.png)
Safe, compliant water systems are a legal requirement for any organisation responsible for a building or premises. From drinking water quality to recreational and healthcare water systems, duty holders have a clear obligation to identify risks, put control measures in place, and maintain accurate records to demonstrate compliance. ISHEM provides fully independent water management consultancy across the UK, supporting organisations of all sizes to meet their legal duties and protect the people who use their buildings.
What Is Water Management and What Does It Cover?
Water management in a compliance context refers to the identification, assessment and control of risks associated with water systems in buildings and premises. The primary concern is waterborne pathogens, including Legionella bacteria, but water management extends beyond Legionella to cover a broader range of biological, chemical and physical water quality risks.
Water systems that fall within the scope of water management compliance include hot and cold water services, drinking water systems, closed heating and cooling systems, recreational and leisure water systems such as swimming pools and spa pools, healthcare water systems, and vehicle wash systems.
The risks associated with poorly managed water systems are well established. Waterborne illnesses range from mild skin reactions and gastrointestinal symptoms through to serious respiratory conditions such as Legionnaires' disease, which can be fatal. The good news is that the overwhelming majority of waterborne disease cases are preventable with a properly implemented water management programme.
Your Legal Duties as a Duty Holder
Under the Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974 and the Control of Substances Hazardous to Health Regulations 2002 (COSHH), all duty holders, whether as an employer or a person in control of premises, are required to identify and assess risks from waterborne pathogens, implement appropriate control measures, and maintain documentation to evidence compliance.
The HSE's Approved Code of Practice L8, HPSC Ireland 2009 and Technical Guidance documents HSG274 Parts 1, 2 and 3 provide the practical framework for managing water safety in buildings. For healthcare settings, HTM 04-01 applies alongside L8 and HPSC and sets out more specific requirements for the management of water systems in clinical environments.
Failure to comply is not simply a regulatory risk. Where harm occurs and a duty holder cannot demonstrate that they have met their legal obligations, the consequences can include enforcement action, prohibition notices and, in serious cases, prosecution.
Our Water Management Services
ISHEM provides a comprehensive range of water management consultancy services, carried out by consultants with specialist expertise in water hygiene, microbiology and environmental health. All water sampling and laboratory analysis is performed by accredited laboratories.
Waterborne Pathogen Risk Assessment
A thorough assessment of your water systems to identify sources of risk from Legionella and other waterborne pathogens. Delivered in line with ACoP L8, HPSC Ireland 2009 or legislation relevant to your region and applicable technical guidance, with a written report and prioritised action plan.
Water Sampling Strategy, Plans and Laboratory Analysis
Design and delivery of water sampling programmes across drinking water systems, domestic water systems, recreational and leisure water, healthcare water systems and vehicle wash systems. All analysis carried out by accredited laboratories.
Water Safety Plans
Independent review of your existing water management arrangements to assess whether your current approach meets the requirements of L8, HPSC 2009, HSG274 and any sector or region-specific guidance applicable to your premises.
Closed System Support
Consultancy and monitoring support for closed heating and cooling water systems, including assessment of corrosion inhibitor levels, microbiological contamination and system integrity.
Record Keeping Systems
Design and implementation of water management record keeping frameworks to ensure your documentation is accurate, auditable and fit for regulatory scrutiny.
Water Management Policies and Training
Development of water management policies tailored to your organisation, alongside training for responsible persons and facilities teams. See our Training page for full course details.
Independent Technical Expert Advice and Witnessing
Independent expert input for complex water management situations, disputes, investigations or where independent witnessing and oversight of works is required.
Sectors We Support
ISHEM works with duty holders and facilities professionals across the sectors where water management compliance carries the greatest complexity and consequence:
Healthcare
Hospitals, care homes, GP surgeries and clinical facilities where HTM 04-01 applies alongside L8 and HPSC Ireland and where vulnerable occupants require the highest standards of water safety management.
Education
Schools, colleges and universities where seasonal shutdowns, legacy pipework and varying occupancy patterns create specific water safety risks that require careful management.
Commercial Property
Office buildings, hotels, retail premises and mixed-use developments where landlords, managing agents and employers share responsibility for water system compliance
Leisure and Hospitality
Gyms, spas, hotels and leisure centres where recreational water systems, spa pools and cooling towers demand rigorous, ongoing oversight.
Industrial and Manufacturing
Production facilities with complex water systems and process water requirements where compliance must be maintained alongside operational demands.
Why Choose Independent Water Management Consultancy?
Water management consultancy is an area where independence matters considerably. Providers who also carry out remedial works, chemical dosing or system servicing have a financial interest in the outcome of their own assessments. ISHEM does not. Our consultants assess your water systems objectively, recommend only what is necessary, and have no stake in any follow-on works.
Our team holds memberships with the Legionella Control Association, the Chartered Institute of Water and Environmental Management and the Water Management Society. We operate under the Legionella Control Association's Code of Conduct for Service Providers. We are Safecontractor approved, JOSCAR registered and ISO 9001:2015 certified, providing clients with the quality and procurement assurance they need.
For water systems that are compliant, properly documented and genuinely safe, speak to ISHEM.