clean underground water tank

Top 5 Reasons Why Property Managers Should Have Their Water Tanks Cleaned and Tested for Legionella

As a property manager, ensuring the safety and comfort of your tenants isn’t just a responsibility — it’s a legal and reputational necessity. One often-overlooked area of building maintenance is water hygiene, particularly when it comes to Legionella control. Legionella bacteria can thrive in stagnant or poorly maintained water systems, leading to serious health risks like Legionnaires’ disease, a potentially fatal form of pneumonia. At EPS Environmental, we specialise in helping property managers stay compliant, safe, and proactive through professional water tank cleaning and Legionella testing. Here are the top five reasons why you should make this a routine part of your maintenance schedule.

1. Legal Compliance and Duty of Care

Under UK law — specifically the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974 and the Approved Code of Practice L8 (ACoP L8) — property managers have a legal duty to assess and control the risk of Legionella in their water systems. Regular cleaning and testing are key components of compliance. Failure to comply can lead to prosecution, fines, or serious reputational damage.

2. Protecting Tenant Health and Safety

Legionella bacteria can spread through water droplets from showers, taps, and cooling systems. For tenants, especially older people or those with weakened immune systems, exposure can be life-threatening. Routine tank cleaning and water testing eliminate bacterial growth and safeguard the wellbeing of everyone in your property.

3. Preventing Costly Breakdowns and Contamination

Sediment, scale, and biofilm naturally build up inside cold water storage tanks over time. If left untreated, these contaminants provide a breeding ground for bacteria and can lead to equipment damage, blocked pipes, or poor water pressure. Regular cleaning prevents these issues — saving you money on emergency callouts and costly replacements.

4. Maintaining Water Quality and System Efficiency

Clean, well-maintained water systems deliver consistent pressure, better flow, and visibly clearer water. By keeping tanks free of debris and microbial build-up, you ensure your building’s plumbing infrastructure operates efficiently — reducing energy use and extending system lifespan.

5. Building Trust and Professional Reputation

Property managers who prioritise water hygiene demonstrate professionalism, care, and reliability. Whether you manage a residential block, commercial property, or healthcare facility, your commitment to regular testing and cleaning reassures tenants, clients, and inspectors that health and safety come first.

Stay Compliant. Stay Safe. Stay Confident.

At EPS Environmental, our specialists provide comprehensive water hygiene services, including water tank cleaning, Legionella testing, and risk assessments — all tailored to your site’s needs and legal obligations. Protect your property and the people who rely on it. Contact EPS Environmental today to schedule your water tank inspection and Legionella testing service