Are Legionella risk assessments still a crucial requirement for businesses in 2025.

In a landscape increasingly defined by environmental sustainability, smart technologies, and evolving workplace norms, some may wonder whether traditional safety measures—like Legionella risk assessments—are still as vital as they once were. But as we move through 2025, all evidence points to a resounding yes: Legionella risk assessments are not only still relevant—they’re more critical than ever.

From rising case numbers to the unintended consequences of low-carbon technology, modern risk factors have redefined what it means to manage Legionella in commercial and public settings. Here’s a deep dive into why this long-standing public health concern remains at the forefront of compliance and risk management today.

Understanding Legionella and Its Risks

Legionella bacteria are found naturally in freshwater environments, but can become a significant health threat when allowed to grow in man-made water systems, such as:

• Hot and cold-water systems

• Cooling towers

• Spa pools and decorative fountains

• Industrial water systems

• Humidifiers and HVAC systems

When water systems are not maintained correctly, Legionella can multiply, and if water droplets become aerosolised and inhaled—via showers, taps, or air-conditioning units—this can lead to Legionnaires’ disease, a potentially fatal form of pneumonia.

People such as the elderly or those with weakened immune systems are especially vulnerable, making it a serious concern in hospitals, care homes, hotels, and office buildings.

Why the Spike in Legionella Cases in the UK?

The UK recorded 604 Legionnaires’ disease cases in 2023, marking a dramatic increase and the highest ever annual figure. While improved reporting and testing may contribute to this trend, experts also highlight environmental and operational changes across buildings and infrastructure.

What are the contributing factors to Legionella?:

1. Reduced building usage during the COVID-19 pandemic and the hybrid work era, leading to stagnant water in pipes and tanks.

2. Energy-efficient systems that struggle to maintain high water temperatures (above 60°C), which are needed to suppress Legionella growth.

3. Climate change impacts, including warmer average temperatures, which encourage microbial activity in stored water.

This surge has prompted a wave of guidance updates and highlighted the urgent need for businesses to re-evaluate their water management policies and procedures.

Regulations and Legal Responsibilities

Under the UK’s Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974, employers have a legal obligation to ensure the health and safety of employees and the public. The HSE’s Approved Code of Practice L8 and HSG274 Technical Guidance remain the primary references for Legionella management.

Businesses must:

• Appoint a competent person (Responsible Person) to manage risks.

• Carry out regular Legionella risk assessments.

• Implement appropriate control measures.

• Maintain records and monitor control systems.

Failure to comply can lead to enforcement action, civil litigation, reputational damage, and in extreme cases, criminal prosecution.

Legionella and the Sustainability Paradox

With net-zero targets looming large, many organisations have embraced low-carbon heating systems, such as:

• Solar thermal systems

• Heat pumps

• Recirculating low-temperature systems

While these technologies are environmentally beneficial, they often fall short in one critical area—Legionella control.

Why?

Legionella thrives between 20°C and 45°C. Systems designed for energy efficiency often heat water only to 45°C–55°C, which ironically falls into the optimal range for bacterial growth.

This creates a serious conflict: how can buildings remain energy-efficient without increasing health risks?

Businesses must now navigate this sustainability paradox carefully. In many cases, design reviews, supplementary heating, and water turnover strategies are required to balance sustainability with safety.

What are the Sector-Specific Vulnerabilities regarding Legionella?

1. Healthcare and Social Care

Hospitals, clinics, and care homes are high-risk environments due to:

• Vulnerable populations

• Extensive water systems

• Varied temperature demands

  
  

  The NHS mandates strict Legionella control measures. Water samples are taken regularly to monitor Legionella levels, and immediate action is taken if high levels are found, including disinfection and resampling.

  
  

2. Hospitality and Leisure

Hotels, gyms, and spas face significant reputational and legal risks.

Even a single case can lead to:

• Closure of facilities

• Loss of bookings

• Legal liabilities

  
  
  
  

  

  
  

3. Office and Commercial Buildings

Hybrid working patterns have introduced inconsistent occupancy, creating dead legs in pipework and increasing stagnation risk. Facilities managers must adapt maintenance schedules and flush systems regularly—even when buildings are not in full use.

The Rise of Smart Monitoring and Testing Technologies

Traditional Legionella control involves:

• Manual temperature checks

• Monthly sampling

• Visual inspections

While effective, these methods can be time-consuming and reactive. Fortunately, technology is changing the game.

New approaches include:

• Smart sensors that track water flow and temperature in real-time

• Automated flushing systems for unused outlets

• Online dashboards for remote system monitoring

The global Legionella testing market is expected to hit $652.3 million by 2032, driven by demand for faster, more accurate results.

Still, these innovations do not replace risk assessments—they enhance them. Risk assessments remain the foundation for identifying vulnerabilities, setting monitoring protocols, and ensuring compliance.

Insurance, Liability, and Financial Risk

Increasingly, insurers are taking note of Legionella exposure as an emerging liability risk. Policies now often strongly advise to have:

• Completed Legionella risk assessments

• Implemented control regimes

• Staff training and awareness

Failure to demonstrate proactive water safety measures can lead to:

• Premium increases

• Claim rejections

• Legal exposure in the event of an outbreak

This underscores that Legionella control is not just a health issue—it’s a financial and operational risk for businesses.

Best Practices for Businesses in 2025

If you're unsure whether your Legionella risk controls are adequate, here are essential steps to take now:

1. Review and update your Legionella risk assessment annually—or sooner if system changes occur.

2. Implement a Water Safety Plan outlining control measures, testing, and responsibilities.

3. Train staff to recognise and respond to Legionella risks, you can provide onsite or online training courses to train staff with a Legionella training course.

4. Use temperature monitoring and smart tech to improve system visibility.

5. Flush unused outlets regularly, especially in under-occupied areas.

6. Keep thorough documentation—this is critical for audits, inspections, and insurance.

   
   

In 2025, Legionella risk assessments are not outdated—they are evolving with the times. As our buildings become more sustainable and technology-driven, the risks change—but they don’t disappear.

In fact, the convergence of environmental goals, complex water systems, and changing building usage has made Legionella control more challenging and essential than ever.

Risk assessments remain the cornerstone of water safety—and the businesses that treat them as such will be best positioned to protect their people, reputation, and bottom line.

To ensure compliance, get in contact with Absolute Water Compliance today to see how we can provide you with a Legionella risk assessment.