A school in Milton Keynes has been temporarily closed after Legionella bacteria were discovered in its water supply.

Parents were asked to collect their children, following the results of routine water testing that shut Hazeley Academy on Wednesday 17th September.

The school is expected to reopen on 23 September, pending further investigation to confirm the premises are safe.

A spokesperson for the academy said: “While it is a low risk, we are taking precautionary measures to ensure the safety and wellbeing of all students, staff, and visitors.”

Legionella bacteria can cause Legionnaires’ disease, a serious lung infection contracted by breathing in tiny droplets of contaminated water. Symptoms include a high temperature, chest pain, and flu-like signs of illness.

At present, there are no reported cases linked to the school. Hazeley Academy has confirmed it will only reopen once the water supply has been retested and deemed safe. In the meantime, students will continue their lessons remotely.

Legionella risk assessments are a vital safeguard for public buildings, such as schools, as they help identify potential sources of contamination in water systems before they pose a serious health risk. Regular monitoring and preventative action ensure that the water systems in buildings like schools, hospitals and workplaces remain free from harmful bacteria, helping to prevent potential outbreaks and maintain a safe environment.  

At Bradley Environmental, we are specialists in Legionella and Water Hygiene Risk Management, with extensive experience, we deliver practical and cost-effective solutions to help businesses stay compliant and protect their teams and customers from the risks of Legionnaires’ disease.

Our Services Include:

  • Professional Legionella Risk Assessments
  • Expert guidance to meet UK Health and Safety regulations
  • Tailored solutions for various industries
  • Water system remediation work

Bradley Environmental Consultants are registered with the Legionella Control Association (LCA), members of the Association of Plumbing and Heating Contractors (APHC), and is an approved WaterSafe (APHC) Contractor.

Let us help you ensure your water systems are safe and compliant.