Elderly residents say they are living in fear after Legionella bacteria was detected in the water system at their council-run block of flats.
The issue was discovered at Shalmsford Court in Chartham, near Canterbury, during routine monitoring at the end of last week.
Peter and Gloria Comer live in Shalmsford Court, Chartham, where Legionella bacteria was detected
Residents, all aged over 60, received letters on Monday informing them that tests had returned positive for the bacteria, which causes Legionnaires’ disease.
The disease is a potentially serious lung infection caused by inhaling tiny droplets of water contaminated with the bacteria.
Canterbury City Council (CCC), which runs the block, has confirmed the health risk is low and says the positive sample came from a communal bathroom, which has now been taken out of use.
It says disinfection work will begin today (Thursday), but residents say their “first reaction was fear” when they received the letter.
Peter Comer, 82, had recently returned home from hospital after breaking his hip.
“We’ve been frightened of it getting into the building, and now we’ve got it,” he said.
“Some of the others here are in their 90s, and of course they are worried.
“They’re more vulnerable than I am. It’s just frightening to everybody.”
Peter’s wife, Gloria Comer, says she fell ill last week.
“Thursday night I was up and I was sick,” she said.
Residents of Shalmsford Court, Chartham, have been told to run their taps after Legionella bacteria was found
“I just thought it was the worry of Peter being in hospital, but now I’m thinking how do we know it’s not Legionnaires’ disease?”
The letter sent to residents – signed by the authority’s building safety manager Simon Hogben – confirmed “recent testing” had shown positive readings for the Legionella bacteria.
“We are working hard to manage the situation and reduce any risk to you,” Mr Hogben wrote.
“We appreciate that receiving this letter may be concerning but we are doing all we can and will keep you updated.”
Symptoms of Legionnaires’ disease can include a cough, shortness of breath, chest pain or discomfort when breathing or coughing, a high temperature and flu-like symptoms.
Residents had previously received information from the site’s independent living manager about Legionella and the importance of running taps regularly to help prevent the bacteria from building up.
But Mr Comer says he is concerned that the letter did not provide more information, including details of possible symptoms, when the bacteria was detected and whether tap water remains safe to drink.
He also tried to speak to someone about the incident by phone on Tuesday but was unable to do so.
CCC says it will review the level of detail included in its letters in response to the concerns and has assured residents they will be kept updated.
A council spokesman added: “Through our routine Legionella monitoring and sampling programme, a positive test was returned in a communal ground floor bathroom at Shalmsford Court.
“As a precaution, this room has temporarily been taken out of use and work on a number of measures to address the issue will start this week.
“Legionella can potentially occur for various reasons, including scale accumulation, leaks, valve problems and ageing components in the hot water system.
Shalmsford Court residents say they are frightened after being told Legionella bacteria had been found
“The planned work will look at all of these and also involve continued flushing of the system and follow up water sampling.
“While we understand the concerns of residents, a positive Legionella sample is not uncommon in older buildings of this type.
“It shows the proactive monitoring and sampling regime we have in place is operating as it should.
“The health risk is low and residents have been advised to flush through infrequently used water outlets within their homes to minimise the risk of stagnation and support good water hygiene practices.”