When it comes to protecting the health of your staff, tenants, or customers, few risks are as overlooked — or as dangerous — as Legionella bacteria. In this guide, we answer the most common Legionella FAQs, covering what the bacteria is, how it spreads, your legal responsibilities, and how Green Water Services can help you stay compliant and protected.
What are the Legionella FAQs?
Legionella is a type of bacteria found in natural water sources like lakes and rivers, but it becomes dangerous when it grows unchecked in man-made water systems. It can cause Legionnaires’ disease, a potentially fatal form of pneumonia contracted by inhaling airborne water droplets containing the bacteria.
How Does Legionella Spread?
This question features prominently on all Legionella faqs. Legionella thrives in warm, stagnant water, and typically at temperatures between 20°C and 45°C. The bacteria can multiply in:
- Hot and cold water systems
- Cooling towers and air conditioning units
- Spa pools and hot tubs
- Decorative fountains
- Showerheads and taps
If contaminated droplets are aerosolised and inhaled, there is a risk of infection. Vulnerable individuals such as the elderly, smokers, and those with weakened immune systems are most at risk.
What Are My Legal Duties?
In the UK, employers, landlords, and building managers have a legal obligation to control Legionella risks under the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974 and the COSHH Regulations 2002. The Health and Safety Executive’s ACOP L8 and HSG274 guidance outline how to stay compliant.
Legal duties include:
- Conducting a Legionella Risk Assessment
- Implementing preventative control measures
- Keeping accurate records of monitoring and maintenance
- Ensuring staff receive appropriate training
Failing to manage Legionella properly can result in legal action, fines, or serious harm to health.
What Is a Legionella Risk Assessment?
A Legionella Risk Assessment identifies areas within your water system where Legionella could grow and spread. At Green Water Services, our assessors inspect your premises and provide a detailed report with tailored recommendations to reduce risks.
How Often Should I Test for Legionella?
There’s no one-size-fits-all answer, but regular monitoring is essential. For many buildings, especially those with complex plumbing or at-risk populations, we recommend:
- Monthly temperature checks
- Quarterly inspections
- Annual reviews of the risk assessment
- Additional testing if the system is altered, or if a Legionella outbreak occurs nearby
How Can Green Water Services Help?
At Green Water Services, we specialise in helping organisations of all sizes manage their Legionella responsibilities effectively. Our expert team offers:
✔️ Legionella Risk Assessments
We evaluate your water systems, identify areas of concern, and produce a legally compliant report with actionable next steps.
✔️ Ongoing Monitoring and Maintenance
We provide monthly checks, tank inspections, showerhead cleaning, flushing, and system disinfection to prevent bacterial growth.
✔️ Staff Training and Compliance Support
We train your team to manage water safety correctly and help you maintain all required documentation for legal compliance.
✔️ Fast Response and Tailored Advice
We offer flexible scheduling, clear reporting, and bespoke support — whether you manage a single site or a large property portfolio.
Why Is Legionella Control Important?
Aside from the health risks, failing to comply with Legionella control laws can damage your business reputation, result in enforcement action, or worse, put lives at risk. With Green Water Services, you can take a proactive, professional approach to water safety.
Take Control of Your Water Safety Today
Managing Legionella doesn’t have to be complicated. With expert help from Green Water Services, you can protect your people, stay on the right side of the law, and maintain a safe environment.
👉 Book your Legionella risk assessment today or speak to one of our water hygiene experts at greenwaterservices.co.uk
