Antrim Council Hires Firm To Tackle Deadly Water Bacteria

Antrim and Newtownabbey Borough Council has appointed a company to tackle the potentially deadly legionella bacterium commonly found in warm water containing mechanical equipment.

National construction firm GRAHAM has been presented with a 'Legionella Management Services' contract for the council area.

Legionella are often found in equipment such as cooling towers, evaporative condensers, air washers, humidifiers, misters, hot water heaters, spas, fountains, and plumbing fixtures. It can cause a potentially fatal disease, Legionnaires' disease (legionellosis).

Planned Legionella management services accurately check for these bacteria in order to prevent disease, and to ensure the health and safety of facilities for staff, visitors and occupants.


GRAHAM's contract began in March and will run for three years, with the potential for a two-year extension.

Work will include Water Monitoring, Water Sampling, Legionella Written Control Schemes, Risk Assessments and Remedial Works, with responsibility for approximately 70 buildings across the council area, ranging from public conveniences to leisure centres.

Martin Gillespie, GRAHAM Operations Director, said: "We are delighted to have secured this important Legionella Management Services contract with Antrim and Newtownabbey Borough Council. Our team has successfully delivered these services for the council since 2008, and our in depth knowledge of the estate and the longstanding relationships that we have developed will ensure an unrivalled service for the residents of the borough.

"We have an experienced team of skilled operatives who, with the support of our innovative digital systems like Zetasafe, will continue to provide the highest quality standards and a customer-focused service."

(CM/JG)