ES · Expiry & renewal tracking
Cooling tower cleaning and disinfection in Spain (Legionella)
Cooling towers and evaporative condensers in Spain are fully cleaned and disinfected at least twice a year, or every six months if they run all year (Royal Decree 487/2022, Annex IV, Part C.1). Legionella is tested monthly and 15 to 30 days after each disinfection; the holder notifies the units within one month.
For cooling towers and evaporative condensers, the whole system, including any tanks, is cleaned and disinfected at least twice a year, preferably at the start of spring and autumn, or in any case every six months where the installation runs all year (Annex IV, Part C.1, of Royal Decree 487/2022). In addition, the drift eliminator, condenser, fill and water distribution system are checked every six months, and the basin, bleed-off systems and treatment and dosing equipment every month.
The minimum sampling for this equipment is monthly for Legionella spp., total iron and conductivity, quarterly for aerobic bacteria, weekly for turbidity and daily for pH, temperature and biocide (Annex V, Table 3). Legionella spp. is also measured at representative points at least 15 to 30 days after each cleaning and disinfection (Annex V).
The holder must notify the health authority of the autonomous community or city electronically, using the Annex II form, of the number and technical characteristics of the units within one month of start-up, and of changes affecting the system, and of their permanent shutdown within one month (Article 5.3). Service companies that carry out cleaning and disinfection issue a record or certificate following the Annex X model (Article 5.7).
At a glance
| Cleaning and disinfection of the whole system | At least twice a year; every six months if running all year (Annex IV, C.1.1) |
|---|---|
| Drift eliminator, condenser, fill and distribution | Six-monthly check (Annex IV, C.1.2) |
| Basin, bleed-off, treatment and dosing | Monthly check (Annex IV, C.1.2) |
| Legionella spp. | Monthly (Annex V, Table 3) |
| After each cleaning and disinfection | Legionella spp. 15 to 30 days later (Annex V) |
| Notification of units | One month from start-up or shutdown (Article 5.3) |
| Plan records | Kept for at least five years (Article 8.5) |
Who is responsible?
The installation holder, or the operator if different from the owner, unless it is proven that responsibility lies with the owner (Article 5.1 and 5.2). Contracting an outside company does not release the holder from responsibility (Article 5.10). The holder draws up and implements a Legionella Prevention and Control Plan or a Legionella Health Plan (Articles 7.1 and 8.1).
If the deadline passes
Breaching the obligation to notify installations, when it happens for the first time, and lacking the required records are serious offences (Article 19.2.b and c). Offences are governed by General Health Act 14/1986 and General Public Health Act 33/2011 (Article 19).
If you choose a Health Plan
The Annex V sampling frequencies are the minimum for a Legionella Prevention and Control Plan; if the holder chooses a Legionella Health Plan, parameters and frequencies can be adjusted under that plan, and the health authority may require more in either case (Article 13.1 and 13.3).
Tracking it with ExpirySuite
- Add each cooling tower or evaporative condenser with the date of the next cleaning and disinfection, six months after the last one.
- Add a separate record for the monthly Legionella test and another for the test 15 to 30 days after each cleaning.
- Email reminders arrive 60, 30, 14, 7 and 1 day before and on the day itself. The service company can upload its Annex X certificate through a secure link that is valid for 14 days and needs no account.
- Assign a responsible person, such as the plan's technical manager; emails arrive in each recipient's language. If a date passes, managers get further reminders 3, 7 and 14 days later.
Frequently asked questions
- How often must a cooling tower be cleaned and disinfected in Spain?
- At least twice a year, preferably at the start of spring and autumn, or every six months if it runs all year (Annex IV, Part C.1, RD 487/2022).
- How often is Legionella tested?
- At least monthly, plus 15 to 30 days after each cleaning and disinfection (Annex V).
- Must the tower be reported to the authorities?
- Yes. The holder notifies the regional health authority electronically within one month of start-up, and also reports changes and shutdown (Article 5.3).
- How long are records kept?
- At least five years from when they are created (Article 8.5).
Sources
Last checked: Oct 1, 2026 · This page summarises official sources for general information and is not legal advice. Check the linked sources for current rules and fees.
Made for cooling tower cleaning and disinfection (Legionella) (Spain)
A ready template for cooling tower cleaning and disinfection (Legionella) (Spain) with sensible validity defaults, so you enter less and track more.
Reminders on time
Email alerts at 60, 30, 14, 7 and 1 day before each cooling tower cleaning and disinfection (Legionella) (Spain) expires, plus overdue escalation to managers.
Assign an owner
Give each cooling tower cleaning and disinfection (Legionella) (Spain) an owner and let employees update their own via a secure link — no login needed.