Risk of Legionella in stored water

Please follow the guidance below concerning Legionnaires’ disease when using hosepipes that have been out of use for a while.

In February 2019, a 63 year old gardener died from Legionnaires’ Disease. He used his hosepipe in his garden earlier in the year but didn’t drain it after use. The water left in the hosepipe stagnated outside in the sun and became contaminated with high levels of bacteria. The man then inhaled the bacteria sprayed out in the water when he used it. Tests on the hosepipe confirmed Legionella bacteria.

The National Allotment Society has issued the below advice for the use of hosepipes on allotments which we would ask you to take note of and follow the advice:

Legionella likes to grow in water in warm conditions over 20c. It needs nutrients to grow so wet slimy surfaces are ideal for the bacteria to flourish:

• Try to drain your hosepipe after every use & keeping the hosepipe cool and out of the sun will help reduce the risk of bacteria growing ·
• To avoid creating ‘aerosols’ formed by water spray, when you use the hosepipe GENTLY run water through the hose with NO spray attachment on the end.

Legionella can also be found in compost:

• Avoid storing compost in a greenhouse which can get very warm.
• Open a bag of compost carefully (wear a mask if possible).
• Wear gloves when handling compost & wash hands thoroughly after use.

PLEASE NOTE: Hosepipes are to be used only for filling water butts, which must be covered. Please read the rules and guidance about water usage on your plot.