Water hygiene in Plymouth
Plymouth's naval and marine businesses, university, hospital and waterfront hospitality sit alongside a large private rented sector.
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 Plymouth 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 Plymouth
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 Plymouth, legionella law is enforced by Plymouth 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 Plymouth
- 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