Microbiological Testing - Facility & Site Monitoring

Regular microbiological monitoring is an essential part of maintaining safe and compliant water systems across multi-site operations such as schools, holiday parks, and marine vessels. These environments often serve large numbers of users, operate a range of water systems, and experience fluctuating occupancy throughout the year. Without consistent maintenance, these conditions can create opportunities for bacterial growth when water hygiene controls are not effectively maintained.

Envirochem provides UKAS-accredited microbiological testing and analysis (laboratory No. 1227) to help facility managers, estates teams, and duty holders verify that their water management programmes remain effective. Incorporating routine testing within ongoing compliance programmes allows potential issues to be identified early, supporting timely corrective action and minimising impact on staff and guests.

Where We Test

Microbiological testing assesses the presence of bacteria such as Legionella, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and coliform bacteria like E. coli within hot and cold-water systems. These organisms can multiply in stagnant or poorly maintained water, particularly where systems are large or used intermittently.

Envirochem carry out microbiological testing across a wide range of facilities where maintaining water hygiene is critical, including:

Schools, academies, and higher education facilities
Holiday parks and leisure complexes
Ferries, ships, and other marine vessels
Public buildings and multi-tenanted sites

Our laboratory uses standard culture-based and membrane filtration methods to detect key bacterial indicators, with results interpreted against recognised thresholds.

Our Process

Most clients submit samples directly to us as part of their established control schemes. We provide appropriate sampling containers and instructions where needed to help ensure that samples are collected correctly and remain representative of the system being assessed.

Once received, all samples are analysed in our UKAS-accredited laboratory (No. 1227) using validated microbiological methods. Results are reported promptly, with clear interpretation against the relevant guidance such as ACoP L8, HSG274 Part 2, or HSG282 depending on system type and use.

If results exceed recommended thresholds, we offer practical advice on follow-up testing or verification sampling to support your ongoing compliance and help maintain safe operating conditions across your facilities.

When is Facility & Site Monitoring Required?

Microbiological monitoring is typically required:

As part of an ongoing water safety or Legionella control programme
Following a site’s Legionella risk assessment or system modification
When facilities experience periods of low occupancy or closure
In environments with vulnerable users, such as schools or accommodation sites
To confirm the effectiveness of disinfection or maintenance regimes

Testing frequency varies by site type and system complexity. Schools and public buildings often undertake annual or term-based testing, whereas vessels and holiday parks may require more frequent sampling due to variable usage and high seasonal demand.

Compliance and Risk Considerations

Managing water quality across multiple sites requires consistency, traceability, and documented evidence that control measures are working as intended. Duty holders must meet the requirements of the Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974, COSHH, and the technical guidance outlined in ACoP L8, HSG274 Part 2, and HSG282 for relevant systems.

A lack of routine microbiological testing can leave organisations unable to demonstrate effective control, which increases the risk of enforcement action, reputational damage, and costly corrective work if contamination is identified. For schools, this may affect safeguarding duties, and for marine or leisure facilities it can impact licensing, user safety, and operational continuity.

Regular laboratory analysis provides objective evidence that control schemes are performing correctly. It supports audit trails, helps identify emerging issues early, and gives operators confidence that their systems remain compliant with recognised guidance.

Why Choose Envirochem?

Envirochem has over three decades of experience supporting facilities managers, estates teams, and vessel operators with accurate microbiological analysis. All testing is carried out in our in-house UKAS-accredited laboratory (No. 1227), providing a fast, traceable service supported by expert interpretation.

Our team of experts combine technical precision with a deep understanding of operational realities. We help you make sense of your results, identify trends across multiple sites, and prioritise actions that minimise disruption and risk.

Because we work across chemical, microbiological and occupational hygiene disciplines, we provide joined-up advice that considers the full picture of compliance, maintenance and risk. Whether you oversee a single school or an entire network of properties, Envirochem provides the technical assurance and reliability needed to maintain safe and compliant water systems year-round.

Speak to Our Team

If you manage a facility or multi-site operation and require microbiological testing to support your water safety responsibilities, get in touch today. We’ll ensure your samples are analysed accurately and reported clearly, giving you the reliable data you need to demonstrate compliance and maintain safe system performance.