Our tips that can help yachting harbors or marinas prevent the spread of Legionella.

Legionella is a bacterium that can cause Legionnaires’ disease, a severe form of pneumonia, and Pontiac fever, a milder illness resembling the flu.
Because it thrives in warm water environments, water systems like those found in yachting harbors or marinas can help grow the bacteria. While there are several regulations in place where marina’s need to confirm to, we thought it good to list a few tips that can help yachting harbors or marinas to prevent the spread of Legionella.
1. Maintain Proper Water Temperature: Legionella bacteria thrive in warm water, particularly in temperatures between 20°C to 45°C. Keeping water temperatures outside of this range can help prevent its growth. Regular monitoring is key and making sure circuits are regularly rinsed for longer periods at yachting harbors or marinas can mitigate the risk.
2. Implement Effective Water Management Practices: Establishing comprehensive water management plans can help minimize the risk of Legionella contamination. This includes routine inspection, cleaning, and disinfection of water systems, including tanks, pipes, and fixtures.
3. Ensure Proper Water Circulation: Stagnant water provides an ideal environment for Legionella growth. Proper water circulation through pumps and filtration systems can prevent stagnation and reduce the risk of bacterial colonization.
4. Use Water Treatment Methods: Various water treatment methods, such as chlorination or UV irradiation, can effectively control Legionella bacteria. These methods can be applied to water systems within yachting harbors or marinas to disinfect water and inhibit bacterial growth.
5. Regular Maintenance of Water Systems: Regular inspection and maintenance of water systems are essential for identifying and addressing any potential issues that could promote Legionella growth. This includes repairing leaks, cleaning and descaling equipment, and removing biofilm buildup, which can harbor bacteria.
6. Educate Staff and Users: Training staff and users on Legionella prevention measures and the importance of proper water hygiene can help ensure compliance with preventive practices. This includes providing guidance on proper water system operation and maintenance.
7. Advice users to first flush for approximately 20” before using the water for consumption.
At arabel, we prioritize hygiene, which is why we offer products like our i-Marina Flush Deck Solution to provide a solution to maintain clean and safe water systems in marinas.
The arabel automated flushing systems or water treatment mechanisms are designed to prevent stagnation and microbial growth in water systems. They complement existing Legionella prevention measures by helping to ensure proper water circulation and quality.
Want to know more about how arabel can help? Contact us and we will be glad to illustrate what solutions can complement and re-enforce your legionella approach.
Be sure to also check local regulations for guidance on the above.