Water Testing Explained: What Are You Really Looking For?
When it comes to water safety and compliance, regular water testing is essential. Whether you’re a facilities manager, landlord, or business owner, understanding what you’re testing for—and why—is key to maintaining safe, clean water systems. At H2O Comply Ltd, we offer expert water hygiene services in Kent and the South East, including routine testing and sampling to help you stay compliant with health and safety legislation.
But what exactly are you looking for when you test your water?
Let’s break it down.
Why Is Water Testing Important?
Water testing helps to detect potentially harmful bacteria, chemical imbalances, and physical contaminants in your water supply. It’s a proactive way to identify risks like Legionella, ensure compliance with the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974, and protect the health of building occupants.
Failing to test regularly could result in:
- Legionella outbreaks
- Non-compliance with ACoP L8 and HSG274
- Expensive remedial works
- Risk to human health
Regular water testing gives you the confidence that your systems are safe and performing as they should.
What Are You Testing For?
Water sampling can check for a wide range of chemical and microbial parameters, depending on your system and compliance needs. The most common tests include:
1. Legionella Bacteria
Legionella can grow in stagnant or poorly maintained water systems and causes Legionnaires’ disease, a severe form of pneumonia. It’s particularly dangerous in care homes, hospitals, hotels, and other public buildings.
At H2O Comply, we offer Legionella risk assessments and testing in accordance with BS 7592 and HSG274 guidelines. Read more about our Legionella testing services.
2. Total Viable Count (TVC)
TVC measures the number of live bacteria in a water sample. It won’t tell you which bacteria are present, but it gives a good indication of general microbial quality. Elevated levels could mean biofilm or stagnation issues that require attention.
3. Pseudomonas Aeruginosa
Common in hospitals and healthcare settings, this bacteria thrives in warm, moist environments such as taps, showers, and thermostatic mixing valves (TMVs). It poses serious risks to vulnerable patients.
4. pH Levels
Water that’s too acidic or too alkaline can damage pipework, fixtures, and even pose health risks. Keeping your pH balanced (typically between 6.5 and 9.5) helps protect your infrastructure and water quality.
5. Hardness (Calcium and Magnesium)
If you’re in a hard water area like Kent, testing for water hardness is vital. Limescale build-up can affect boilers, pipework, and appliances.
6. Metals (Lead, Iron, Copper, Zinc)
Heavy metals can leach from old pipework or corroded systems. Testing for metals ensures your water remains within Drinking Water Inspectorate (DWI) and WHO limits.
7. Chlorine and Disinfection Byproducts
Disinfection is important, but excessive chlorine or byproducts like trihalomethanes (THMs) can be harmful. These should be monitored regularly, especially in drinking water systems.
How Often Should Water Testing Be Carried Out?
Frequency depends on your risk assessment and system type. For example:
- Legionella testing: every 3 months to annually, depending on risk
- TVCs and Pseudomonas: more frequent in healthcare settings
- Drinking water quality: typically annually or in response to complaints
At H2O Comply, we tailor your testing schedule to match your system’s usage, complexity, and compliance requirements.
Internal vs External Water Testing
There are two key types of testing:
Internal (in-house) testing
This involves quick checks for temperature, pH, and visual inspections. It’s a great way to keep tabs on your system between formal tests. We provide training for your team to carry out internal monitoring effectively.
External laboratory analysis
More detailed and legally recognised, lab testing identifies specific bacteria, metals, and chemical imbalances. H2O Comply works with UKAS-accredited labs to provide fast, reliable results with full traceability.
What Happens If You Find Something
If a sample returns high bacteria levels or fails chemical thresholds, we’ll guide you through your next steps, which could include:
- System disinfection
- Tank cleaning
- Chlorination
- Pipework replacement
- Ongoing monitoring
We also support you with full documentation, reports, and compliance records—essential for inspections and audits.
Choose H2O Comply for Water Testing in Kent
With over 15 years’ experience in water hygiene, Legionella control, and compliance, H2O Comply Ltd offers friendly, professional support to businesses, landlords, and property managers across the South East.
We don’t just provide a service—we help you understand your water, reduce your risks, and meet your legal duties.
Get in touch with us today to arrange your next water test or request a free consultation.
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