Any water system that has the right environmental conditions could potentially be a source for legionella bacteria growth. There is a reasonable legionella risk in your water system if:

• water is stored or re-circulated as part of your system
• the water temperature in all or some part of the system is between 20–45 °C
• there are sources of nutrients such as rust, sludge, scale and organic matters
• the conditions are likely to encourage bacteria to multiply

The most common places where legionella can be found include purpose-built water systems, cooling towers, evaporative condensers, hot and cold water systems and spa pools. There are also a number of other systems that may pose a risk to exposure to legionella, eg humidifiers, air washers, showers, indoor ornamental fountains etc.

Under general health and safety law, as an employer or person in control of a premises (eg a landlord), you have health and safety duties and need to take suitable precautions to prevent or control the risk of exposure to legionella.

Speak to us and we can explain how legionella testing works and how often you should have it done.