In hospitality, guest experience is everything – and safety plays a central role in that. Clean sheets and excellent service won’t count for much if the water coming out of a tap poses a risk to health. One of the most serious threats? Legionella.

Legionella in hotels is a known risk. It’s not just a compliance box to tick – it’s a real hazard that needs careful control. Water hygiene in hospitality settings affects everything from legal responsibility to your reputation, so it’s worth getting it right.

Understanding the Risk: Legionella in Hotels

Hotels have complex water systems with varying usage patterns. This can easily create the perfect environment for Legionella bacteria, which flourish in stagnant, warm water. When water droplets containing the bacteria become airborne – say, through showers or spa jets – they can be inhaled by guests or staff, potentially leading to Legionnaires’ disease.

It’s a serious respiratory illness. The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) outlines clear responsibilities for duty holders to reduce this risk. Outbreaks linked to hotel water systems are still reported globally, reminding the industry that water safety cannot be left to chance.

Where the Risks Lurk

Certain features common in hospitality environments increase the risk if not properly maintained:

• Showers and Taps: Irregular use in some rooms can lead to stagnant water, giving bacteria time to multiply.
• Spa Pools and Hot Tubs: High-profile risk areas, especially if disinfection is inconsistent or filtration is poor.
• Cooling Towers: These can release contaminated aerosols over large areas if not regularly treated.
• Water Storage Tanks: A common breeding ground if tanks are not kept clean, sealed, and insulated.

Even small oversights can lead to breaches in water compliance for hospitality venues – and those can result in legal action or damage to brand trust.

Practical Steps for Water Hygiene in Hospitality

A strong water safety strategy should be proactive and preventative. Here’s what that looks like:

• Conduct Legionella Risk Assessments regularly. Dantek Environmental can help identify problem areas across your site.
• Clean showerheads and taps routinely. Professional disinfection prevents build-up that shelters bacteria.
• Monitor water temperature in storage and outlet points. Legionella grows between 20°C and 45°C, so keeping temperatures in check is a crucial control.
• Maintain tanks properly. Water tank cleaning ensures your storage doesn’t become a liability.

The HSE’s Approved Code of Practice (ACoP L8) and HSG274 Part 2 set out clear expectations for managing the risk of Legionella in hospitality environments. These documents emphasise the importance of a written water safety plan that includes regular monitoring, control measures, and documented responsibilities – especially in larger or multi-site operations where water systems are more complex.

Why It Matters for Your Guests – and Your Business

Guests trust you to keep them safe, and that includes the water they drink, shower in, and swim in. A single incident linked to poor water hygiene can trigger negative reviews, media coverage, or even temporary closure. Worse, if someone becomes seriously ill due to avoidable negligence, the consequences can include legal claims or criminal charges.

Prioritising water compliance for hospitality is both a regulatory requirement and a sensible business decision. It shows you value health and safety just as much as comfort and service.

Partnering with Experts Makes the Difference

Managing water systems in a busy hotel or leisure site is complex – but you don’t have to handle it alone. Dantek Environmental Services specialises in supporting hospitality clients with practical, fully compliant solutions that make ongoing water hygiene simpler to manage.

From site risk assessments and regular monitoring to documentation support, we provide peace of mind that your property is safe, compliant, and audit-ready.

If you’re responsible for water hygiene in hospitality and want expert guidance or support, get in touch with our team at Dantek Environmental to discuss your needs. We’re happy to help with straightforward advice and reliable service you can trust.