The Regional Secretariat for Energy, Environment and Tourism, through the Entity for the Regulation of Water and Waste Services (ERSARA), has published online a guide to inform about the risks of the presence of Legionella bacteria in water supply systems.
Its primary purpose is to provide some information about the care to be observed in order to prevent the risk of Legionella contamination, namely through a correct maintenance of the water supply network and private reservoirs.
Even though the occurrences identified in the Azores were not serious or associated with public water systems, ERSARA considered it appropriate to clarify the population about the risk of exposure to this type of bacteria, mainly associated with the inefficiency in the maintenance of building networks.
ERSARA points out that, in light of current knowledge and evidence, the intake of water contaminated with the bacteria does not pose any health risk, as it is immediately eliminated by the body. Therefore, citizens should not be afraid of drinking tap water or cooking with it.
The information guide on Legionella is available at the following address - http://www.azores.gov.pt/Portal/pt/entidades/sreat-ersara/.