How Billi Systems Help Reduce the Risk of Legionella in High-Risk Environments

Recent outbreaks of Legionnaires’ disease in Australia have served as a reminder of the risks from poorly designed or maintained water systems. These incidents have reinforced the need for water systems that are engineered with health and safety in mind, especially in environments like hospitals, aged care facilities, schools, and commercial buildings where water hygiene is critical.

Billi NZ are focused on water safety that is built into every step of our product lifecycle, from initial design and factory assembly to daily operation in your facility.

What Makes Conventional Systems Risky?

Many traditional instant water units use air-cooled systems housed in enclosed cabinetry. Without adequate airflow, these units can create warm, stagnant conditions that are ideal for bacteria like Legionella to grow. Water that remains idle within piping systems also poses a serious health risk. Simply adding a filter isn’t enough; systems must be designed to prevent stagnation and maintain safe temperatures throughout their daily cycle.

Our Water-Cooled Technology and Heat Management

Billi systems use a unique water-cooled technology that maintains continuous internal water movement during normal operations. This circulation reduces the likelihood of stagnant water, a key factor in Legionella proliferation. Our heat exchange system takes it a step further, reclaiming waste heat generated during the chilling process and using it to efficiently preheat boiling water. This closed-loop approach not only prevents heat build-up inside cabinetry but also reduces energy consumption and carbon emissions.

Our units don’t require ventilation cut-outs or internal fans, which further minimises installation complexity and the potential for hygiene-compromising warm air pockets. And because our systems run quietly and coolly, they’re a preferred choice for workspaces where performance and sustainability go hand in hand.

Factory-Level Hygiene Starts Before Installation

Every Billi unit is manufactured in Melbourne under strict hygiene protocols. Prior to shipment, systems are flushed with UVC-treated water and purged with nitrogen gas. This ensures the internal components are sterile, dry, and ready for immediate, safe installation on-site.

For sites requiring even higher safety standards, such as healthcare, aged care, or education, Billi units can be programmed to automatically flush at scheduled intervals, even during off-peak periods. This proactive feature keeps water flowing and helps maintain hygiene even when the building isn’t in constant use.

Designed and Manufactured to Minimise Risk

When it comes to protecting building occupants, Billi offers more than just convenience, we provide a comprehensive approach to water safety. Every underbench system is engineered to reduce the risk of Legionella from the inside out.

Our Australian manufacturing facility allows us to maintain rigorous quality control, adhere to environmental standards (including Global GreenTag certification), and deliver fast, reliable service. Learn more about our sustainability commitments.

With models suitable for commercial, education, government, and healthcare sectors, Billi is the trusted choice when water safety isn’t optional. We’re proud to support the International WELL Building Institute and to offer systems that align with WELL certification criteria for healthy buildings.

Ensure your water is safe

Explore our full range of underbench, water-cooled solutions designed to safeguard your environment, or contact our team to discuss the right system and service plan for your facility.