Before you move into one of our homes, we check them thoroughly for water safety.
When you move into your home you will receive a water safety leaflet. You will also see warning signs and advice stickers.
If your home has been empty for a couple of weeks or more there is a small risk of legionella bacteria developing in the hot and cold-water systems.
Legionella bacteria can cause Legionnaires’ disease, a form of pneumonia, which is potentially fatal. It is caused when droplets of water containing the bacteria are inhaled e.g. spray from a shower or taps.
Although the risk of contracting Legionnaire’s Disease is really low, certain people are at a higher risk, these include:
If your home has a stored water installation, we will do these checks every five years. For properties without a stored water installation there is a lower risk, so we sample 1% of these properties every year.
We assess all homes identifying any risks and preventative measures to improve water safety. We carry out checks including water monitoring, sampling and testing.
How often we do this depends on the risks we have identified following assessment.
We will always write to you ahead of the date of your water check. So, if your appointment isn’t convenient you have plenty of time to let us know and rebook for a time that suits you better. To rebook your gas appointment, you can:
Please try to let us know ahead of the date of your original appointment so that we don’t turn up as planned.
Allowing access to your home: It’s a condition of your tenancy agreement to allow access for water checks If you don’t allow our contractor into your home to carry out your safety check, you may be putting your life and those of your family and neighbours at risk. As a result, we can take legal action to make you comply.
If you have any questions or concerns or need any advice and support please call us, we will do our best to help.
Useful tips and information to keep you and your family safe.
Although the risk of Legionella is very low, it’s best to be safe and minimise any risk.
Find out more at: www.hse.gov.uk/legionnaires/what-is.htm