Water Hygiene Services
Evolution Water Services provides tailored water hygiene services to organisations across the UK, helping dutyholders and responsible persons manage the risks associated with Legionella and other waterborne bacteria.
Our experienced teams support clients with ongoing water hygiene monitoring, sampling, inspection and control programmes designed around their buildings, water systems and individual requirements.
Our services are delivered in line with the Health and Safety Executive's Approved Code of Practice ACOP L8 and HSG274 technical guidance, together with other relevant guidance and standards, including HTM 04-01 for healthcare environments.
Effective water hygiene requires more than completing scheduled checks.
Water systems, building usage and occupancy can change over time. A robust water hygiene programme must reflect the actual risks in your system and provide clear evidence that appropriate controls are implemented and monitored.
Evolution provides practical, tailored support to help clients manage these responsibilities.
Our water hygiene services include:
- Water hygiene monitoring programmes
- The complete range of water hygiene tasks covered by HSG274 Parts 1, 2 and 3
- Legionella sampling and microbiological testing
- Pseudomonas sampling
- General microbiological sampling and analysis
- Monitoring of hot and cold water systems
- Support for healthcare water systems in accordance with relevant HTM 04-01 guidance
- Water hygiene logbooks and record management
- Electronic data storage and online logbook solutions
- Interpretation of laboratory results and practical technical advice
Where additional action is required, Evolution can also support clients through our consultancy, engineering, water treatment and training teams.
Water Hygiene Monitoring and Legionella Control
Ongoing monitoring is an important part of demonstrating that the control measures identified for a water system remain effective.
Depending on the type of building, water system and identified risks, a water hygiene programme may include routine temperature monitoring, inspections, flushing regimes and other checks and controls required by the site's written scheme.
We tailor our programmes to each site rather than applying the same approach to every building.
We work with clients to establish appropriate monitoring schedules, maintain clear records and identify issues that may require investigation or remedial action.
This gives dutyholders and responsible persons greater visibility of their water systems and the information they need to manage water hygiene effectively.
Water Sampling and Laboratory Services
Water sampling can provide important information about microbiological water quality and the effectiveness of existing control measures.
Evolution provides comprehensive sampling and laboratory services covering:
- Legionella
- Pseudomonas
- General microbiological activity
- Other waterborne pathogens
- Rapid microbiological services where appropriate
Our team can also help interpret results, helping clients understand what the findings mean and whether further investigation or action is required.
Find out more about our Water Hygiene Laboratory Services
Supporting ACOP L8 and HSG274 Compliance
Organisations responsible for premises have duties to identify, assess, and control Legionella risk.
ACOP L8 and the associated HSG274 guidance set out key requirements for risk assessment, control measures, monitoring, record keeping, and management responsibilities.
Evolution's water hygiene services support clients in implementing and monitoring these controls.
If you require a new or updated Legionella Risk Assessment, our specialist consultancy team can assess your water systems, identify areas of risk and provide practical recommendations.
Explore our Consultancy Services
Water Hygiene in Healthcare Environments
Healthcare environments can require particularly robust water safety management because patients and other building users may be more susceptible to infection.
Evolution supports healthcare clients with specialist water hygiene services aligned with relevant HTM 04-01 guidance, including monitoring, sampling and Pseudomonas management.
Our consultants also provide Pseudomonas Risk Assessments and wider support for healthcare water safety and compliance.
Whether supporting a small healthcare setting or a complex hospital environment, our approach is tailored to the building, its water systems and the people who use them.
From Identifying a Problem to Resolving It
Water hygiene monitoring can sometimes identify issues that require more than continued observation.
These could include problems with water temperatures, system design, redundant pipework, tanks, equipment or other aspects of the water system.
Evolution can provide joined-up support through our wider specialist teams, including:
- Legionella Risk Assessments and water hygiene audits
- Water treatment
- Engineering and remedial works
- Plant equipment
- Water system cleaning and disinfection
- Accredited water hygiene training
This means we can help clients identify potential issues and determine the most appropriate next steps.
Why Choose Evolution Water Services?
Evolution has been delivering specialist water treatment and hygiene services since 1999.
Our approach combines technical knowledge with practical support, helping clients understand their water systems rather than simply providing results.
We support organisations across a wide range of building types and sectors throughout the UK, with services tailored to individual systems, risks and operational requirements.
Whether you need ongoing water hygiene monitoring, microbiological sampling, specialist advice, or broader support with your water systems, our team is here to help.
Water Hygiene FAQs
What is water hygiene?
Water hygiene is the management of water systems to help control microbiological risks and maintain safe water quality. It can include risk assessment, monitoring, inspection, temperature control, sampling, cleaning and other measures appropriate to the system.
What is the difference between water hygiene and water treatment?
Water hygiene focuses primarily on managing health risks associated with water systems, including Legionella and other waterborne bacteria. Water treatment focuses on controlling the physical, chemical, and microbiological condition of water to protect both the system and its performance. In many buildings, the two disciplines work closely together.
What is ACOP L8?
ACOP L8 is the Health and Safety Executive's Approved Code of Practice and guidance for controlling the risks from Legionella bacteria in water systems. It is supported by the more detailed technical guidance contained within HSG274.
Do I need a Legionella Risk Assessment?
Employers and people in control of premises have a responsibility to identify and assess reasonably foreseeable risks from Legionella. The appropriate assessment will depend on the water systems and circumstances at the premises.
Evolution provides Legionella Risk Assessments through our specialist consultancy team.
How often should water hygiene monitoring be carried out?
There is no single monitoring schedule that is appropriate for every water system. The required frequency depends on the type of system, identified risks, control measures and applicable guidance. The monitoring programme should reflect the site's risk assessment and written scheme of control.
What happens if a water hygiene check identifies a problem?
The appropriate response will depend on the issue identified. Further investigation, sampling, changes to control measures or remedial engineering work may be required. Evolution can provide technical advice and access to wider water treatment and engineering expertise where necessary.
Need Support with Water Hygiene?
Whether you need an ongoing water hygiene programme, water sampling, Legionella control support or advice about an existing system, speak to our team.
We'll work with you to understand your buildings, systems and responsibilities and identify the most appropriate support.
Talk to a water hygiene specialist
Call 0118 934 4400 or send us a message.
