--- title: Universities and Academies - Legionella Checklist description: An easy-to-follow checklist for Universities and Academies to minimise the risk of Legionella bacteria, helping to keep both students and staff safe. image: https://www.waterhygienecentre.com/hubfs/Legionella%20Checklist%20for%20Unis%20and%20Academies%20749%20x%20497%20100KB.png --- [![Water-Hygiene-Centre-Logo1-2](https://www.waterhygienecentre.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Water-Hygiene-Centre-Logo1-2.png?width=225&height=80&name=Water-Hygiene-Centre-Logo1-2.png "Water-Hygiene-Centre-Logo1-2")](https://www.waterhygienecentre.com/) [![white-logo](https://www.waterhygienecentre.com/hs-fs/hubfs/WaterHygieneCentre-2019/Images/white-logo.png?width=198&height=69&name=white-logo.png "white-logo")](https://www.waterhygienecentre.com/) - [** ](https://www.facebook.com/sharer/sharer.php?u=https://www.waterhygienecentre.com/blog/legionella-checklist-universities&title=Universities%20and%20Academies%20-%20Legionella%20Checklist%20&picture=https://2896031.fs1.hubspotusercontent-na1.net/hubfs/2896031/Legionella%20Checklist%20for%20Unis%20and%20Academies%20749%20x%20497%20100KB.png&description=An%20easy-to-follow%20checklist%20for%20Universities%20and%20Academies%20to%20minimise%20the%20risk%20of%20Legionella%20bacteria,%20helping%20to%20keep%20both%20students%20and%20staff%20safe.) - [**](https://twitter.com/share?source=https://www.waterhygienecentre.com/blog/legionella-checklist-universities&text=Universities%20and%20Academies%20-%20Legionella%20Checklist%20%20-%20https://www.waterhygienecentre.com/blog/legionella-checklist-universities) - [**](http://www.linkedin.com/shareArticle?mini=true&url=https://www.waterhygienecentre.com/blog/legionella-checklist-universities&title=Universities%20and%20Academies%20-%20Legionella%20Checklist%20&summary=An%20easy-to-follow%20checklist%20for%20Universities%20and%20Academies%20to%20minimise%20the%20risk%20of%20Legionella%20bacteria,%20helping%20to%20keep%20both%20students%20and%20staff%20safe.) # **Legionella Checklist for Universities and Academies** by [Water Hygiene Centre](https://www.waterhygienecentre.com/blog/author/water-hygiene-centre), on 27-05-2026 Find me on: [LinkedIn](https://www.linkedin.com/company/water-hygiene-centre/?viewAsMember=true)   [![Legionella Checklist for Unis and Academies 749 x 497 100KB](https://www.waterhygienecentre.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Legionella%20Checklist%20for%20Unis%20and%20Academies%20749%20x%20497%20100KB.png?width=749&height=497&name=Legionella%20Checklist%20for%20Unis%20and%20Academies%20749%20x%20497%20100KB.png)](https://www.waterhygienecentre.com/blog/legionella-checklist-universities) [Educational ](https://www.waterhygienecentre.com/blog/education-legionella)institutions, universities, and academies play a crucial role in shaping the lives of countless students. These institutions strive to provide an enriching environment that promotes learning, growth, and personal development. However, one aspect sometimes overlooked is the potential risk of the presence of Legionella bacteria.  ## **What are Legionella Bacteria?** *Legionella* bacteria exist naturally in fresh water and, if not controlled are responsible for causing [Legionnaires' disease](https://www.waterhygienecentre.com/blog/contracting-legionnaires-disease), a severe form of acute bacterial pneumonia. These bacteria thrive in warm water environments, such as [cooling towers](https://www.waterhygienecentre.com/blog/cooling-tower-risk), domestic water systems, [water fountains,](https://www.waterhygienecentre.com/blog/water-fountain-legionella) and other systems where the water temperature is typically between 20°C and 45°C. When inhaled, the bacteria can lead to serious health complications and is potentially fatal, particularly in susceptible individuals with weakened immune systems.   [![Download your Training Needs Review Tool](https://no-cache.hubspot.com/cta/default/2896031/1e48240a-72c1-4c2c-9831-fc584764351f.png)](https://cta-redirect.hubspot.com/cta/redirect/2896031/1e48240a-72c1-4c2c-9831-fc584764351f)   ## **How can I manage Legionella Bacteria?** The following actions can be used as a checklist to ensure your organisation starts to manage the risk of Legionella bacteria within the water systems; - [![Risk Assessment Remedial Works](https://www.waterhygienecentre.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Risk%20Assessment%20%20Remedial%20Works.jpg?width=293&height=219&name=Risk%20Assessment%20%20Remedial%20Works.jpg)](https://www.waterhygienecentre.com/blog/legionella-checklist-universities)[Legionella Risk Assessment](https://www.waterhygienecentre.com/legionella-risk-assessment-l8) (LRA): Check that there is a current LRA for the water systems, and, after review, it will determine whether the current LRA remains suitable and sufficient. However, if there is no previous RA, or the current RA does not reflect the water system it refers to due to changes, you are legally required to conduct a new LRA. Note that any LRA should be updated in anticipation of any changes rather than as a reaction to change e.g. refurbishment. A compliant LRA will identify potential areas where *Legionella* bacteria could grow, such as cooling towers, [cold water storage tanks](https://www.waterhygienecentre.com/blog/cold-water-cistern-design), [expansion vessels](https://www.waterhygienecentre.com/blog/expansion-vessels-legionella) and showers. This assessment will help determine the level of risk and prioritise necessary actions. - As-Fitted Record Drawings – as a minimum a [schematic drawing](https://www.waterhygienecentre.com/schematics) must be available. Maintaining accurate record drawings is crucial in knowing the characteristics of your water system. It should identify all plant and equipment, pipe distribution routes, strainers/filters and all outlets (including identifying [sentinel points](https://www.waterhygienecentre.com/blog/sentinel-points)).   - Develop a [Water Safety Plan](https://www.waterhygienecentre.com/water-safety-plan) (WSP): A WSP (also referred to as a ‘Written Scheme’ needs to be based on the Legionella risk assessment. [BS 8680 – 2020 – Water Quality – Water Safety Plans- Code of Practice](https://www.waterhygienecentre.com/blog/bs8680-water-safety-plan) gives comprehensive guidance on what his document should contain.  This plan should include regular monitoring, maintenance, and cleaning procedures to prevent the growth of *Legionella* bacteria and assign responsibilities to staff members to ensure accountability. The WSP also needs to be updated regularly.   - [Monitor Water Temperatures](https://www.waterhygienecentre.com/academy/temperature-monitoring): *Legionella* bacteria thrive in warm water temperatures between 20-45°C. Regularly monitor water temperatures in all water systems.  Ensure that cold water is maintained below 20°C and hot water is heated to a temperature that inhibits bacterial growth; 60°C within storage vessels and a minimum of 50°C at the outlets. - Implement regular flushing and cleaning:  This includes a routine [legionella flushing regime](https://www.waterhygienecentre.com/blog/legionella-flushing-program) of water outlets, cleaning showerheads, and disinfecting cooling towers (where installed). Following inspections, the cleaning and disinfection of cold water storage tanks and water heaters may also be required    - [Educate Staff and Students](https://www.waterhygienecentre.com/legionella-awareness-training): Raise [Legionella awareness](https://www.waterhygienecentre.com/legionella-awareness-training) among staff and students about Legionnaires' disease and the importance of preventive measures. Provide information on recognising symptoms, such as high fever, cough, and muscle pain, and encourage prompt reporting to the appropriate authorities. [![Legionella Training](https://www.waterhygienecentre.com/hs-fs/hubfs/trainingimagecropped.jpg?width=362&height=195&name=trainingimagecropped.jpg)](https://www.waterhygienecentre.com/blog/legionella-checklist-universities) - Train Staff in Water Safety: Provide [Legionella training](https://www.waterhygienecentre.com/legionella-training) to maintenance personnel on water safety and *Legionella *prevention. Equip them with the knowledge and skills to identify potential risks, carry out maintenance procedures, and respond to potential outbreaks promptly.   - Regularly inspect Water Systems: Conduct regular inspections of water systems, including pipes, tanks, and cooling towers. Look for signs of corrosion, the effects of [biofilm](https://www.waterhygienecentre.com/blog/what-are-biofilms-1) formation, or other potential issues that could contribute to the growth of *Legionella* bacteria. Promptly address any identified problems to prevent further complications.   - Engage Professional Services: Consider an independent professional Legionella consultant or [Authorising Engineer (Water),](https://www.waterhygienecentre.com/authorising-engineer-water) who can provide support and advice in line with current guidance. These experts can provide guidance on best practices, carry out thorough inspections and [Water Safety Audits](https://www.waterhygienecentre.com/water-safety-audit), and offer recommendations tailored to the specific needs of the institution.   By implementing and regularly following this *Legionella* checklist, universities and academies can prioritise the health and safety of all individuals on their premises. Maintaining a safe water environment is vital for preventing the outbreak of Legionnaires' disease and ensuring a conducive learning environment for students. Let's make the safety of our educational institutions a top priority! Further reading> U[niversity, College and School Legionella Training](https://www.waterhygienecentre.com/blog/school-legionella-training)   Feel free to reach out if you have any questions about this blog or if you would like to [consult with one of our experts for further advice on water hygiene.](https://www.waterhygienecentre.com/contact)   Editor's Note: The information provided in this blog is correct as of the date of original publication – September 2023 (Revised May 2026). © Water Hygiene Centre 2026   [![New call-to-action](https://no-cache.hubspot.com/cta/default/2896031/f089f2a6-474b-4e85-9b3f-2d39a96f94e0.png)](https://cta-redirect.hubspot.com/cta/redirect/2896031/f089f2a6-474b-4e85-9b3f-2d39a96f94e0)   #### About the author #### [Water Hygiene Centre](https://www.waterhygienecentre.com/blog/author/water-hygiene-centre) The Water Hygiene Centre was established in 2009 to address the lack of independent water hygiene consultancy within the industry. From our humble beginnings, we have established ourselves as a market leader, helping clients identify and minimise the risk of waterborne contamination and disease, whilst improving compliance performance. ### Related Posts ### [Education – Areas of High Legionella Risk](https://www.waterhygienecentre.com/blog/education-legionella-risk) by [Jonathan Twaites](https://www.waterhygienecentre.com/blog/author/jonathan-twaites), on 30-06-2026 Legionella risk is a subject that anyone who manages water systems needs to consider and suitably manage, whether you are involved with an office block, hospital, school, or higher education. There... [Read More](https://www.waterhygienecentre.com/blog/education-legionella-risk) ### [University, College and School Legionella Training](https://www.waterhygienecentre.com/blog/school-legionella-training) by [Charlie Brain](https://www.waterhygienecentre.com/blog/author/charlie-brain), on 24-06-2026 A simple internet search using the words “Legionella and Schools” identifies many news articles with instances of schools being closed following a Legionella “outbreak”. [Read More](https://www.waterhygienecentre.com/blog/school-legionella-training) ##### Share your thoughts ### Subscribe to our weekly email updates [![New call-to-action](https://no-cache.hubspot.com/cta/default/2896031/ca5de60b-a521-407d-ad56-515c39fed9f2.png)](https://cta-redirect.hubspot.com/cta/redirect/2896031/ca5de60b-a521-407d-ad56-515c39fed9f2) ### Categories - [General (221)](https://www.waterhygienecentre.com/blog/topic/general) - [Featured (148)](https://www.waterhygienecentre.com/blog/topic/featured) - [Recent News (73)](https://www.waterhygienecentre.com/blog/topic/recent-news) - [Legionella Risk Assessment (26)](https://www.waterhygienecentre.com/blog/topic/legionella-risk-assessment) - [Home Page (19)](https://www.waterhygienecentre.com/blog/topic/home-page) - [news (19)](https://www.waterhygienecentre.com/blog/topic/news) - [Healthcare (16)](https://www.waterhygienecentre.com/blog/topic/healthcare) - [Authorising Engineer (Water) (14)](https://www.waterhygienecentre.com/blog/topic/authorising-engineer-water) - [Education (12)](https://www.waterhygienecentre.com/blog/topic/education) - [Training (10)](https://www.waterhygienecentre.com/blog/topic/training) - [Legionella Awareness Training (9)](https://www.waterhygienecentre.com/blog/topic/legionella-awareness-training) - [Property Management (9)](https://www.waterhygienecentre.com/blog/topic/property-management) - [Role of the Responsible Person (9)](https://www.waterhygienecentre.com/blog/topic/role-of-the-responsible-person) - [Role of the Authorised Person (8)](https://www.waterhygienecentre.com/blog/topic/role-of-the-authorised-person) - [Water Risk Assessment Review (8)](https://www.waterhygienecentre.com/blog/topic/water-risk-assessment-review) - [Written Scheme/Water Safety Plan (7)](https://www.waterhygienecentre.com/blog/topic/written-scheme-water-safety-plan) - [Local Authorities (6)](https://www.waterhygienecentre.com/blog/topic/local-authorities) - [Role of the Competent Person (5)](https://www.waterhygienecentre.com/blog/topic/role-of-the-competent-person) - [Role of the Authorised Person - Design (4)](https://www.waterhygienecentre.com/blog/topic/role-of-the-authorised-person-design) - [Water Safety Audit (4)](https://www.waterhygienecentre.com/blog/topic/water-safety-audit) - [Schematics (2)](https://www.waterhygienecentre.com/blog/topic/schematics) - [Construction & Architects (1)](https://www.waterhygienecentre.com/blog/topic/construction-architects) [See all](https://www.waterhygienecentre.com/blog/legionella-checklist-universities#) ### Most Popular Blog Posts **About** **Services** **Training** **Knowledge Spa** [![Water-Hygiene-Centre-Logo1](https://www.waterhygienecentre.com/hs-fs/hubfs/WaterHygieneCentre-2019/Images/Water-Hygiene-Centre-Logo1.jpg?width=241&height=86&name=Water-Hygiene-Centre-Logo1.jpg "Water-Hygiene-Centre-Logo1")](https://www.waterhygienecentre.com/) ### Connect with us - [![Facebook](https://www.waterhygienecentre.com/hubfs/WaterHygieneCentre-2019/Images/facebook.png "Water Hygiene Centre on Facebook")](https://www.facebook.com/WaterHygieneCentre/) - [![LinkedIn](https://www.waterhygienecentre.com/hubfs/WaterHygieneCentre-2019/Images/linkedin.png "Water Hygiene Centre on LinkedIn")](https://www.linkedin.com/company/water-hygiene-centre/) - [![YouTube](https://www.waterhygienecentre.com/hubfs/WaterHygieneCentre-2019/Images/youtube.png "Water Hygiene Centre on YouTube")](https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCFc94KlCXe3HNXT-uXuBd8w)                                                                             © Copyright 2026. 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