Legionella risk assessments in the public sector: ensuring compliance and protecting communities

Public sector buildings serve a wide range of people every day – from council offices and libraries to community centres, housing schemes, and emergency service facilities. With such a broad responsibility for public welfare, managing the risk of Legionella in water systems is essential for maintaining safety, compliance, and operational continuity.

A Legionella outbreak can have serious consequences, including health risks for building users, reputational damage for local authorities or public bodies, and legal liability for duty holders. That’s why regular Legionella risk assessments are a fundamental part of facilities management across the public sector.

Understanding the risks in public buildings

Legionella bacteria can develop in any system where water is stored or recirculated – especially where water temperatures are not properly controlled, or systems are not regularly used.

Public sector buildings can face several challenges that increase the risk of Legionella growth:

• Ageing infrastructure and pipework
• Infrequently used buildings or remote outlets
• Irregular occupancy patterns
• Complex portfolios of different building types
• Limited resources for proactive maintenance

These factors make it even more important to have a consistent, planned approach to Legionella management.

What a Legionella risk assessment includes

A Legionella risk assessment helps public bodies understand the condition of their water systems, identify areas of concern, and put in place an effective control plan. A typical assessment includes:

• A full inspection of hot and cold-water systems
• Temperature checks and sampling (where required)
• Identification of underused outlets or assets
• Assessment of current maintenance and record-keeping
• A clear, prioritised action plan with practical next steps

Assessments should be reviewed regularly and always after changes in building use, refurbishment or extensions.

How HBE UK supports public sector organisations

At HBE UK, we partner with local authorities, government bodies and housing providers to deliver compliant, cost-effective Legionella risk assessments and water hygiene services. We understand the challenges of working within budget constraints, across diverse building types, and often in live environments.

Our services include:

• Legionella risk assessments for single or multi-site portfolios
• Water sampling and laboratory testing
• Support with written schemes of control and compliance documentation
• Remedial works and ongoing maintenance
• Staff training and awareness sessions
• Scheduled flushing programmes for low-use buildings

Whether you’re managing a civic centre, a library network, or a supported housing scheme, our team will provide the technical support and guidance you need to manage risk effectively.

Prioritise compliance and public safety

Legionella risk management isn’t just about ticking a compliance box – it’s about protecting the people who use your services. If you’re due a review, planning a building refurbishment, or looking to standardise processes across your estate, now is the time to take action.

Get in touch with HBE UK to schedule a Legionella risk assessment or to find out how we can support your public sector water safety strategy.