The ongoing fallout from the Legionella outbreak at Bethnal Green’s York Hall shows the importance of regular Legionella testing. The historic hall, which is used as a leisure and sports centre, was discovered to have a Legionella bacteria outbreak in its hot water system back in July 2026. It was initially stated that the building would reopen shortly. However, councillors have now been told the building will open in January 2027 at the earliest. This is only if three rounds of subsequent Legionella testing return clear results.
Hot water systems are a common breeding ground for the Legionella bacteria. Water stored between 45 – 60 °C is the perfect breeding ground for the bacteria to proliferate in. If this water is then turned into inhalable droplets through systems like taps, air conditioners and showers, it can be breathed into the lungs. This infection can then cause Legionnaires’ disease, a serious, potentially fatal form of pneumonia.
Remedial Works Face Ongoing Complications
Additional issues have complicated the remedial works to end the York Hall Legionella outbreak. Further testing after the initial discovery showed that Legionella bacteria were also present in the building’s cold water system.
Legionella is considered dormant in water under 20 °C, which means it is still present, but not proliferating. However, if the water is raised to a higher temperature, the bacteria can begin to multiply. As such, it is vital to keep and maintain the water within cold water systems below 20 °C. In higher risk environments where large volumes of water are dispensed through aerating assets such as showers and saunas, it is imperative that temperature control is exercised.
“York Hall is nearly 100 years old and has a complex water system, some of it original. There is no complete record of the pipework and some pipes cannot be traced.”
– Council Report
Historic Building Issues
The historic nature of York Hall has also caused complications. The Hall is over 100 years old, and parts of its water system may be original to that era. There is also no complete record of its pipework.
This can be problematic for Legionella outbreaks. Having a map of all pipework (a water schematic) is vital in identifying the cause of potential outbreaks. Being able to map out the water system allows you to identify assets or areas of the water system that may be affected by reduced flow or out of range temperatures. As well as areas that could also become positive if left untreated. These include ‘dead-legs ’, which are lengths of pipework which don’t feed an asset or flow back into the main system.
The bacteria also flourish in unclean water systems that contain minerals, particles, dirt or film. As bacteria can feed off these deposits. This is likely to be the case in a historic water system where facilities were often built using alternative materials such as lead, galvanised steel or cast iron that have since been discontinued.
The BBC reports that lost income from the closed leisure centre and repairs to the building could total £924,000.
Regular Legionella Testing Importance
Ultimately, despite these complications, the outbreak at York Hall emphasises not only how important regular Legionella testing is, but also how vital it is to have and implement a full compliance schedule. Once the bacterial presence was discovered in July 2026, the Hall was shut as a precautionary measure. No cases of Legionnaires’ disease have been reported connected to the outbreak. This means that the outbreak was caught in good time and the Hall shutting prevented a significant threat to the public. While remedial works can be complex in a large historic building such as York Hall, they are vital to restore a properly clean water system and keep the public safe.
LMS Regular Legionella Testing Services
Whilst regular Legionella testing is not legally required, LMS advises carrying out sampling every six months as this is often the first indication that your compliance schedule is not effective.
LMS also offers a Legionella Risk Assessment service. This is an invaluable tool for organisations looking to monitor and reduce their Legionella risk. This includes:
- Evaluating the existing Legionella monitoring regime and implementing a new one if required
- A full water schematic of the building
- Training on Legionella awareness, site-specific responsibilities and other tracking services
- All carried out by a qualified risk assessor
This information can help ensure that the organisational compliance schedule is appropriate and effective. It can also assist organisations in addressing any positive results promptly to ensure a safe water system for all.