Fountains and Legionnaire's Disease
Important facts to know about the care of your water fountain
What is Legionnaire's Disease?
Legionnaire's disease is a parasite of amoeba and other single-celled creatures which thrive in 'biofilms', which are layers of slime which accumulate on surfaces. Legionella bacteria occur widely at low levels in lakes, streams, and pond, but they only make people sick if they multiply to levels that are rarely found in nature. These conditions only develop when there is stagnant water between 80 and 110 degrees Fahrenheit. Rust, scale, algae, and other micro-organisms can also promote the growth of Legionella.
Legionnaire's disease has pneumonia-like symptoms along with muscle aches, headaches, tiredness, and dry cough followed by high fever, chills and occasionally diarrhea. It is treated with antibiotics such as erythromycin.
How do people get it?
The most common sources of Legionella are cooling towers, humidifiers, swamp coolers, domestic hot-water systems, spas, whirlpools, and building water services. Smaller water systems (including fountains) such as those used in homes are not as likely to be infected with Legionella as larger systems found in public buildings. According to the Occupational Safety & Health Administration, "Disease transmission usually occurs via inhalation of an aerosol of water contaminated with the organism. Aspiration of contaminated water into the lungs may also cause the disease."
Most people exposed to Legionella bacteria do not get ill. Legionellosis usually only occurs when people who are already susceptible receive a concentrated exposure to the bacteria. This includes the elderly, heavy smokers, and those with weakened immune systems. Most cases of Legionellosis are isolated and are not related to an outbreak. It does not spread person to person - only through direct contact with the bacteria. It is thought that fewer than 5 out of 100 persons exposed to water contaminated with Legionella will develop Legionnaire's disease.
Should I be concerned that my water fountain will develop Legionella?
Here are some vital, easy steps that you can take to ensure that you water fountain will not develop the Legionella bacterium.
1. Do not let the water in your fountain stagnate. This is the absolute most important step you can take to ensure that your fountain is free of harmful bacteria of any kind. It is particularly essential in outdoor fountains that are exposed to the sun. Water should never be left sitting for long periods of time, in any setting or for any purpose. Always keep the water in your fountain circulating. If you wish to turn your fountain off, thoroughly empty it of water and just re-fill it when you wish to use it again. Most fountains use about as much electricity as a table lamp, so there is no harm in leaving it running all the time. It actually helps to keep your fountain clean, safe, pumping water efficiently and looking beautiful. Simply ensure that there is always enough water in the fountain to cover the pump, so it won't run dry which will damage it.
2. Use water treatments to prevent the growth of algae and mineral scale. There are water treatments on the market that are made specifically for decorative water fountains and have proven to be effective in preventing the development of algae and white scale, or mineral deposits, in fountain water and on fountain surfaces. We recommend that anyone who owns a water fountain use water treatments regularly (once per week) as directed to ensure that their fountain is kept clean and clear of these micro-organisms. We do not recommend the use of bleach, chlorine-based treatments, or any harsh algaecides and mineral stain removal treatments in water fountains as they can cause damage to the fountain surfaces as well as the pump. Water treatments made for fountains are just as effective and much safer. Don't let algae and mineral scale build up for a long time without treating it. Build-up must be thoroughly cleaned from the fountain before using water treatments. We recommend using No More Algae for Fountains and No More White Scale for Fountains.
3. Clean your fountain regularly according to the manufacturer's instructions. We generally recommend disassembling the fountain entirely if possible and making sure to get into the cracks and pipes (you can use pipe cleaners or bottle brushes for this purpose). Use of hot water is generally recommended, but check with the manufacturer first to ensure that it's safe for the material your fountain is made out of. If you have concerns about a large fountain which is harder to clean, contact the manufacturer and ask them for specific instructions.
4. Change your fountain water every 2-3 months for larger fountains, and about once a month for small tabletop and wall fountains. You can do this when you clean your fountain.
Following these guidelines will keep your fountain from becoming a possible receptacle for Legionnella.
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