The cost of Legionella

A healthcare facility lost close to $400,000 due to a Legionella-prone system. 

There aren’t many water safety threats in commercial buildings that are as costly and as preventable as Legionella. A recent case study published by HC Legionella Ltd offers crucial insights into the steep consequences of a Legionella crisis by leveraging the engineering firm’s efforts to decontaminate a British healthcare facility as an example. Here are three key takeaways from the case study:

Not taking action on time can lead to enormous costs

According to this case study, a routine disinfection effort spiraled into a 24-month battle with persistent Legionella contamination. The healthcare facility had to shell out approximately $400,000, excluding operational disruptions and reputational damage. For commercial facilities like hotels, office buildings, and hospitals, this highlights the financial burden that delayed or insufficient response can create.

Outdated Systems Create Hidden Risks

The affected healthcare facility suffered due to aging infrastructure—stagnant water, inconsistent temperatures, and complex plumbing layouts all contributed to bacterial growth. Commercial properties with traditional storage water heaters are especially vulnerable. These systems often allow water to sit unused, creating ideal conditions for Legionella to thrive.

Prevention Is Far More Cost-Effective Than Remediation

The case reinforces a critical truth: investing in proactive mitigation strategies is far more affordable than managing an outbreak. Technologies like commercial-grade tankless water heaters help minimize risk by maintaining consistent hot water delivery and eliminating stagnant storage tanks. This simple upgrade can become a cornerstone of your Legionella prevention plan.

Mitigating Legionella Risk

In Water Heaters With Safer System Design

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Legionella e-book

This eBook will help you to…

  • Understand the risks of Legionella in hot water systems
  • Discover how tankless products can help you design a robust system and mitigate the risk of Legionella at the same time
  • Learn how tankless technology can save energy costs, while still providing safe, clean hot water

Mitigating Legionella Risk

In Water Heaters With Safer System Design

Download e-book