Water hygiene in Exeter
Exeter's university, hospital, offices and the surrounding holiday-let market in Devon create both urban and seasonal water hygiene challenges.
Seasonal occupancy is the big issue in the South West. Holiday lets, campsites and hotels that close over winter create long periods of stagnation, so recommissioning flushes and pre-season disinfection matter.
Why local water matters
Water in Exeter is generally 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 Exeter
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 Exeter, legionella law is enforced by Exeter City 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 Exeter
- 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