Legionella sp. in water systems in public teaching and education facilities in Małopolskie voivodeship in 2016

Abstract

Bacteria Legionella sp. found in water distribution systems, especially warm, transferred to water spray devices for aerators and showers in the form of aerosols infected with them become a threat to the human inhaler. Assessment of colonization of the water supply network with Legionella bacteria in teaching and education facilities in Małopolska in 2016 year. The results of water samples taken from plumbing installations were analyzed in teaching and education facilities by employees of the State Sanitary Inspection of the Lesser Poland Voivodeship. The results of 366 testing hot water samples in 111 teaching and education centers in Małopolska have shown that in 123 testing samples (33,6%) in 48 centers (43,2%) the water sample was colonized with Legionella sp. and the water quality did not meet the requirements of the current ordinance of the Minister of Health. It is justified to periodically monitor the presence of Legionella sp. in water supply installations in teaching and education centers and taking action to reduce the colonization of these bacteria.