WATER tanks at a village high school were found to have higher than normal levels of legionella bacteria.
Water tanks at Bishop Heber High School in Malpas were found contain higher levels of the bacteria which, if left to grow, can increase the risk of Legionnaires disease.
Legionella pneumophila and related bacteria can be found naturally in environmental water, but if it is left to grow and people inhale droplets of water which contain the bacteria it can cause this very serious disease.
On November 15 tests were carried out on the tanks at the school and the high level of bacteria was discovered.
Council spokeswoman Shirley Wingfield said:“Cheshire West and Chester Council carry out regular monthly water monitoring and testing of the system for the water tanks at Bishop Heber High.
“A sample test was carried out at the school and was found to be slightly above the normal readings for legionella.
“The school worked with the council and as a precaution the water tanks were isolated for cleaning and chlorination. The tanks were then resampled and the tests are all clear. No one was at risk then or presently.”
