Year-Round Legionella Risk: Why Winter Can Be Just as Dangerous as Summer
The Growing Threat of Legionnaires' Disease in the UK
Many property managers, hospitality owners, and facilities directors operate under the misconception that Legionella is primarily a summer concern. However, recent data reveals a more alarming reality: Legionnaires’ disease poses a significant risk year-round, with the UK reporting between 4,000-6,000 cases annually and a mortality rate of 7-12%.
At Aqua Engineering, our 25+ years of experience in water safety has shown us that winter can present unique risks that many businesses overlook—often with serious consequences.
Winter: The Hidden Danger Period
While summer’s warm temperatures certainly provide ideal conditions for Legionella bacteria to multiply, winter carries its own set of risks:
1. Dormant, Not Dead
Contrary to popular belief, cold temperatures don’t kill Legionella bacteria. Instead, the bacteria enter a dormant state, ready to rapidly multiply once conditions improve. This means that systems that appear safe during colder months can quickly become hazardous as temperatures fluctuate.
2. Seasonal Building Usage
Properties with fluctuating occupancy patterns are particularly vulnerable:
- Hotels with seasonal room closures
- Schools and universities during holiday breaks
- Office buildings with reduced winter occupancy
- Seasonal leisure facilities with varying usage patterns
When water systems remain unused or underused, stagnation creates perfect conditions for bacterial growth once the system is reactivated.
3. Heating System Activation
The activation of building heating systems after periods of inactivity can disturb biofilm and sediment in pipes, potentially releasing Legionella bacteria into the water system.
The Rising Trend of Legionnaires' Disease
The statistics are concerning. Over the past two decades, reported cases of Legionnaires’ disease have steadily increased across the UK and Europe. In 2021, the EU/EEA recorded its highest annual notification rate to date, with 2.4 cases per 100,000 people.
Climate change is exacerbating this trend, with unpredictable temperature patterns creating ideal conditions for bacterial growth throughout the year.
The Real Cost of Neglect
The impact of Legionnaires’ disease extends far beyond immediate health concerns:
- Health Impact: For survivors, the consequences can be long-lasting, including fatigue, neurological symptoms, and post-traumatic stress disorder.
- Business Impact: An outbreak can result in facility closure, legal liability, reputational damage, and significant financial consequences.
- Regulatory Impact: Non-compliance with water safety regulations can lead to substantial fines and legal proceedings.
Year-Round Legionella Management:
Essential Steps
As water safety experts, we recommend these critical measures for comprehensive protection:
1. Comprehensive Risk Assessment
A professional Legionella risk assessment is the foundation of effective control. This should:
- Identify all potential risk sources
- Evaluate control measures
- Be updated whenever systems change
- Be reviewed at least every two years
2. Consistent Temperature Control
Proper temperature management remains the most effective control measure:
- Hot water storage at 60°C minimum
- Hot water distribution at 50°C minimum (within one minute)
- Cold water below 20°C (within two minutes)
- Regular temperature monitoring and documentation
3. Regular Flushing Protocols
Implement a systematic approach to minimise stagnation:
- Weekly flushing of infrequently used outlets
- Documented flushing records
- Consider automatic flushing systems for problematic areas
4. Staff Training and Awareness
Your team is your first line of defence:
- Basic Legionella awareness training for all relevant staff
- Role-specific training for maintenance personnel
- Regular refresher courses
- Clear understanding of responsibilities
5. Professional Testing and Monitoring
Regular testing provides crucial early warning of potential issues:
- UKAS accredited laboratory testing
- Scheduled water sampling
- Professional interpretation of results
- Documented results and actions
How Aqua Engineering Can Help
With over 25 years of experience safeguarding water systems across the North West, Aqua Engineering offers comprehensive Legionella management solutions:
- Professional Risk Assessment: Our experts provide thorough, compliant assessments tailored to your specific needs.
- Regular Monitoring and Testing: We offer UKAS accredited laboratory testing with clear result interpretation and guidance.
- Staff Training: Our online and in-person training programmes ensure your team understands their responsibilities and can implement effective control measures.
- Ongoing Support: From regular maintenance to emergency response, we’re there when you need us.
- Documentation Systems: We help you maintain comprehensive records that demonstrate compliance and due diligence.
Take Action Today
Don’t wait for problems to develop. Ensure your property’s water systems are safe year-round with Aqua Engineering’s expert support.
Contact us today for a FREE, no-obligation consultation to discuss your Legionella compliance needs and how we can help protect your people and your business.
The Way Forward
The path to a safer, more compliant business environment is paved with education and awareness. Legionella might be a hidden threat, but the solutions are clear, accessible, and effective. Aqua Engineering’s online legionella awareness training course represents a crucial step forward for small businesses. By embracing this training, businesses not only shield themselves against legal and health risks but also demonstrate a commitment to the highest safety standards. In the end, it’s about more than just compliance; it’s about fostering a culture of care and responsibility that permeates every aspect of business operations.
