Legionella bacteria found in Amsterdam Zuid homes

Legionella bacteria has been found in the Hilwis complex in the Rivierenbuurt in Amsterdam, Het Parool reports. Legionella presents with headaches, muscle pain and lack of appetite. If not treated, these symptoms develop into pneumonia and fevers above 39 degrees Celsius. The legionella bacteria can multiply in water temperatures between 20 and 50 degrees. Residents of the Hilwis have been complaining about lukewarm water from the taps for months. After getting no response from Rappange, the GGD and other institutions, the residents eventually turned to the the office Onderzoek Marino Wateradvies for an investigation. On Friday, February 27th, this office found 19 thousand legionella bacteria per liter of water in the pipes. The allowable limit for this bacteria is 100 per liter. After months of complaints about lukewarm water from the taps, residents finally received a letter from broker Rappange, who acts on behalf of the owners, stating that the hot water had to be turned off due to health risks. The letter makes no mention of legionella, but speaks of "a failure". Residents claim that the broker partially conceals the problems. The GGD has now written a letter to the residents stating that the Legionella concentrations in their water are not harmful to their health.