Legionella Risks in Summer: What Facilities Managers Should Know
Summer in the UK is synonymous with reduced occupancy in offices, schools closing for holidays and buildings operating at reduced levels. However, for facilities managers the warmer weather brings with it a less visible challenge that should never be ignored; an increased risk of Legionella bacteria bacteria in water systems.
When it comes to facilities management services in Aberdeen, Edinburgh and across Scotland, this is one of the most common seasonal risks we see being underestimated. When temperatures rise and water systems are left underused, conditions can be ideal for bacteria growth if systems are not properly managed.
How summer increases the risk of Legionella
Legionella bacteria thrive in warm water, especially when it is stagnant or not regularly circulated.
Summer combines a number of risk factors:
- Higher ambient temperatures more readily heat stored water systems
- Reduced building occupancy means taps and showers are used less frequently
- Water can become stagnant in pipes, tanks and outlets
- Cooling systems and air conditioning units may be working harder
Essentially, the same conditions that make buildings quieter in summer can also make water systems more vulnerable.
This is why Legionella control should never be treated as a “winter-only” or annual compliance task. It is an ongoing responsibility throughout the year.
What facilities managers should be watching for
For anyone managing buildings, especially across large portfolios, there are some key warning signs that should not be overlooked:
- Little or no water usage in certain areas of a building
- Outlets that are rarely flushed or cleaned
- Water temperatures sitting within the risk range for bacteria growth
- Inconsistent maintenance records or missed inspections
- Changes in building occupancy or usage patterns during summer months
Even well-managed buildings can drift into higher risk conditions during quieter periods if systems are not actively monitored.
The role of Legionella risk assessments
A key part of managing this risk is a properly carried out legionella risk assessment. This is not just a compliance exercise. It is a structured review of how water systems are designed, used, and maintained, with the aim of identifying where risk could develop.
A typical assessment will look at:
- Hot and cold water systems
- Storage tanks and calorifiers
- Dead legs or infrequently used outlets
- Temperature control and monitoring
- Maintenance and cleaning procedures
The outcome is a clear action plan that helps facilities managers reduce risk and remain compliant with UK health and safety requirements.
For organisations using professional legionella risk assessments, the benefit is not only compliance, but also peace of mind that risks are being actively managed rather than assumed.
Why facilities management plays a critical role
Effective Legionella control does not sit in isolation. It is part of wider facilities management responsibility.
In practice, this means:
- Scheduling regular flushing of underused outlets
- Monitoring water temperatures consistently
- Ensuring maintenance teams understand seasonal risk changes
- Keeping clear and up-to-date records
- Acting quickly when usage patterns change
With our facilities management services in Glasgow, Inverness, and across Scotland, we often see that the biggest improvements in compliance come not from large system changes, but from consistent routine management.
Small oversights, especially during quieter summer periods, are often where risk begins.
Why summer is the right time to review compliance
Summer is actually one of the best times to reassess Legionella risk, even though it is also when the risk can increase.
With better visibility over buildings and maintenance schedules, it’s easier to:
- Assess system usage patterns
- Identify areas of stagnation
- Refresh risk assessments based on current building conditions
- Undertake remedial flushing or system adjustments
Waiting until occupancy is fully restored can mean losing the opportunity to resolve issues before they become more serious problems.
Apardion Legionella risk assessments
Legionella is not a seasonal problem, but the summer months can highlight existing weaknesses in water system management. For facilities managers, the focus is not on reacting to issues, but on preventing them through structured monitoring, defined processes, and regular legionella risk assessments.
Whether you are managing a single site, or a regional portfolio across Scotland, from Aberdeen to Glasgow, proactive facilities management is what helps to keep buildings safe, compliant, and operational all-year-round.
If Legionella control is not currently part of your summer planning, it is worth asking a simple question: are your water systems as well managed as your buildings themselves? For expert guidance and advice, contact Apardion today.
