A water hygiene company’s latest innovation has been described as a game changer that will transform the water safety sector.

Leek-based SAS Water is working with Staffordshire University to develop a sensor-based solution to automatically monitor water for Legionella bacteria using cutting-edge sensor technologies and a cloud-based management system.

Lizzie Ward, Managing Director of SAS Water, said: “Each year, hundreds of Legionella outbreaks are discovered across the UK and can result in serious illness and death.

“We had an idea for a new product but didn’t have the technical know-how to bring it to market, therefore working with Staffordshire University brings forward a fantastic opportunity to develop a game-changing solution. We believe it will save lives.”

There are more than 500 cases of Legionnaire’s Disease reported to Public Health England in a typical year and studies show the real case numbers are much higher. Legionnaire’s Disease, a potentially fatal form of pneumonia, is much under-reported, so the number of cases is likely to be well over 1,000 per annum.

It is hoped SAS Water’s innovation will improve testing accuracy and save resources and that the company’s partnership with Staffordshire University will help to bring it to market.

SAS Water was founded in 1988 and is an industry leader in Legionella control, working with clients across private and public sectors including factories, councils, nursing homes, housing associations, hotels, spas and leisure centres.

The company’s 14-strong team includes legionella control consultants and commercial plumbers. This mix of staff allows the company to provide a holistic service, supporting new developments from the design and planning phase and throughout a building’s life.

Major contract wins for SAS Water in recent months include Balfour Beatty and Vinci Construction.

The company has a specialist service for hotel, spa and leisure clients and has worked extensively with sports organisations including Burton Albion Football Club.

SAS Water Ltd has entered the Innovation Award and Small Business of the Year categories of the Staffordshire University Business Awards.