Wastewater facilities

Legionella Risk Assessment for Wastewater Treatment Facilities

For operators and managers of wastewater treatment facilities, effluent plants, and associated water recycling systems, managing the risk of Legionella bacteria is a critical, though often overlooked, health and safety concern. While not directly linked to potable water, the presence of aerosols generated during various treatment processes (e.g., aeration, agitation) creates a potential pathway for Legionella exposure to staff and, in some cases, the wider environment.

Water & Air Management specialises in providing comprehensive, ACoP L8 compliant Legionella risk assessments tailored specifically for wastewater treatment facilities. Our accredited and experienced engineers possess a deep understanding of the unique microbiological and aerosol risks inherent in wastewater processes, providing thorough, reliable, and fully documented services to ensure your operations remain compliant and your workforce is protected.

Understanding Legionella Risks in Wastewater Environments

Wastewater treatment processes, by their very nature, involve warm water, organic matter, and the creation of aerosols—all key factors for Legionella growth and transmission:

Aeration Basins & Biofilters: Agitation of water to promote biological treatment can generate significant aerosols, potentially carrying Legionella if present.

Sludge Treatment & Dewatering: Processes that expose water to air and create fine mists can also pose a risk.

Cooling Towers & Ancillary Systems: Many wastewater plants utilise cooling towers or other auxiliary water systems that fall under standard Legionella control guidance.

Stagnant or Infrequently Used Lines: Any pipework or sumps that hold water and are not regularly moved or heated can become a breeding ground.

Worker Exposure: Personnel working close to aerosol-generating equipment are at the highest risk of inhalation.

Your Legal Compliance in Wastewater Operations

Under UK law, specifically the Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974 and the Control of Substances Hazardous to Health (COSHH) Regulations 2002, operators of wastewater treatment facilities have a clear legal duty to assess and control the risk of Legionella exposure to their employees and anyone else who may be affected by their operations. The HSE’s Approved Code of Practice (ACoP) L8 provides the essential framework for compliance, with the risk assessment being the fundamental first step.

Failure to identify and control these unique risks can lead to serious health implications for staff, enforcement action from the HSE, and significant operational disruption. Our assessments provide the detailed evidence required for robust due diligence within this specialised sector.

Our Wastewater Legionella Risk Assessment Process

Our qualified assessors are uniquely experienced in assessing Legionella risk within the complex and often hazardous environments of wastewater treatment facilities. Our comprehensive process includes:

Specialised System Survey: Thorough identification and mapping of all water-bearing systems, focusing on areas of aeration, agitation, cooling systems, and any points of aerosol generation unique to wastewater treatment.

Hazard Identification & Process-Specific Risk Analysis: Pinpointing risks such as optimal temperature ranges within biological treatment stages, potential for stagnation in emergency washdown points, and assessing exposure pathways for plant operators.

Worker Exposure Assessment: Evaluating the potential for staff exposure during routine operations, maintenance, and sampling.

Robust Reporting & Action Plans: A clear, technical report detailing all findings, the assessed level of risk, and a prioritised action plan of practical control measures tailored to the specific processes and operational environment of your wastewater facility.

Ongoing Support: We provide a comprehensive report and help establish a logbook system for effective, auditable ongoing management and compliance.

Why Choose Water & Air Management for Your Wastewater Facility?

Niche Wastewater Expertise: Our team possesses specialised knowledge of Legionella risks specific to wastewater treatment, going beyond standard domestic water system assessments.

Fully Accredited Professionals: We are registered members of the Legionella Control Association (LCA) and hold Constructionline and SSIP accreditations, ensuring competent, professional, and trustworthy service delivery, vital for this complex sector.

Operational Sensitivity: We conduct our assessments with careful consideration for your ongoing operational processes, implementing necessary safety protocols to minimise disruption.

Strategic & Transparent Pricing: Clear, no-obligation quotes tailored to the complexity and size of your wastewater treatment facility, with no hidden costs.

Protect Your Workforce and Ensure Compliance in Wastewater Operations

Ensure your wastewater treatment facility is fully compliant and your workforce is protected from Legionella risk. Contact our expert team today for a free, no-obligation quote for a comprehensive Legionella risk assessment tailored to your specialised premises.