A water temperature of 120°F does not kill the Legionella bacteria; a hot water temperature of 140°F is required at which Legionellae dies in 32 minutes. Hence it is recommended that the water heater be set at a safe hot water temperature of 140°F. The Legionella disinfection range is 158 – 176 °F.

What temperature should hot water prevent Legionella?

Hot water should be stored at 60 °C at least in order to kill legionella bacteria. The thermometer pocket at the top of the cylinder and on the return leg, if fitted, is a useful point for accurate temperature measurement.

What is the optimum temperature for Legionella?





77°F-113°F

Make Sure Water Temperatures Are Right
Legionella grows best within a certain temperature range (77°F-113°F). To keep water outside the range for Legionella growth, it is important to keep cold water cold and keep hot water hot.

What is the minimum temperature for a water heater?

Don’t set your water heater to anything below 120 degrees, as diseases can develop in the stagnant water inside the water heater, particularly Legionella, which is quite dangerous.

What temperature does a cylinder thermostat destroy Legionella?

Legionella bacteria will die at temperatures above 60ºC.

What temperature kills bacteria in water heater?





The Ability to Fight Bacteria
Thankfully, it’s an easy problem to avoid. By setting your hot water heater at 120F, the water will be too hot for bacteria to grow. Keeping your water this hot will effectively kill off any bacteria and completely eliminate this health concern.

Is 50 degrees hot enough for hot water?

The temperature at any tap should be above 50 degC within 60 seconds. See the HSE L8 document Legionnaires’ Disease; The control of legionella bacteria in water systems. The thermostat is usually 1/3rd or 1/2 of the way up the cylinder and the water will stratify and be colder blow this.

What temperature is B setting on water heater?

130 degrees

Generally, A means 120 degrees, B means 130 degrees, and C means 140 degrees. Refer to your water heater’s manual to confirm these settings.

How often should you run water to prevent Legionella?



There a few simple steps you can follow to help reduce the risk of bacteria and legionnaires disease in your home: If you have taps or showers you don’t use regularly, run them for 5-10 minutes at least once a month to clear the pipes.

What temperature kills Legionnaires disease?

How do you kill legionella? Once hot water temperatures reach 50 degrees, the Legionella bacteria will begin to die off.

How long does it take for Legionella to develop in water?

Legionnaires’ disease usually develops two to 10 days after exposure to legionella bacteria.

Is 130 degrees good for water heater?



Professionals recommend keeping your water heater set at a temperature between 130 and 140 degrees Fahrenheit. Any higher, or lower, could actually be dangerous for you and your family. While turning the temperature up higher can result in burns, turning it lower than the recommended setting can also be dangerous.

Can Legionella grow in water heater?

Legionella is an aquatic bacteria that thrives in warm water environments and is the cause of Legionnaires Disease. It is commonly found in hot water heaters, potable water supplies, hot tubs, cooling towers, fountains, swimming pools, etc. and multiplies in conditions especially between 68 – 122 °F.

How do I keep bacteria out of my water heater?

According to the American Society of Sanitary Engineering, you should set your water heater between 135 and 140°F. At this temperature, you’ll kill any legionella present and stop any more from growing. This high temperature will also kill bacteria besides legionella that may be present.

At what temperature does water sanitize?

Water temperature must be at least 180°F, but not greater than 200°F. At temperatures greater than 200°F, water vaporizes into steam before sanitization can occur. It is important to note that the surface temperature of the object being sanitized must be at 160°F for a long enough time to kill the bacteria. 2.

What temperature kills E coli in water?



This study shows that water heated to 50°C has no significant effect on the survival of E. coli bacteria. How- ever, water heated for 5 minutes at 60°C, and for any length of time at 70°C or 100°C, kills all E. coli bacteria.

What is the max temp for a water heater?

You see, back in 1988, the Consumer Product Safety Commission recommended that water heater manufacturers preset the maximum temperature at 120 degrees Fahrenheit to prevent burns.

What temperature should household water be set at?

The ideal temperature for domestic hot water is 120 degrees Fahrenheit, or 49 degrees Celsius, to avoid the possibility of scalding. Furthermore, if the water heater is set at too high a temperature, it can result in unnecessarily more expensive energy bills from the running water emerging from shower systems and taps.