Legionella danger on the rise:

Keraflo calls for tighter control in water storage safety

Keraflo is calling for stronger water management standards as Legionella bacteria continues to surface in public buildings across the UK. Recent reports, including positive samples at a West London council facility and a Norfolk GP practice, show the threat of Legionella remains active and widespread.

With UK Legionellosis cases up more than 20% since 2017, the issue is not one of awareness but of control. Legionella bacteria develop in stagnant or poorly maintained water systems, particularly where temperatures sit between 20°C and 45°C. If inhaled through contaminated droplets, the bacteria can cause Legionnaires’ disease, a severe pneumonia that poses a big risk to older adults, smokers and those with weakened immune systems. For facilities teams managing large or intermittently used sites, such as offices, healthcare settings or educational buildings, maintaining optimal water conditions is both a compliance requirement and a public health duty.

Keraflo’s Tanktronic system has been developed to address precisely these challenges. The electronic management unit continuously monitors the temperature and controls the water level, providing a clear picture of tank conditions and preventing stagnation. It has a two-stage alert system; if the first alert is not responded to, a second ‘override’ alert can be set which will take evasive action.

For buildings with variable or seasonal occupancy, Tanktronic’s ‘holiday mode’ automatically adjusts tank capacity to match demand, reducing water retention and associated bacterial growth. The system also supports Legionella risk management by providing alarm functionality that flags issues for investigation and remains active until resolved - helping facilities teams demonstrate ongoing control and responsiveness.

“Legionella should never be seen as routine maintenance noise,” says a Richard Braid, Managing Director of Keraflo. “Effective control begins with active monitoring. Tanktronic gives facilities teams the ability to manage stored water intelligently, ensuring temperature, turnover and hygiene are maintained at all times.”

Keraflo’s message is clear: prevention starts at the tank. With the right control technology in place, facilities managers can reduce the risk of Legionella, improve system performance and maintain compliance with minimal intervention.