FLUID CONTROL SOLUTIONS
Legionella risk and the science of temperature: Why precision matters in water safety
Jason Webb, managing director, Electronic Temperature Instruments, discusses the crucial role of technology in Legionella management in buildings
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s the built environment continues to evolve, so too do the challenges associated with maintaining safe and compliant water systems. Among these,
Legionella risk management remains one of the most pressing concerns. The bacteria, which can thrive in water systems, presents a severe health threat if left unchecked, with Legionnaires’ disease posing a real and potentially fatal risk to building occupants. Yet, despite the high stakes, temperature monitoring— the simplest, most effective method of prevention—is too often neglected, misunderstood, or poorly executed. Common issues in temperature monitoring arise from inconsistencies in manual checks, lack of awareness around best practices, or an overreliance on outdated tools. Many facilities are unwittingly exposing themselves to unnecessary risks. Getting temperature monitoring right isn’t just a matter of compliance; it’s about safeguarding lives. The reality is that Legionella bacteria thrive in water temperatures between 20°C and 45°C. Anything outside of this range significantly reduces the risk of bacterial growth. This is why temperature control is the first and most fundamental line of defence against Legionella. The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) makes it clear: cold water should be stored below 20°C, and hot water should be kept at or above 50°C (55°C in healthcare settings). These aren’t just arbitrary figures— they’re essential thresholds that create an environment hostile to Legionella. So why, despite this well-established guidance, do so many buildings still fail to meet these standards? A large part of the problem comes down to inaccurate or infrequent temperature monitoring. Too often, facilities conduct temperature checks sporadically, record data inconsistently, or use thermometers that simply aren’t up to the job. A reading that’s just a few degrees off might not seem significant at first glance, but in reality, it could
18 BUILDING SERVICES & ENVIRONMENTAL ENGINEER MAY 2025
mean the difference between a safe system and a serious outbreak.
The consequences of failing to adhere to best practices in temperature monitoring can be severe. Aside from the obvious health risks, there’s also the very real prospect of legal and financial repercussions. Regulatory compliance isn’t optional, and businesses found to be negligent in their water safety duties can face hefty fines, reputational damage, and in extreme cases, criminal prosecution. But more than that, no responsible building owner or facilities manager wants to be the reason someone falls seriously ill—or worse. One of the biggest barriers to effective temperature monitoring is a knowledge gap. Engineers, building managers, and FM professionals are often highly skilled in their respective fields, but water safety can be a surprisingly complex and nuanced subject. It’s not just a case of checking a tap and jotting down a number. Where and how temperature is measured matters immensely. For example, surface readings of pipes can be misleading, failing to accurately reflect the water’s actual temperature. Similarly, the placement of sensors in water tanks can dramatically affect the readings obtained. Without proper training and the right tools, even the most well-intentioned monitoring efforts can fall short. This is where technology has a crucial role to play. The days of relying solely on a clipboard and a basic thermometer should be behind us. Modern, precision-engineered thermometers, combined with data logging technology, allow for far greater accuracy and consistency. By using high-quality immersion probes, Bluetooth- connected devices, and automated logging systems, building operators can ensure they’re collecting reliable data that stands up to scrutiny. Not only does this make compliance easier, but it also enables a more proactive approach to water safety. Instead of reacting to potential Legionella risks, businesses can anticipate and prevent them before they become a problem. A key area of progress is the integration of temperature monitoring with building
management systems (BMS). Many modern buildings already have sophisticated BMS in place to manage heating, ventilation, and air conditioning. By incorporating water temperature monitoring into these systems, facilities managers can gain real-time insights into their water safety performance, identifying issues before they escalate. The ability to set alerts for temperature deviations and access historical data at the touch of a button represents a major step forward in Legionella prevention.
Of course, technology is only part of the solution. There also needs to be a cultural shift in how water safety is approached. Too many organisations still take a reactive stance, addressing issues only when they arise rather than embedding best practices into their daily operations. Training plays a vital role here. It’s not enough for businesses to have the right tools—they also need to ensure their teams know how to use them effectively. That means ongoing education, clear procedures, and a commitment to continuous improvement.
Legionella risk management is not a one- time task. It requires vigilance, expertise, and above all, consistency. The good news is that with the right approach, it’s entirely possible to eliminate the risks associated with poorly maintained water systems. Temperature monitoring, when done correctly, remains the simplest and most effective way to keep Legionella at bay. But simplicity doesn’t mean cutting corners. It means investing in precision, embracing innovation, and making water safety a top priority every single day. As the built environment becomes
increasingly complex, so too does the responsibility of those managing it. The consequences of getting water safety wrong are simply too great to ignore. The technology exists, the guidance is clear, and the risks are well-documented. Now it’s up to the industry to ensure water safety is taken as seriously as it should be. Because at the end of the day, it’s not just about compliance— it’s about protecting lives.
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