Legionella pneumophila (Lp) is a Gram-negative bacterium responsible for a severe pneumonia named Legionnaires’ disease (LD). This infection represents 1.9% of all community‐acquired pneumonia cases, 4.0% of hospitalised cases and 7.9% of cases requiring admission to intensive care units [1]. The case fatality rate of LD ranges from 5% to 30% during outbreaks but can reach up to 50% in nosocomial cases or if antibiotic treatment is delayed [2]. The European Legionnaires’ disease Surveillance Network (ELDSNet) has reported an increase in age-standardised LD notification rates in the period 2011 to 2017 [3]. The same trend has been observed in Italy, with incidence rates increasing from 1.56 per 100,000 in 2011 to 4.9 per 100,000 in 2018 [4]. LD occurs predominantly in the elderly with chronic lung disease; immunosuppression and smoking as the most important risk factors. The incubation period ranges between 2 and 10 days from the, often nonspecific, initial symptoms. Infection occurs through inhalation of aerosols produced by contaminated water systems [3]. Outbreaks have been linked to a variety of aerosol‐producing devices, such as cooling towers, evaporative condensers and spa pools [5,6].
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Diary Dates & Events
Grime Scene
ANNOUNCING OUR NEW GRIME SCENE COMPETITION:
Following on from the successful Grime Scene competition, we have decided to continue the theme for another year, but with a twist. This year, we are asking for photographs of the grimiest pictures you can find accompanied with another photograph of how the ‘scene’ has been improved by your maintenance or cleaning.
We will display the photographs in each of the Waterline editions throughout 2024. The ‘most improved’ picture will be chosen by WMSoc members via an online vote. The winner will receive a £25 Amazon Gift Voucher after the Winter 2024/25 edition has been published.
Please send your photographs to:
[email protected].
Product & Service Spotlight
Introducing B & V Chemicals' new film forming amines for closed circuits and steam boilers.
Product Launch: Film forming amines.
This all-in-one solution offers low-dose, cost-effective treatment. Improves heat transfer efficiency by removing corrosion deposits, leading to cleaner surfaces. Enhances energy and resource efficiency by reducing Total Dissolved Solids (TDS). The stable film provided by polyamines ensures superior corrosion control, promoting longer equipment lifespan.
Plus - environmentally friendly, offering a greener alternative to traditional treatments.
Contact us on [email protected] for further information.
How the NEW SolidTek® Biocide Feeder Package will BENEFIT YOU
SolidTek® has launched its NEW Biocide Feeder which is functional, compact, and environmentally-friendly.
Designed for use with SolidTek’s® enhanced bromine biocide, BromTek, it offers multiple benefits:
SAFER
Reduced exposure to fumes and bromine dust (non-pressurised system).
EFFECTIVE
Use with field proven mixed hydantoin biocide - better performance than standard bromine tablets.
COMPACT
Wall mounted reducing footprint of installation.
QUICK & EASY
Charge with product in under 5 minutes without isolation from the system.
SUPPORT
Product calculators and tech support available.
Lovibond MD640 Photometer (PTSA & Fluorescein capable)
How many times have you heard … ‘we’re not sure what the system volume is’. A common problem which can be expensive - wasting chemical over dosing, or underdosing so the treatment is ineffective (i.e. shock dosing a biocide). The MD640 photometer has PTSA & Fluorescein capability built in. Simply use our System Checkers to add to an unknown system and read a PTSA or Fluorescein levels to accurately identify the system volume.
The Hydrosense PRO range
The Hydrosense PRO range pioneers Legionella pneumophila detection, the cause of over 97% of Legionnaires’ disease outbreaks, by identifying all the serogroups 1-15 of this dangerous Legionella species. This easy-to-use, highly sensitive test uses unique filtration, offering a three-line test result that distinguishes between serogroup 1 and serogroups 2-15 within 25 minutes. The water test has a level of detection of 100 CFU/L and swab tests detect 200 CFU per swabbed area, providing crucial, rapid insights for water safety management.