Water hygiene in Durham
Durham in County Durham has a typical North East mix of industrial estates, offices, universities, social housing and coastal properties. Each of these brings its own water hygiene challenges, and we tailor every assessment to the building in front of us.
Industrial estates and multi-let units in the North East often sit partly vacant between tenancies, and unused outlets in empty units are a common source of stagnation risk.
Why local water matters
Water in Durham is generally soft to moderately soft. Softer water produces less limescale, but it can be more corrosive to older metal pipework, and corrosion products and biofilm still need managing through good temperature control and regular flushing.
The rules that apply in Durham
Legionella and water hygiene. In England, legionella duties come from the Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974, the Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations 1999 and COSHH 2002, with HSE's ACoP L8 and HSG274 setting the standard. Enforcement is by HSE or the local authority, depending on the premises.
Local enforcement. In Durham, legionella law is enforced by Durham County Council's environmental health team for offices, shops, hotels, restaurants and leisure premises, and by HSE for factories, warehouses, hospitals, schools and council-run premises.
Who we help in Durham
- Private landlords, letting agents and HMO operators
- Freeholders and managing agents of blocks of flats
- Offices, shops and commercial landlords
- Schools, colleges and student accommodation
- Care homes, GP surgeries and dental practices
- Hotels, guest houses and holiday lets
- Factories, warehouses and industrial estates