Trusted Experts in Water Hygiene Testing & Compliance

Water quality refers to the chemical, physical, and biological characteristics of water. It is important to ensure that water is safe for consumption and meets regulatory standards. 

Water systems should typically be cleaned and disinfected at least once a year, or more frequently if your risk assessment identifies higher risks.

Certain situations also require immediate cleaning and disinfection, including:

• After system installation, refurbishment, or significant plumbing work

• When water quality results show contamination, such as elevated bacterial counts

• If a system has been unused or stagnant for an extended period

• Following a Legionella outbreak or detection

Regular cleaning is essential to prevent the build-up of scale, biofilm, and debris, all of which create ideal conditions for bacteria, including Legionella,to grow. The exact frequency should always be guided by your site-specific water risk assessment and current UK compliance standards.

Water quality is important for various reasons. It affects public health, ecosystem balance, and the availability of clean water for various purposes. Monitoring and managing water quality is crucial to ensure a safe and sustainable water supply. 

Water quality is measured using various parameters such as pH, dissolved oxygen, turbidity, and levels of contaminants. Testing methods include laboratory analysis and on-site monitoring.

Common water contaminants include bacteria, viruses, heavy metals, pesticides, and chemicals. These contaminants can pose health risks and affect the taste, odour, and appearance of water. 

Water quality can be improved through various methods such as water treatment, source protection, and pollution prevention. This typically required a multi-stage approach combining assessment, advanced treatment technologies, infrastructure management and regulatory compliance.

A water risk assessment (WRA) is a through evaluation of water systems to identify potential health hazards (like Legionella bacteria) and operational risks.

It involves inspecting pipes, tanks, and usage to find vulnerabilities, assess potential harm to people or operations, and recommend control measures, ensuring safety, compliance, and efficient water management for occupants or supply chains

A legionella risk assessment is a crucial evaluation of a property’s water system to find and control risks from Legionella bacteria by identifying potential breeding grounds, assessing conditions like water temperature (20-45°C is ideal for growth), checking for stagnation, and ensuring proper maintenance, with the goal of implementing controls to protect occupants.

Industries most at risk for Legionella are those with large, complex or high-usage water systems. This includes healthcare settings, care homes, hospitality venues (hotels, spas, gyms) manufacturing sites, food processing facilities education buildings, offices, and leisure centres with showers, pools, or cooling towers.

Any premises with stored water, infrequently used outlets, or vulnerable occupants face a higher risk and should follow strict water hygiene controls.