Severn Trent Water has issued a warning to heath clubs and leisure centres on the risk of Legionella bacteria from broken taps and showers.

The bacteria, which cause the potentially fatal Legionnaires' disease, thrive in warm and damp conditions, like those created in pipes leading to showers.

Usually they are killed off when hot water, above 60C, is passed over them, but when showers or taps are left unused for long periods of time the bacteria multiply in supply pipes.

Consequently, if faulty showers and taps are left without a regular flow of hot water passing through them, there is a risk that the first person who uses the shower when it is repaired could be subjected to an onslaught of the bacteria, said Severn Trent Water’s Legionella experts.

The company recommends that broken showers and taps be disconnected to prevent a build up of stagnant water and for those that are not used regularly, weekly flushing for several minutes can significantly reduce the number of Legionella bacteria discharged from the outlet.

Severn Trent Water has set up a website to allow health club managers to check if their Legionella prevention routine is sufficient to minimise risk and comply with current legislation.

The site includes a 10-point questionnaire and expert advice. Details: www.do-you-comply.com