Accredited Legionella Water Sample Testing

Can I Do Water Sampling and Testing Myself?

While you can order sterile sample bottles for water testing and send them off, it does require prior knowledge and a certain skill set. You need to know exactly how your water system works, including the locations of all pipework and areas of risk. You must understand your water system’s design and know where there is potential for aerosol release.

For this reason, it is best left to the professionals. Trained technicians will know where to look and where in your system to take water samples from. Our technicians are all equipped with UKAS-calibrated thermometers, which get highly accurate temperature readings.
We complete all Legionella risk assessments and water sampling to the guidelines set out in HSG274 and ACOP L8. This ensures complete legal compliance and your peace of mind for the health and safety of your water systems.

What Else Happens in a Legionella Risk Assessment?

Water sample testing for Legionella is part of a Legionella risk assessment, a legal requirement under health and safety law. As well as water testing, we will also:

• Perform a review of your paperwork, including records of previous Legionella risk assessments if applicable

• Verify your health and safety procedures and current Legionella management

• Consult with duty holders and anyone in charge of the premises

• Perform risk level assessments of occupants or workers of the premises, considering age and health factors

What Happens Next?

We compile test sample results and collate findings together, sending them to you in one, simple report. This gives you a full picture of your hot and cold water systems and explains what you need to do to control the risk of Legionella bacteria proliferation. 

You’ll also get transparent quotes for any remedial actions that you need to undertake. You can then choose to take advantage of our full range of Legionella services:

• Legionella Sampling
• Legionella Control
• Legionella Remedial Works
• Cleaning and Disinfection of Hot and Cold Water Systems

How Often Should I Get Water Sample Testing?

If you are a duty holder or person in charge of health and safety, it’s your legal obligation to review your Legionella risk assessment regularly.

This becomes especially important when:

• There are changes to your water system or its use; 
• There are changes in the use of your building or part of the building;
• New information about risks or control measures becomes available;
• There have been Indications that your control measures are no longer effective;
• There have been changes to key personnel, contractors and service providers;
• There is a recorded case of Legionnaire’s Disease / Legionellosis associated with the water system

If you have a complex water system where changes are poorly documented, your system may need to be reassessed annually. For water systems with a lower inherent risk, or those where all changes are recorded and where systems are generally well managed, a formal reassessment typically only needs to be performed every 2 to 5 years.