Legionella in the water systems of hotels and public buildings: assessed, treated, documented
Technical survey, sampling by a laboratory accredited for the relevant tests, engaged for the property after the scope of work has been agreed and before sampling, remedial works, disinfection and follow-up sampling: one point of contact, under the technical supervision of a qualified engineer (Dipl.-Ing., heating, ventilation and sanitary engineering).
Why this matters now
Since the amendment of Ordinance No. 9 (Наредба № 9), accommodation of classes A and B (hotels, apartment complexes, guesthouses, holiday homes, campsites) must carry out a risk assessment of the internal water distribution and monitor for Legionella and lead. The monitoring plan is agreed with the local Regional Health Inspectorate (RZI); laboratory tests are carried out by accredited laboratories. Several years of test data form the basis of the first submission, so it pays to start early and in an orderly way.
In addition to accommodation, Article 6г of Ordinance No. 9 covers other specifically designated priority premises, including hospitals, certain other healthcare facilities, nurseries, kindergartens and schools. The risk assessment of the internal water distribution goes to the RZI, to the mayor of the municipality and to the water utility. The operator remains responsible throughout: for the health of guests, staff and visitors, and for being able to show, if it comes to it, that action was taken in good time and professionally.
The seasonal periods are an operational trigger: rooms are reoccupied after vacancy, and hot-water systems run at full load. Checking before the season starts helps operators plan necessary measures around operations and reduces the need to improvise if a result is abnormal.
What Legionella is
Legionella are bacteria that multiply in warm, stagnant water and can be inhaled in fine droplets, for example when showering or in a whirlpool. They can cause severe pneumonia. The EU/EEA report for 2024 recorded 15,362 cases; among 12,041 cases with known outcome, 1,117 deaths were recorded (ECDC, 2026). These notification data describe neither the risk to an individual hotel guest nor a worldwide figure. What matters for operators is the specific installation, the mandatory risk assessment and a properly coordinated monitoring and action plan.
Why engineering and laboratory belong together
An abnormal laboratory result can indicate a need for action, but it does not remove the cause. Possible causes in the installation are: stagnant water, disused pipework, hot-water temperatures that are too low, worn fittings. We therefore combine laboratory analysis with technical remediation, disinfection and follow-up sampling that checks the result again. The outcome is a traceable path from finding to documented solution. Once this is set up in an orderly way, you do not have to improvise if it comes to it.
Our service in five steps
- 1
Survey and technical risk assessment
We review the risk assessment, monitoring plan, laboratory results, maintenance and fault history and drawings, and inspect the drinking-water installation: service entry, hot-water generation and storage, recirculation, risers, outlets, disused and rarely used pipework, temperatures at the storage tank, return and furthest outlet, and the condition of fittings, shower heads and filters. We create or update separate hot- and cold-water diagrams for each building and list gaps against Ordinance No. 9 in writing.
- 2
Sampling and laboratory analysis
We agree sampling points and the monitoring plan with the RZI. Sampling and laboratory testing are carried out by a laboratory accredited for the relevant tests, engaged for the property after the scope of work has been agreed and before sampling. We propose the sampling points, organise the appointment and access, prepare the installation and consolidate the results in the report.
- 3
Remedial works and refurbishment
Our own team carries out the approved measures: removing dead legs, replacing fittings and filters, renewing or supplementing insulation, renewing pipe sections, providing access and flushing connections. We define the exact scope after inspecting the installation.
- 4
Disinfection and follow-up sampling
If disinfection is necessary, we arrange it, meeting the applicable requirements, through a suitable qualified partner, namely a contractor registered with the Bulgarian Ministry of Health under Ordinance No. 1 of 2018, under our coordination and with responsibility for the overall result. Disinfection starts only once the qualified contractor has been confirmed; only approved procedures and agents are used. An accredited laboratory always carries out follow-up sampling afterwards.
- 5
Documentation and operating routine
You receive a report on results, measures and open points, a draft operating routine (for example a flushing plan for unoccupied rooms and a temperature log) and the documents for the RZI. On request, we assess moisture and mould causes in the same visit.
Operators of hotels, apartment complexes, guesthouses and holiday complexes, as well as public buildings such as schools, kindergartens, hospitals, care and sports facilities and administrative buildings. Focus on the holiday regions of Bulgaria, Sofia, Plovdiv, Varna, Burgas, Veliko Tarnovo and other locations by appointment.
When operators contact us
- —You want to prepare the risk assessment and the monitoring plan and do not know where to start.
- —A laboratory result is abnormal and you need an orderly technical path.
- —A building or wing returns to service after vacancy or refurbishment.
- —The documents for the water system (diagrams, maintenance, materials) are incomplete.
- —You want to secure your installation before the season.
- —You operate a public building with a central hot-water system and want the installation technically assessed.
The responsible person is a German graduate engineer (Dipl.-Ing.) in heating, ventilation and sanitary engineering: Andreas Donner, head of Peak Care. He brings experience from international construction and technical project management, including practice from the technical project management of a hotel water system in Germany with a Legionella finding. Evidence is available on request.
Clear responsibilities
- —The operator submits the risk assessment under Ordinance No. 9. We provide the technical documents and a draft.
- —Laboratory results come from a laboratory accredited for the relevant tests, engaged for the property after the scope of work has been agreed and before sampling.
- —All disinfection is carried out by a contractor registered with the Bulgarian Ministry of Health under Ordinance No. 1 of 2018, under our coordination. We remain responsible for the overall result.
- —We give no guarantee of freedom from germs and no assurance of official recognition. That is why every disinfection is followed by follow-up sampling.
- —We do not make medical diagnoses.
- —Private wells, kitchens, pools, spas and whirlpools and cooling towers are part of the standard scope. The basis for this is an individual review.
Frequently asked questions
What obligations do hotels in Bulgaria have?+
Accommodation of classes A and B must carry out a risk assessment of the internal water distribution and monitor for Legionella and lead. The monitoring plan is agreed with the RZI; laboratory tests are carried out by accredited laboratories.
How does sampling work?+
We agree sampling points and the monitoring plan with the RZI. Sampling and analysis are carried out by a laboratory accredited for the relevant tests, engaged for the property after the scope of work has been agreed and before sampling. You receive the results together with our technical interpretation.
What happens after an abnormal result?+
We clarify the technical cause, for example stagnation, disused pipework or hot-water temperatures that are too low, remedy it, have the system disinfected by a registered contractor and verify the result by follow-up sampling. Every step is documented.
Do you offer disinfection?+
Yes, we offer disinfection as a service and take responsibility for the overall result. It is carried out by a contractor registered with the Bulgarian Ministry of Health under Ordinance No. 1 of 2018, under our coordination and with approved agents. We give no guarantee of freedom from germs, so follow-up sampling by an accredited laboratory always follows.
What does it cost?+
Price on request. After the site visit you receive a binding written quotation based on the actual condition. Additional work only with your written consent.
Do you also work for public buildings?+
Yes. We support operators of hotels and resorts as well as public buildings, for example schools, kindergartens, hospitals, care and sports facilities or administrative buildings, with the survey, sampling by accredited laboratories, remedial works and disinfection. For hospitals, nurseries, kindergartens and schools, Ordinance No. 9 names an obligation to carry out a risk assessment of the internal water distribution; which obligations apply in an individual case, we clarify with you and the competent authority.
Which regions do you cover?+
Focus on the holiday regions of Bulgaria, Sofia, Plovdiv, Varna, Burgas, Veliko Tarnovo and other locations by appointment.
The same technical care applies to the causes of moisture and mould in buildings, spa facilities and wherever mould problems can occur. The same approach applies to moisture and mould: identify the causes, address them and document the results.
To our mould and moisture remediation page →Discuss the technical starting point
Tell us the type of property and location, your contact person and the reason. Please do not send us any health data.
Price on request.
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