Water Hygiene Services for Education

Periods of low occupancy can increase the risk of stagnation within water systems. Schools and other education providers should have suitable arrangements in place for little-used outlets during closures, which may include regular flushing and appropriate checks before buildings return to normal use.

Common risks include poor temperature control, little-used outlets, low water turnover, showers and changing facilities, stored water, ageing or redundant pipework and periods of reduced occupancy. Larger campuses may also have more complex water systems that require careful monitoring and management. 

Where a Legionella risk assessment identifies a foreseeable risk, suitable control measures should be documented and implemented. A written control scheme sets out how the risks will be managed, including monitoring tasks, responsibilities, frequencies, corrective actions and record keeping.

Sampling may be appropriate where it forms part of the site's control programme, where there are concerns about water quality or the effectiveness of existing controls, or following certain incidents or remedial works. The need for sampling should be based on the individual water system, identified risks and relevant guidance.

Records should demonstrate that the water hygiene control programme is being carried out effectively. This may include temperature monitoring, flushing records, tank and calorifier inspections, sampling results, servicing records, remedial actions and evidence that identified issues have been followed through to completion.