For this reason, our assessment considered both the condition of the water system and the way tenants used the property.Understanding the Water System Our assessor reviewed how water entered the building, where it was stored and heated, and how it was distributed to taps, showers and other outlets.
Large properties often change over time. New bathrooms may be added, layouts may be altered and sections of pipework may be adapted.
These changes are not necessarily a concern, but understanding the complete system is important when assessing water movement, temperatures and patterns of use.
The property contained a mix of regularly used facilities and lower-use outlets.
By considering both the system and tenant behaviour, H2O Comply was able to provide recommendations suited to the property as a whole.
Reviewing Cold Water Storage The condition and accessibility of the cold water storage arrangements formed an important part of the assessment.
Our assessor reviewed the accessible parts of the system and considered how the tanks were maintained.
Storage tanks should be protected, suitably managed and accessible for inspection and maintenance.
Where improvements were identified, these were included within the final action plan and prioritised according to their importance.
This gave the property manager a clear understanding of which actions required attention first and which could be included within future maintenance work.
Checking Hot Water Temperatures The property’s stored hot water system was also assessed.
Temperature checks were carried out at relevant locations to review how effectively hot water was being distributed throughout the building.
In larger properties, the distance between the hot water system and individual outlets can affect how quickly water reaches the expected temperature.
The client was provided with recommendations for ongoing temperature monitoring and record keeping.
Regular checks can help identify changes in system performance and highlight areas that may require further investigation.
Managing Less Frequently Used Outlets Outlet usage was an important consideration because the property was occupied by multiple tenants.
Not every tap or shower was used at the same frequency.
Some bathrooms were used every day, while outlets in spare rooms, secondary facilities or vacant areas experienced lower levels of use.
Changes in tenancy could also affect water usage.
When a room became vacant, the outlets serving that area could remain unused for longer periods.
The assessment identified where additional monitoring and flushing would be beneficial.
Recommendations were provided to help the property manager maintain a consistent approach and reduce the risk of low-use outlets being overlooked.
Working With Tenants Communication can support effective water hygiene management.
Tenants may be the first to notice changes in water temperature, flow or the operation of taps and showers.
Encouraging residents to report maintenance concerns can help property managers respond more quickly.
This does not transfer responsibility for water hygiene to tenants.
The landlord or responsible person should continue to oversee the water hygiene programme.
The responsible person overseeing the water hygiene programme A landlord or responsible person in the centre, connected by lines to the four key elements of an ongoing water hygiene programme: monitoring, records, reviews and remedial actions. RESPONSIBLE PERSON Monitoring Regular checks and temperature readings Records Logbooks kept up to date and accessible Reviews Periodic reassessment and updates Actions Follow-through on recommendations The landlord or responsible person should continue to oversee the water hygiene programme, keeping monitoring, records, reviews and remedial actions on track between formal assessments.
However, clear communication can help identify changes in occupancy or outlet usage that may affect existing controls.
Reviewing Existing Water Hygiene Measures The assessment also considered the measures already in place.
Some routine checks and maintenance procedures were already being completed, but the assessment provided an opportunity to review how these activities were managed and recorded.
Recommendations focused on practical improvements.
Some related to the condition of the water system, while others involved monitoring, record keeping and clearer responsibilities.
The aim was to provide a proportionate programme suitable for a large residential property without introducing unnecessary procedures.
A Prioritised Action Plan Following the assessment, H2O Comply provided the client with a detailed report and prioritised schedule of recommended actions.
This made it easier to identify which improvements required more immediate attention and which could be planned over a longer period.
The action plan also provided clear information that could be shared with maintenance contractors.
As work is completed, the property manager can maintain a record and monitor progress.
Ongoing Water Hygiene Monitoring The client also received recommendations for ongoing monitoring.
These included suitable checks relating to water temperatures, lower-use outlets and the general management of the system.
Clear records can help demonstrate that agreed control measures are being completed.
They can also make it easier to identify changes over time.
Worth noting The monitoring programme should be reviewed when there are significant changes to the property, including alterations to the water system, changes in occupancy or extended periods of vacancy.
Supporting Landlords and Property Managers This assessment demonstrated why larger tenanted properties benefit from a site-specific approach to water hygiene.
Stored hot and cold water systems, multiple tenants and changing patterns of outlet use can create additional considerations for landlords and property managers.
The Legionella Risk Assessment provided the client with a clearer understanding of the water system and a practical plan for managing the actions identified.
Landlords and property managers Legionella risk assessments for residential properties H2O Comply provides professional Legionella Risk Assessments and water hygiene support for landlords, managing agents and residential property managers.
Our assessments provide clear findings, prioritised recommendations and practical guidance based on the individual property.
Contact H2O Comply to discuss a Legionella Risk Assessment or ongoing water hygiene support for your residential property.
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