Germs in drinking water: It is better to let the tap run longer
Created: 08/12/2022, 18:31
By: Lena Zschirpe
The drinking water in Germany is actually harmless.
But so-called legionella occur again and again.
This is how you protect yourself from them.
Dortmund – The drinking water quality in Germany is very good in almost all regions.
According to the Federal Environment Agency, microorganisms that are harmful to health are only very rarely found in them.
But legionella are a special case in which consumers should be careful, as RUHR24 reports.
bacteria | Legionella |
family | Legionellaceae |
class | Gammaproteobacteria |
Drinking water from the tap is not always safe: germs are spreading
What are legionella?
The bacteria are potentially pathogens that can cause pneumonia with a cough, headache, chills, fever and a general feeling of illness.
Even states of confusion are possible according to
the Öko-Test
.
These symptoms, triggered by the germs, are also referred to as Legionnaires' disease or Legionella pneumonia.
Although this can be easily cured with correct treatment, the wrong treatment can also complicate the pneumonia in particular.
The Pontiac fever is also triggered by legionella (read more warnings at RUHR24).
The bacteria multiply at temperatures between 25 and 55 degrees.
Especially when the water is standing, the germs have an easy time and there can be an increased concentration.
If the water is contaminated, you can become infected while showering or washing your hands, for example by inhaling water droplets.
Legionella could also stay in the drinking bottle.
Legionella in drinking water: this must be taken into account when using the tap
The good thing is: There are simple tips to avoid legionella.
If you don't turn on the taps long enough, you should get rid of this habit as soon as possible.
Before drinking or showering, the water is allowed to run a little.
Because bacteria could have spread in the lines.
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This step is especially important after a long trip or vacation.
The Institute for Damage Prevention and Damage Research of Public Insurers (IFS) recommends turning on all the taps in the household after a holiday and letting them run.
In an average family home, draining about ten liters of water would be enough to replace the water.
Ice can also become a germ slingshot in summer.
Anyone who was on vacation should let the water run first.
© Yay Images/penofoto/Imago
Drain water because of Legionella: A tip can prevent
To prevent legionella from spreading in the first place, a tip can help while you are on vacation.
Friends, relatives or neighbors who are away watering the plants can fill up the water at a tap that is far away from the main supply.
According to the Öko-Test, this keeps the water moving in the pipes, thus preventing the growth of legionella.
An example of such a tap can be a bathroom on the top floor of a detached house.