In Luleå, a confirmed case of Legionella was reported in the Varvet-Hägern housing associations. Riksbyggen, which is responsible for managing the property, looked into alternatives such as flushing the systems but quickly these efforts would not solve the problem.
Last year, a confirmed case of Legionella occurred in the Varvet-Hägern housing associations, posing an urgent challenge for the association and Riksbyggen. They needed to find a sustainable solution to ensure the health and well-being of the residents.
After conducting several Legionella tests, it was quickly determined that the problem was widespread. Measurements showed over 10,000 CFU in several locations. Robin Lahti, the property manager at Riksbyggen and responsible for operations at Varvet-Hägern, understood that simply flushing the systems would not be enough.
“We had previously done flushing in the area, but I realized that we needed to look at a more permanent solution. We then began mapping the pipes and water systems, checking for any dead ends in the pipes, where the pipes could be too close together, and so on. But we quickly realized that the current MEP drawings were incomplete and that it was almost a hopeless task to get a complete picture for an association of this size,” Robin from Riksbyggen explains.
A solution was quickly in place once a decision was made
They heard about Anolytech from another association that had similar problems and got in touch to explore the possibilities. After that, things moved quickly.
“From the moment we decided to test Anolytech’s solution, it didn’t take long to get the machine installed—we’re talking just a few days.”
Two months after the installation, they got good results when new Legionella tests were conducted. The Legionella levels were either undetectable or significantly lower than before.
“In 27 tested locations, only two showed measurable values, and the highest recorded value was just 30 CFU compared to 10,000 CFU previously measured, a dramatic improvement,” Robin continues.
Some were skeptical about whether Anolytech’s solution would work
Despite some initial skepticism about the effectiveness, the results from Anolytech’s solution have been convincing. The system has not only proven effective in combating Legionella but has also contributed to an increased sense of safety and well-being among the residents.
Anolytech’s system offers an effective disinfection solution for a wide range of applications. The system is based on their unique disinfectant solution AnoDes, which is produced on-site at the user’s facility in equipment rented from Anolytech and connected directly to the water system. AnoDes is made from only water, salt, and electricity, resulting in a unique pH-optimized hypochlorous acid with a powerful bactericidal effect.
The board of the housing associations and Riksbyggen plan to continue regular testing to ensure that the water system remains free from Legionella. The successful handling of the Legionella outbreak in collaboration with Anolytech underscores the importance of innovative and sustainable solutions in property management.
This experience shows that it is possible to quickly and effectively address even the most challenging problems, creating a safer and healthier environment for the residents.