Not every private individual has to be tested for legionella, but in certain cases there is an obligation to test. This article explains when and why.
Initial situation
Certain hot water systems may be subject to mandatory testing, particularly if drinking water is supplied as part of a public or commercial activity, for example in rental properties, hotels, schools, nurseries or similar buildings. Systems with central drinking water heating, sufficient system volume and showers or other facilities in which water is nebulized are relevant.
Procedure
We check whether the system falls under the legal obligation to test in accordance with the Drinking Water Ordinance or whether an examination in accordance with the Workplace Ordinance (ArbStättV) or within the framework of the Infection Protection Act (IfSG) makes sense. Legionella is not primarily about drinking the water, but about inhaling the finest water droplets, for example when showering. The Drinking Water Ordinance specifies a technical action value of 100 CFU/100 ml for Legionella spec. if this is reached, operators are subject to obligations.
Result
The test shows whether the hot water installation is operated in a hygienically safe manner and whether the tapping temperatures comply with the generally recognized rules of technology (aaRdT).