How Billi Systems Reduce the Risk of Legionella

Recent outbreaks of Legionella in Victoria (ABC News) and New South Wales (NSW Health) have brought this disease back into focus. In August 2024, Victoria recorded more than 80 confirmed cases of Legionnaires’ disease, resulting in four deaths. Just months later, a separate outbreak occurred in the Sydney CBD resulting in 12 cases and one death. These incidents are a reminder that how we manage our water systems matters.

Furthermore, the water systems in hospitals, aged care facilities, or commercial buildings can have more consequences if exposed to Legionella. The question is no longer if Legionella is a risk, it’s how we’re actively preventing it. This is where Billi stands apart from other instant water filtration systems.

Hidden Risks in Conventional Water Systems

It’s easy to assume that a filtered system automatically ensures safety. But the reality is, not all technologies are created equal, especially when it comes to bacterial threats like Legionella. The issue isn’t only about filtration, it’s about how the system is designed to manage heat, flow, and hygiene.

Air-cooled water systems, commonly found in older or lower-spec systems, often sit enclosed in cabinetry, relying on internal fans to manage temperature. These designs can allow heat to build up inside the cupboard, creating warm, stagnant environments which is ideal for bacterial growth. When water doesn’t move, Legionella can thrive.

Billi systems are engineered to disrupt these conditions, by design.

Prevention Begins with Flow and Temperature Control

A key feature of our Legionella defence strategy is water-cooled technology. Unlike air-cooled units that rely on airflow and cabinetry cut-outs, Billi systems maintain constant water movement (under normal operating conditions). This circulation helps eliminate stagnation, one of the most critical risk factors for bacterial development.

Billi also integrates advanced heat exchange systems, reclaiming and repurposing waste heat rather than venting it into the cupboard. This keeps internal environments cool and dry, removing another key condition that Legionella and waterborne pathogens needs to grow.

And because Billi systems don’t require ventilation cut-outs or grilles, they’re easier to install and less disruptive to cabinetry, a significant plus for architects and builders.

Every part of the system is intentionally designed to prevent risk, not manage it after the fact. Learn more about all the Features & Benefits of Billi systems.

Built-In Protection Before and After Installation

Billi doesn’t leave hygiene to chance. Before any unit leaves our Melbourne manufacturing facility, it’s rigorously tested with UVC-treated water and nitrogen-flushed to remove any residual moisture, ensuring the system arrives dry, sterile, and ready for installation.

For critical settings, such as hospitals, aged care, or schools, Billi systems can be configured to automatically flush at regular intervals. This programmable feature ensures water moves through the system even during off-peak hours, minimising the risk of stagnation.

Ongoing Compliance with BilliCare Service Plans

Even the most robust systems benefit from regular maintenance. That’s why Billi offers a choice of service options designed to meet different site needs and operational budgets.

• The Gold Plan includes comprehensive maintenance and filter changes performed by Billi-accredited technicians.
• The Silver Plan focuses on scheduled filter replacements, providing an easy, low-cost solution for maintaining system hygiene.
• For sparkling systems, the Refillable CO2 Plan offers an environmentally conscious way to manage carbonation while reducing waste.

All BilliCare plans include genuine Billi parts, scheduled servicing, and access to our nationwide network of trained technicians. This is for convenience, ensuring your unit stays compliant, safe, and the system performs as it should.

Choose a System Designed to Protect from the Inside Out

Whether you’re managing an aged care facility, specifying for a new health precinct, upgrading office amenities, or a residential customer, one thing is clear: safe water starts with smart system design.

With over 30 years of expertise, every Billi system is engineered to deliver on performance, hygiene, and compliance, from the factory floor in Melbourne to the point of dispense in your building.

View our range to explore hygienic, efficient systems for your kitchen, or contact our team to discuss site-specific safety solutions.

Because when it comes to water safety, there’s no such thing as being too careful, only too late.