Legionella testing services
Acorn’s Legionella testing gives you lab-verified proof that your water system is safe and that you’re meeting your duties under ACoP L8.
Our LCA-registered engineers handle the sampling, and UKAS-accredited laboratories analyse every sample. Your results go straight to your online portal with clear next steps, ready for any audit or inspection.
We test water systems for businesses, care providers, schools, and landlords nationwide, from Manchester and Newcastle to London and Bristol.
What is Legionella testing?
Legionella testing is the process of taking water samples from key outlets in your building and sending them to a laboratory to check for Legionella bacteria.
It tells you whether your temperature controls, flushing and maintenance are keeping bacteria under control.
Your results also act as written evidence that you’ve taken reasonable steps to manage Legionella risk. This is the evidence insurers, auditors and the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) expect to see.
Testing works best alongside your Legionella risk assessment and routine water hygiene monitoring. Reviewing them together helps you spot problems early and fix them before they affect anyone using your building.
Why does your building need Legionella testing?
Your building needs Legionella testing because Legionella bacteria can multiply in any water system where temperatures drift, water sits still or maintenance slips.
Breathing in contaminated water droplets can cause Legionnaires’ disease, a serious form of pneumonia that’s most dangerous for older people and anyone with a weakened immune system.
As a duty holder, you have a legal duty under the Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974 and COSHH to control that risk. ACoP L8 sets out how to meet that duty, and HSG 274 gives the technical detail. Testing is how you prove your controls are working.
It protects you commercially too. Insurers and auditors often ask for test results as proof of good water hygiene management, and having them on file makes renewals and inspections far easier.
Who needs Legionella testing?
Any organisation responsible for a building’s water system may need Legionella testing, especially where occupants are vulnerable or water use is heavy or irregular.
- Care homes and healthcare settings: Residents and patients are more vulnerable to Legionnaires’ disease. Regular testing gives you, staff and families confidence that the water is safe.
- Hotels, gyms and spas: Showers, spa pools and large hot water systems create fine spray that guests breathe in. Testing helps you protect guests and your reputation.
- Commercial buildings: A water system shared by several tenants or departments needs a clear record that someone is managing the risk. Testing gives you that record.
- Landlords and property managers: Testing helps you show you’ve taken reasonable steps to protect tenants. Find out more about our Legionella risk assessments for landlords.
- Schools, colleges and universities: Water left standing over the summer holidays raises the risk of bacteria growth. Testing before students return confirms your system is safe to use.
Why choose Acorn for Legionella testing?
Choose Acorn if you want Legionella test results that hold up to audit, from a team that manages the whole process for you.
You get accredited sampling and lab analysis, with every result stored in an online portal you can open whenever an auditor or insurer asks.
Results that stand up to scrutiny
Every sample is analysed by a UKAS-accredited lab in line with ACoP L8 and HSG 274, giving you proof whenever an insurer, auditor or the HSE asks.
25+ years of water hygiene expertise
Our operatives have over 25 years of water hygiene experience, and Acorn is accredited by the Legionella Control Association (LCA). They know where Legionella grows and which outlets to sample.
Every report in one place
Your results and certificates are stored in ServiceTracker, our secure online portal, with 24/7 access whenever an audit or inspection comes up.
Nationwide Legionella testing
We test sites across the UK, including Manchester, London, Newcastle and the South West, with visits booked around your schedule.
How does our Legionella testing process work?
Our Legionella testing process has three stages: a consultation and sampling visit, UKAS-accredited laboratory analysis, and a digital report with prioritised next steps.
Step 1. Consultation and sampling
We start with a free consultation about your water system and site. Our engineer then samples the most representative outlets using sterile methods, so your results reflect real conditions.
Step 2. Laboratory analysis
Your samples reach a UKAS-accredited lab the same day. Culture results typically take around 10 days, with qPCR available when you need faster indicative results.
Step 3. Your report and next steps
Your report arrives in ServiceTracker with each result, a pass or fail status and prioritised actions. If Legionella is found, we’ll arrange follow-up sampling or disinfection works.
Book your free Legionella testing consultation
Book a free consultation and we’ll recommend the right sampling plan for your building, with no obligation to go ahead.
We can arrange routine monitoring visits or urgent sampling after a concern, scheduled at a time that suits your site.
What’s the difference between professional Legionella testing and self-testing kits?
Professional Legionella testing gives you accredited results and expert follow-up that hold up to audit, while self-testing kits leave sampling and interpretation to you.
Professional Legionella testing
Professional testing is the safer choice for most commercial sites, and the option insurers and auditors are most likely to accept.
- Chosen sampling points: Our engineers pick outlets across the building, including cold water tanks, dead legs, and higher-risk areas.
- Controlled sampling: Samples are taken using calibrated equipment and sterile methods.
- Accredited analysis: UKAS-accredited labs produce results you can defend at audit.
- Expert follow-up: If an issue comes up, we can arrange remedial action straight away.
- Best for: Higher-risk sites, buildings with vulnerable or public occupants, and anywhere you need evidence for insurers or auditors.
Self-testing kits
Self-testing kits can work as an extra check on lower-risk sites that already have an up-to-date Legionella risk assessment.
- Quicker to start: You can take samples without booking a site visit.
- Your responsibility: You’re responsible for sampling, handling and interpreting results correctly, which may not meet insurer or auditor expectations.
- No follow-up support: If results show Legionella, you’ll still need a professional team to investigate and treat the system.
- Best for: Low-risk sites with a recent risk assessment, where testing is an additional check and not your main evidence.
Not sure which suits your site? Ask us on a free call and we’ll give you an honest recommendation.
Which regulations cover Legionella testing in the UK?
ACoP L8, HSG 274 and COSHH are the main regulations and guidance covering Legionella control and testing in the UK.
-
![]( "aftercare")
ACoP L8
The HSE’s Approved Code of Practice sets out how duty holders should assess, manage and control Legionella risk in water systems. Testing is one recognised way to check your controls are working.
-
![]( "aftercare")
HSG 274
This HSE technical guidance comes in three parts, covering evaporative cooling systems, hot and cold water systems, and other risk systems such as spa pools. It says testing frequency should reflect the findings of your risk assessment.
-
![]( "aftercare")
COSHH
The Control of Substances Hazardous to Health Regulations require employers to prevent or adequately control exposure to hazardous substances, including Legionella. Test results help you show you’ve done this.
What do our customers say about our water hygiene services?
K
"I had a great experience with Acorn Environment Services. From the first call to the completed service, the team was professional, knowledgeable, and friendly. They took the time to explain the issue, walked me through the treatment plan, and answered all my questions. The service was prompt, thorough, and effective—I noticed a huge improvement right away"
Katie Markey
N
"I couldn't recommend Acorn highly enough, I've used them for over 3 years on my portfolio. Nothing is to big or to small, reporting is excellent and I've had operatives onsite in less than an hour when required. Acorn are my go to for pest control, jetwashing, tree services and biological clean up. They really go the extra mile whenever needed!"
Nathan Markey
H
"We’ve been using this company for water hygiene tests and couldn’t be happier with the service. The team is always punctual, professional, and very thorough in their checks. Reports are clear, detailed, and provided promptly, which gives us real peace of mind that we’re fully compliant."
Holly Turner
Legionella testing FAQs
How often should Legionella testing be carried out?
Who is responsible for Legionella testing?
What happens if Legionella is found in a water system?
Are DIY Legionella test kits suitable?
Speak to an accredited water hygiene specialist today
Speak to our LCA-accredited team today and we’ll arrange a site visit to test your water system.
Call 0161 483 7112 or book your free consultation below, and we’ll get back to you within 24 hours.
"*" indicates required fields