MYTH: Prevent legionella growth by setting your hot water temperature to 140 degrees.
Although water temperatures of 140 degrees and higher do not allow legionella to survive, it may allow scalding to occur. Children and elderly can receive scald burns at temperatures higher than 120 degrees. Also, the thermostat on your hot water heater does not have a temperature dial, but rather cold and hot dials; therefore, specific temperatures cannot be set.
The most effective solution to this problem would be to apply a thermostatic mixing valve. This inexpensive piece of equipment can be installed on your hot water tank to combat both sides of the problem. It is designed to keep the tank at a high enough temperature to prevent bacteria growth, while keeping the water coming out of your faucets at a safe temperature to prevent scalding.
To learn more about the incidence rates of scalding, see "Scalding Statistics."
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