Update: Friday March 2, 4.29pm
Legionella bacteria has been found in the water supply at a school in Fleur-de-Lys.
The discovery was made as part of routine water testing at Ysgol Gyfun Cwm Rhymni. Caerphilly County Borough Council has said it poses no risk to staff and the school’s 1,000 pupils.
Earlier reports suggested it was a strain of bacteria that causes Legionnaires’ Disease, although the council has now clarified it is not.
A spokeswoman for the local authority said: “We can confirm we are aware there is an issue with water quality at Ysgol Gyfun Cwm Rhymni, we also confirm that we are in discussions with the private company who manage the school building.
“A report has been made regarding Legionella being discovered in a specific area of the school’s water storage facilities.
“On discovery the water supply has been isolated as a precautionary measure and investigations are ongoing. In light of this measure being in place, it is safe for the school to continue operating as normal.
“Colleagues from Public Health Wales have been informed and they have said the Legionella has been identified as part of routine water testing and the problem is being rectified.
“There is unlikely to be a risk to public health and there is no reason why staff and pupils should not attend the school as normal.”
What is Legionnaires’ Disease?
Legionnaires’ Disease is a potentially fatal form of pneumonia which can affect anybody, but which principally affects those who are susceptible because of age, illness, immunosuppression, smoking etc.
It is caused by the bacterium Legionella pneumophila and related bacteria that can be found naturally in environmental water sources such as rivers, lakes and reservoirs, usually in low numbers. As they are commonly found in environmental sources they may also be found in purpose built water systems such as cooling towers, evaporative condensers and whirlpool spas.
If conditions are favourable the bacterium may grow creating conditions in which the risk from Legionnaires’ disease is increased.
Update: Friday March 2, 4.29pm
The council has issued the following statement
“Following recent reports in the press regarding Ysgol Gyfun Cwm Rhymni school premises, and the possible issues with water quality resulting in Legionella bacteria being found in a specific water storage area, the council would like to clarify a number of facts.
“The council’s corporate health and safety team work across a number of areas including schools checking a whole range of quality standards. The council’s inspection regime is very proactive and the frequency is key to its’ success in identifying problems before they escalate.
- Ysgol Gyfun Cwm Rhymni is a PFI school and the premises are not managed by the council. MITIE PFI Limited is the company responsible for the school buildings and associated services.
- The council’s H & S officers are working to support MITIE employees dealing with the issue.
- On discovery, the water supply was isolated as a precautionary measure and investigations are ongoing. In light of this measure being in place, it is safe for the school to continue operating as normal.
- Press reports have been less than accurate in their reporting and have caused high anxiety amongst the school’s community (teaching staff, pupils and parents). We have issued a statement to the media indicating they must note the strain of Legionella identified.
- Some press reported “The bacteria which can cause potentially lethal Legionnaires disease has been found in the water” This is not accurate. There are numerous species of Legionella and the species L.pneumophila sero group 1 causes Legionnaires Disease which can result in fatalities with high risk groups of people. This strain of bacteria was not identified in the sample results.
- The laboratory report provided by MITIE PFI Limited identified bacteria of the non pneumophia type which can result in people becoming ill but this bacteria is not potentially lethal
- In addition to this, the risk of transmission of contaminated water from the outlets is very low as the outlets in question do not generate aerosols or air borne droplets i.e. there are no shower heads or spray taps on any of the outlets which have tested positive for legionella bacteria. None of the outlets were marked as water suitable for drinking, however Infection is unlikely from drinking contaminated water.
- National Public Health officers have been alerted to the situation and have stated “the legionella has been identified as part of routine water testing and the problem is being rectified. There is unlikely to be a risk to public health and there is no reason why staff and pupils should not attend the school as normal”
- The Health and Safety Executive have also been involved and they are content with the way the council has managed its role in this matter. They recognise the responsibility for resolving this lies with MITIE PFI Limited.