Post-Vacation Water Safety: Essential Tips

Upon returning from a vacation, it is crucial to ensure water safety in your home. If a faucet has remained inactive for more than four hours, the water stored in the pipes should be drained. If the faucet has been unused for over three days, both hot and cold water should be run for a minimum of five minutes. This practice helps to eliminate any stagnant water that may have accumulated in the plumbing.

It is important to be aware that stagnant water can promote the growth of Legionella, a type of bacteria commonly found in water systems. While these bacteria are typically harmless, they can pose serious health risks if they proliferate, according to water quality experts.

Legionella can lead to two distinct types of illnesses:

• Legionnaires' disease: This severe form of pneumonia presents symptoms such as cough, chills, headaches, and high fever. It may also cause gastrointestinal issues and confusion. Untreated, this condition can be life-threatening, but timely antibiotic treatment can lead to positive outcomes.
• Pontiac fever: This illness resembles a mild flu and is characterized by fever, headaches, and muscle pain, but does not progress to pneumonia. Typically, it resolves on its own within a few days.

Individuals with weakened immune systems, such as those with chronic diseases like diabetes or heart and lung conditions, are particularly vulnerable to Legionella infections. Additionally, smokers face an increased risk. To avoid potential infections, several preventive measures are advisable.

Experts recommend running water for at least five minutes if you have been away for an extended period. This process flushes out stagnant water and replaces it with fresh water, reducing the risk of increased Legionella levels in the pipes. If water has been stagnant for more than four hours, it is advisable to let it run until it is fresh. For those who have been away for three days or longer, running both hot and cold water for at least five minutes is essential.

To conserve water, it is suggested to collect the water for other uses, such as watering plants. If the absence lasts several weeks, a professional inspection and flushing of the plumbing system may be warranted, along with microbiological testing where necessary.

By following these guidelines, homeowners can significantly reduce the risks associated with Legionella and ensure a safe water supply upon their return from travel.