filter systems for washbasins and showers, such as the Filter for washbasin and shower BIOFIL anti-legionella and anti-germs safety, as they form an ideal barrier against bacteria and guarantee maximum drinking water hygiene - both in private and commercial sanitary facilities.
These are the symptoms of a legionella infection
Legionella multiply particularly quickly in warm environments with a good food source through layers of mucus, such as mucous membranes, and then represent a potential source of infection. If the bacteria enter the respiratory tract through the fine water mist in the air, legionellosis can develop - a legionella infection that can range from flu-like symptoms to severe pneumonia. Older people and people with a weakened immune system are particularly at risk from these pathogens. However, transmission from person to person is generally not possible. In addition to symptoms such as fever, coughing or shortness of breath, a Legionella infection can also trigger neurological symptoms such as headaches, confusion or concentration problems. Sometimes the gastrointestinal tract is also affected, with symptoms such as nausea, diarrhoea or vomiting, which often makes a precise diagnosis difficult. Particularly in more severe cases, prompt medical treatment is advisable to prevent possible complications.
Protect yourself with these products
As a leading provider of sanitary infrastructure, Armatron offers customised solutions that optimally protect your drinking water installation against legionella. Our robust stainless steel taps impress with their high corrosion protection, easy cleaning and vandalism resistance - ideal for public and commercial areas, and of course you can also equip your private household. With integrated thermostats and automatic flushing processes, as with the Electronic mixer tap TEMPOMATIC MIX 4 or with thermal disinfection as in the SECURITHERM shower element with thermostat our products minimise the risk of legionella proliferation and the spread of pathogens. Supplemented by water filters, hygiene dispensers and sensor-controlled mixer taps, we guarantee maximum hygiene and support sustainable building management with our energy-efficient and environmentally friendly sanitary solutions. Our experienced team of experts will advise you on the subject of legionella, preventive measures and any retrofitting to ensure that your drinking water installation is safe and efficient and that your individual requirements are optimally implemented. 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 developed from a small family business into a leading supplier in the sanitary industry and are represented in many European markets. From the very beginning, our aim has been to combine the highest standards of hygiene with first-class workmanship. We work with renowned manufacturers, enabling us to constantly expand our range - from robust stainless steel fittings to innovative solutions for private, public and commercial sanitary facilities. Our materials are selected strictly according to 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 drinking water hygiene at the highest level. Our innovative hygienic sanitary solutions help to effectively minimise the risk of legionella while offering a high level of comfort. If you require further information, please write to us using the contact form on our website.
