Low legionella bacteria levels have been detected in water at a Ballarat Health Services building.
LOW legionella bacteria levels have been detected in the warm water supply to a Ballarat Health Services building.
The water supply has been switched off after the legionella levels were found to be at 27 CFU/ml during routine water sampling.
The Department of Health requires legionella levels in the water to be less than 10 CFU/ml.
BHS infection control unit manger Sue Flockhart said the levels were very low and posed a negligible risk to outpatients and staff who visit or work in the Edward Wilson building, which is used mainly for administration.
"Following the detection of the bacteria we acted swiftly to advise staff and begin a process to disinfect the warm water system," Ms Flockhart said.
"Typically legionella bacteria only pose a danger if they are inhaled.
"By turning off the warm water supply we have substantially reduced the risk to patients and staff.
"We will test the water supply again shortly and will provide further advice to patients and staff accordingly."
The warm water supply is delivered to areas such as hand basins and showers to reduce scalding risks.
