Legionella Risk in Hospitality: Review Your Water Safety Processes

As the busy spring and summer season approaches, hospitality and leisure businesses are being urged to take Legionella risks seriously. Rising case numbers and dormant water systems make this a critical time for operators to review their water safety processes. 

Why Legionella Risk Demands Action Now 

Record Case Numbers = Heightened Scrutiny 

With Legionella cases remaining consistently high in recent years, hospitality operators are under increasing scrutiny as the new season approaches.  UK surveillance data shows that reported cases of Legionnaires’ disease have more than doubled over the past two decades, with numbers remaining well above pre-pandemic levels in the most recent reporting years.  Crucially for hospitality, around 70% of cases occur between April and September, aligning with warmer weather and the reopening of seasonal venues.  This trend places added responsibility on hoteliers, holiday parks, short let operators, caravan sites and other seasonal accommodation providers to ensure water systems are properly managed before guest numbers increase. 

Dormant Water Systems Pose Serious Risks 

When venues operate seasonally or have periods of low occupancy, water becomes stagnant. This is especially relevant as campsites, caravan parks and outdoor hospitality venues reopen for the season, often after months of closure. Legionella thrives in unused or little-used water systems, making campsites, smaller hotels, short stay lets and holiday parks particularly vulnerable as they prepare for increased guest numbers.

Dirty or neglected taps and showerheads can also increase risk. Legionella bacteria can survive in sludge, scale and rust found inside poorly maintained fittings, and can be spread when water is reintroduced after a period of inactivity. This makes cleaning, descaling and flushing outlets an essential part of pre-opening checks.

Spring Preparation Must Include Water Safety Checks 

Industry experts are encouraging venues to make Legionella prevention a standard part of their pre-season checks. Recommended actions include: 

• Updating water safety risk assessments 

• Carrying out rapid Legionella testing where needed (some rapid tests can detect Legionella in as little as 25 minutes) 

• Flushing infrequently used water systems (this should also continue throughout the year in line with the written scheme) 

• Checking and recording water temperatures (an ongoing, year round requirement) 

These steps help ensure systems are safe before guest numbers rise. 

Your Legal Responsibilities Haven’t Changed

Under UK health and safety law, every property owner and duty holder – including hoteliers, leisure operators and short let providers – is responsible for identifying and controlling the risk of Legionella exposure. 

Failure to manage this risk can lead to: 

• severe illness 

• costly investigations 

• reputational damage 

• operational disruption 

Old Testing Methods Can Miss Risks 

Some traditional lab based tests take up to ten days to return results and may miss ‘viable but non culturable’ Legionella. Rapid testing provides faster validation and is increasingly recommended but should complement, not replace, laboratory confirmation. 

Supporting Operators with Practical Digital Tools 

Preparing for the new season often means juggling reopening tasks, staffing pressures and operational deadlines. Digital tools can help make water safety management clearer and more consistent. 

Rather than a sales pitch, here’s the practical value: 

• Water safety checks can be completed and recorded digitally 

• Flushing, temperature checks and maintenance activity can be logged in one place 

• Reminders help ensure key tasks aren’t missed 

• Teams follow consistent processes 

• Evidence is easily accessible if inspectors request records 

• Expert support is available where a full Legionella risk assessment or review is required 

These improvements help operators maintain water safety with confidence during the busiest periods of the year. 

FAQs 

1. Why is Legionella a bigger concern ahead of the new season?
   Because seasonal closures allow water to stagnate, creating ideal conditions for Legionella growth.
2. Do all hospitality businesses have to manage Legionella risks?
   Yes. Every duty holder is legally responsible for controlling Legionella risk.
3. How quickly can Legionella develop?
   Legionella can multiply in stagnant systems even during cooler months, making pre season checks essential.
4. Is rapid testing recommended?
   Experts suggest incorporating rapid testing as an additional safeguard, especially before busy trading periods. 

 How Shield Safety supports water safety routines 

Managing Legionella controls is easier when checks, flushing routines and temperature records are kept in one place. Shield Assure helps teams stay organised, follow consistent processes and maintain clear evidence ahead of inspections and peak season. 

If you would like to see how Shield Assure supports water safety in real hospitality settings, you can contact us here.