Total waste water production is set to increase by 24% over the 10 years, but a new study by the UN Institute for Water says we should regard wastewater as an untapped resource. Those are the conclusions of a team led by Manzoor Qadir, who have estimated the world’s total wastewater production. This is the… Read more »

The Centre for Health Protection has found excessive levels of Legionella bacteria in tested samples of cooling towers at Choi Hung MTR station following 11 infections in Wong Tai Sin, a nearby neighbourhood. FULL ARTICLE

One additional Legionnaires Disease case was reported by CHP bringing the total number of confirmed cases to eleven (11) cases, all located the area around the Ping Shek / Choi Hung estate area. FULL ARTICLE

In this article the water safety experts at Legionella Control International consider the question… is climate change increasing the risks from Legionnaires’ disease? The article looks at some of the effects of global warming, how these could influence the growth of Legionella and other bacteria, and what steps can be taken to control the risks…. Read more »

Thousands of homes and businesses in Cumbria are facing days without water after a mains pipe was damaged during Storm Ciara on Sunday. A major incident was declared after the damaged pipe near Kendal threatened supplies to about 8,000 properties. United Utilities said many people would continue to be without water, despite millions of litres… Read more »

Swimming pool and spa facilities have been closed at a Sandown hotel on the order of environmental health officers — after fears were raised guests could be exposed to Legionnaires’ disease. The Isle of Wight Council confirmed it had launched an investigation at the  Melville Hall Hotel and Utopia Spa in Sandown. FULL ARTICLE

Legionella and pseudomonas were found in water meant for hand washing in a unit where medicines for cancer patients were prepared, HSJ has learned. The facilities at Maidstone and Tunbridge Wells Trust’s Maidstone Hospital were found to pose a “high” risk to patient safety in an inspection by NHS’ Specialist Pharmacy Services. FULL ARTICLE

This report provides a summary of data extracted from the national Legionella database for confirmed and suspected cases of Legionellosis in residents of England and Wales, as reported to the national surveillance scheme during the month of December 2019. FULL REPORT

The UK has now left the EU. The transition period is in place while the EU and UK negotiate new arrangements for a trade deal. It will end on 31 December 2020. FULL ARTICLE

Four children have been taken ill after using the same hot tub at a Devon holiday park. The two 14-year-olds and two nine-year-olds from three different families have all been diagnosed with a drug-resistant disease called ‘hot-tub folliculitis’. FULL ARTICLE