Legionella Testing Services

Huntington Beach, California, January 15, 2026

As California businesses, schools, and property managers respond to winter breaks and seasonal slowdowns, LA Testing, the state’s leading laboratory for Legionella analysis, is reminding building owners and facility operators about the increased risk of Legionella growth in water systems during periods of low occupancy or disuse.

When buildings experience reduced water flow, such as during holiday closures, partial shutdowns, or reduced staffing periods, the stagnant water in pipes, tanks, and cooling systems can create ideal conditions for microbial growth. Warm temperatures, stagnant water, and the loss of disinfectant residuals can allow Legionella pneumophila, the bacterium responsible for Legionnaires’ disease, to multiply.

“Even a few weeks of low water use can significantly alter water quality,” said Michael Chapman, Laboratory Manager at LA Testing. “Biofilms and stagnant conditions create perfect environments for Legionella and other opportunistic pathogens to thrive. Before reopening or increasing occupancy, it’s crucial that facilities test and properly flush their water systems.”

Legionnaires’ disease is a serious, sometimes fatal, form of pneumonia caused by inhaling water droplets contaminated with Legionella. Outbreaks are most commonly linked to large buildings and complex water systems such as hotels, schools, offices, hospitals, and manufacturing facilities.

To help prevent outbreaks, LA Testing provides comprehensive Legionella testing and water quality analysis for cooling towers, potable water systems, decorative fountains, spas, and other building water features. The laboratory offers culture-based and molecular (PCR) testing methods, as well as guidance on sampling strategies and interpretation of results.

Proactive testing is the best safeguard. Identifying Legionella early helps facility managers take corrective action before health risks emerge.

For more information on Legionella testing services, water management programs, and environmental analysis, please visit www.LATesting.com, email info@LATesting.com, or call (800) 755-1794. To access test kits, visit www.EMSLTestKits.com.

 

LA Testing is California’s leading laboratory for environmental, indoor air quality and material testing for mercury, asbestos, mold, bacteria, lead, VOCs, formaldehyde, soot, char, ash and smoke damage, particulates, and other chemicals. In addition, LA Testing offers a full range of air sampling and investigative equipment to professionals and the general public. LA Testing maintains an extensive list of accreditations including: AIHA LAP LLC., AIHA ELLAP, AIHA EMLAP and AIHA IHLAP, CDC Elite, NVLAP, State of California, State of Hawaii Department of Health, and other states. LA Testing, along with the EMSL Analytical, Inc. network, has multiple laboratories throughout California including South Pasadena, Huntington Beach, San Leandro, and San Diego.