01-08-2024
NPHC: How to Ensure Water Safety at Home After Long Periods of No-Use
The National Public Health Centre (NPHC) reminds individuals who provide their own drinking water but do not yet have it due to a power failure that after water supply is restored, stagnant water in the pipeline must be discharged hot water in water heaters (boilers) properly prepared (heated). Hot water must always be sufficiently hot (at least 50°C) and cold water must always be sufficiently cold (less than 20°C) to prevent the development of health-threatening bacteria (legionella) in water systems. This rule should also be observed by residents of private houses or apartment blocks who heat their own water.
As a reminder, preventive measures such as maintaining the right water temperature, regular water circulation and maintenance of water supply systems are necessary to protect against legionellosis, an acute infectious respiratory disease caused by bacteria.
If the water has not been used for a long period of time, then the water should be allowed to run for 5 minutes before use. Equally important is the maintenance and cleaning of shower heads and taps to prevent sediment build-up.
Legionnaires' disease is most commonly contracted by inhaling aerosols containing Legionella bacteria or by inhaling contaminated water into the lungs. The disease does not spread from person to person. It is also not contracted by drinking water.
According to the data possessed by NPHC, 24 cases of Legionellosis were registered in Lithuania in the first half of this year.
For more information, see https://nvsc.lrv.lt/en/how-to-prevent-legionellosis/