As 2026 begins, Legionnaires’ disease remains a major health and safety concern that is often overlooked by many businesses across the UK.
While companies may have well-established fire safety, HR protocols, and operational procedures, water safety often goes unnoticed, sometimes until an issue arises. With increasing regulatory pressures, evolving building usage patterns, and growing public awareness, Legionella control is an area that businesses can no longer afford to neglect.
This article outlines the essential information that every business needs to understand about Legionnaires’ disease in 2026. It also emphasises the increasing importance of proactive water management practices to prevent the risk of outbreaks.
Why Legionella Continues to Be a Serious Concern in 2026
Despite years of awareness campaigns and educational initiatives, Legionnaires’ disease continues to cause outbreaks throughout the UK.
The primary causes remain consistent and include:
- Inconsistent water usage within buildings
- Ageing or poorly maintained pipework
- Complex hot and cold water systems
- Insufficient temperature control measures
- Lack of competent personnel overseeing water safety
The shift in working habits due to the pandemic has also led to changes in how water systems behave. With more people working from home or using buildings less frequently, water systems often sit idle for longer periods. This creates the ideal environment for Legionella bacteria to thrive, as stagnant water allows it to grow.
In 2026, the key takeaway is this: any business that operates a water system capable of producing aerosols must be proactive in managing the risks of Legionella. This is no longer just a best practice, it’s a legal obligation.
The Legal Framework: Still Firmly in Place
The legal framework surrounding Legionella management remains as stringent as ever. In fact, enforcement actions suggest that compliance is being taken more seriously than before.
The primary legislation that businesses must adhere to includes:
- Health and Safety at Work Act 1974
- COSHH Regulations 2002
- Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations 1999
- ACoP L8 and HSG274 guidelines
These laws require businesses to:
- Conduct a thorough assessment of Legionella risks
- Implement appropriate controls to mitigate those risks
- Maintain accurate records of all related activities
- Appoint competent persons to manage water safety
- Regularly review and update water safety systems
One of the most common areas where businesses fall short is in conducting a current and site-specific Legionella risk assessment, carried out by qualified assessors. Without this, businesses may not be meeting their legal requirements or ensuring the safety of their employees and customers.
Why Awareness of Legionella Matters More Than Ever in 2026
1. Increased Attention from the Health and Safety Executive (HSE)
Recent enforcement actions have shown that the HSE considers inadequate Legionella control to be a severe breach of duty. This often leads to heavy fines, particularly for businesses in sectors such as healthcare, leisure, education, and accommodation. However, no industry is immune to scrutiny.
2. Complex Building Layouts and Mixed-Use Spaces
Modern buildings are often multi-use spaces that combine offices, residential areas, gyms, cafés, and communal areas, all sharing interconnected water systems. These types of environments require more comprehensive and consistent water safety management to prevent Legionella growth.
3. Ongoing Issues with Low-Use Water Outlets
Water outlets that are infrequently used, such as showers, taps, and certain appliances, continue to be a significant cause of Legionella outbreaks. These low-use points often suffer from stagnant water, which creates an ideal breeding ground for bacteria. As a result, in 2025, these outlets are being more closely scrutinized in Legionella risk assessments.
4. Sustainability Trends Leading to Potential Risks
With the growing push for sustainability, businesses are increasingly using water-saving technologies such as oversized rainwater harvesting systems and heat-retention devices. While these can reduce water usage, if they aren’t properly designed, they can inadvertently create conditions that allow Legionella bacteria to thrive—such as low water flow or warm water temperatures.
What Every Business Should Do in 2026 to Ensure Water Safety
1. Keep Your Legionella Risk Assessment Up to Date
It is crucial that businesses review their Legionella risk assessment regularly, at least every two years, or sooner if any of the following occur:
- Changes to the building layout
- Alterations to the hot and cold water systems
- Shifts in building occupancy
- Evidence of inadequate temperature control
- A previous positive Legionella simple
An outdated assessment offers no protection and will not meet HSE’s requirements.
2. Ensure Your Responsible Person is Competent
The Responsible Person plays a critical role in overseeing water safety management. However, many businesses assign this role without ensuring the person has the proper training and expertise.
In 2026, competency is under increased scrutiny, and it is expected that the person overseeing Legionella control understands:
- HSG274 Part 2 requirements
- How to accurately monitor and interpret temperature readings
- The importance of asset mapping
- Proper flushing routines and outlet management
- The need for thorough record-keeping
Training is no longer optional—it’s essential to demonstrate compliance.
3. Maintain Strict Temperature Control
Temperature control remains one of the most reliable measures to prevent Legionella growth. Hot water should be stored at 60°C and distributed at 50°C or higher, while cold water should remain below 20°C. Consistent monitoring is essential to ensure that these temperatures are maintained.
4. Stay on Top of Flushing and Low-Use Outlet Management
One of the most common failures in water safety management is inadequate flushing routines. If water outlets haven’t been used for seven days or more, they should be flushed weekly. It’s important to keep clear logs of these activities to demonstrate that the system is being properly maintained and to prevent stagnation.
5. Treat Documentation as Part of Your Defence
In the event of an incident, your records will serve as your defence. Accurate and up-to-date documentation should include:
- Temperature monitoring logs
- Flushing activity records
- Tank inspections
- Thermostatic Mixing Valve (TMV) servicing details
- Any corrective actions taken
Well-maintained records provide an audit trail that proves compliance and helps mitigate legal or regulatory consequences.
The Real Risk: Complacency
Legionnaires’ disease is entirely preventable when businesses take the risk seriously. The greatest danger arises when organisations assume that their water systems are “fine” or when they rely on outdated assessments or non-compliant practices. It is far more cost-effective to proactively manage Legionella risks than to deal with the aftermath of an outbreak.
Legionnaires’ disease continues to be a significant and evolving risk for UK businesses. As building usage patterns change, regulatory expectations increase, and public awareness rises, businesses must treat water safety with the same level of importance as fire safety or safeguarding.
A current and accurate Legionella risk assessment, consistent monitoring, and competent management are the foundation of compliance and the most effective way to protect both staff and customers from harm. By staying vigilant and proactive, businesses can prevent outbreaks and safeguard their operations for the future.
