Tracking Water Temperatures with IoT Systems to Minimise Health Risks

The recent resurgence of legionella outbreaks in the UK has re-started the conversation over the associated risks to industries affected by negligence, and how future cases can be prevented. 

The past few years have seen some huge developments within medical technology and the results for public health: vaccine efficiency, cell growth for organ repair and advances in cystic fibrosis treatments to mention a few.  

But where these advancements have been made, there has been unfortunate drawbacks: government approval on dumping sewage into UK rivers, lakes and seaside, as well as a reduction in food standards. The situation over water is ever more dangerous to industries and the general public with the surge of legionella outbreaks recently. 

Recent reports of the bacteria being detected have occurred in a huge swath of public and private sector areas, with increasing concern over the scale of compliance failures this year .  

Given the responsibility to closely monitor both the entry and exit of water – widespread concerns have grown from public over safety, those responsible for compliance within both the public and private sector have faced harsh criticisms over the handling of worker/public safety. 

What causes legionella? 

Legionella bacteria can only form around a certain temperature range that is suitable for multiplication (between 25 – 45 degrees Celsius). Due to the intense nature of the bacterial growth, all waterways flowing into and out of buildings in the UK must be subject to regular legionella testing; preventing fatal exposure to water droplets containing the bacteria – which can develop into Legionnaire’s disease and attack areas including the lungs. 

This means even the smallest amount of exposure can have serious consequences for both public health and the reputations of businesses – undoubtedly affecting their overall credibility. Some cases of ignoring routine testing have resulted in the handing of penalties large enough to bring down most enterprises – some as large as a £1.8 million fine, in the case of G4S in 2016. 

Where legionella outbreaks have occurred  

• This year’s first high-profile case made headlines after reports emerged of inadequate facilities – including waterways in a Southampton Care Home – Haven Rose. Despite risk assessments being signed off by the manager, the tests made were not in line with current guidance, alongside findings that fire safety and safeguarding tests that were also found to be inadequate.  

• Whilst in June, the case of Riraar Plastic Limited was closed as it was fined a total of £61,000 by HSE - which was made up of a £50,000 penalty with an added £11,000 in court fees. The ruling was made after an investigation took place in September 2020 – concluding there were internal failures to repair or replace the disarrayed water cooling towers. By neglecting these crucial parts of infrastructure, legionella compliance was deemed to be virtually non-existent, (this is also given that it was within close distance of a natural lake) the potential for dangerous exposure to both staff and the general public was extreme. 

• The controversial Bibby Stockholm migrant housing boat was yet another case of national disgrace to protect the most vulnerable from potential dangers within the most basic necessity of drinking water. The evacuation of the boat was taken on the 11th August, and included a further report to show that residents were still provided drinking water after the notice had been issued to those onboard! As recently as last week – the most dangerous strain of the bacteria (Serogroup 1) was found onboard, massively violating health & safety standards by the highest branches of government. 

Given the fact that outbreaks are classed as a notifiable disease (cases MUST be reported), legionella regulations are much strict within the UK than most European countries,  

Problems With Past Methods of Legionella Control  

Countering legionella growth has been done through a variety of solutions for years now, yet some old methods have their drawbacks. 

One method consisting of a mixture of chemicals in water tanks known as legionella water treatment, killed the bacteria before entering water sources – effectively combatting cell growth without the need to alter temperature. However, the use of chemicals and storage tanks poses a few major problems.  

For instance, the environmental costs that are caused through metal forging and construction of these tanks are huge. Financial constraints are one worry, but also the carbon costs associated with this method - these operations will require transport, shipping, associated material and chemical production. 

Modern Problems Require Modern Solutions 

In the meantime, new solutions have become available to notify businesses and organisations of when conditions are suitable for legionella to thrive, increasing the potential to cause huge harm to workers - and even members of the public in those previous high-profile cases.  

Despite common perceptions of modern technology being complicated and going as far as to suggest it alienates users who aren’t tech experts; the integration of temperature monitors into working environments has been able to directly solve the issue of legionella monitoring without long delay times, chemical processing or high transport emissions.  

As the pathogen can replicate itself within what are considered normal temperatures, UK businesses need to monitor the environments in which their water comes in and out of the relevant buildings, which must strictly be below 20 degrees, and above 60 degrees before it enters or exits the premises. Maintaining these temperatures safeguards people against potential fatalities, reduces risk of legal action and maintains standards of legionella management. 

The modern protocol of temperature reading using a remote device can be connected to cloud systems allows conditions to be assessed and alert the relevant persons remotely – thus ensuring that water conditions are safe, and any risks are delivered in real time. 

The I-System allows businesses to conduct internal water monitoring at a rapid pace, and alerts its users when temperatures slip outside of safe zones. Enquire today and see if you can book a demo!