Why Water Safety Matters
Safe water systems are a critical yet often overlooked element of building management. Poorly maintained systems can harbour bacteria such as Legionella, posing serious risks to health and safety. For hospitals, schools, hotels and other facilities, a structured approach to water hygiene isn’t just good practice – it’s a legal and moral necessity.
A water safety plan provides that structure. It outlines how water systems are designed, operated and monitored to minimise contamination and infection risks, ensuring compliance with guidance from the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) and the World Health Organization (WHO).
What Is a Water Safety Plan?
A water safety plan (WSP) is a documented, proactive management system that identifies potential hazards within water systems and sets out the control measures required to keep them safe.
The process typically includes:
- A risk assessment to identify contamination pathways such as stagnation, biofilm growth or temperature fluctuations.
- Clear control measures covering monitoring, maintenance and disinfection protocols.
- Roles and responsibilities for everyone involved in water management.
- Ongoing review and audit to confirm that controls remain effective.
In the UK, WSPs are often developed in line with BS 8680:2020, which provides a framework for consistent, evidence-based water safety management across all types of premises.
Who Needs a Water Safety Plan?
While the healthcare sector led the way in adopting water safety plans through the NHS Estates Health Technical Memorandum 04-01, the principles apply far more widely.
Any organisation responsible for a building’s water systems should have a plan in place, particularly where users may be vulnerable – such as:
- Hospitals and healthcare facilities
- Residential care homes
- Educational institutions
- Hospitality and leisure facilities
- Office buildings and commercial properties
A well-designed plan helps demonstrate compliance with HSE’s ACoP L8 and supports broader environmental and health objectives.
Building an Effective Plan
Developing a robust water safety plan requires input from competent professionals who understand both engineering systems and microbiological risks. Key steps include:
- Assemble a multidisciplinary team – typically including engineers, facilities managers, infection control specialists and health and safety leads.
- Map all water systems – identifying outlets, storage points and potential areas of stagnation.
- Carry out a detailed risk assessment – covering Legionella, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, scalding and other hazards.
- Define control measures – setting monitoring frequencies, temperature checks and disinfection regimes.
- Implement verification and review – ensuring data recording, staff training and independent auditing.
This systematic approach builds resilience and transparency into your water safety management.
Common Weaknesses in Water Safety Planning
Even well-intentioned organisations can fall short when it comes to water hygiene. Frequent shortcomings include:
- Incomplete system schematics or outdated documentation.
- Poor communication between maintenance teams and infection control.
- Infrequent audits or inadequate record-keeping.
- Insufficient staff training or unclear accountability.
These gaps can undermine even the most sophisticated management system. A water safety plan must be a living document – reviewed and updated whenever buildings, occupancy levels or control strategies change.
Maintaining Long-Term Compliance
Once a water safety plan is in place, success depends on maintaining vigilance. Routine monitoring, temperature control and periodic audits should be embedded in everyday operations.
External verification, through HSG 274 Part 2 or independent consultancy reviews, adds assurance that the system continues to function as intended. Organisations that combine technical monitoring with a culture of awareness are best positioned to sustain compliance over time.
Conclusion
A well-constructed water safety plan is far more than a compliance document – it’s a cornerstone of responsible facility management. By identifying risks, assigning responsibilities and maintaining rigorous monitoring, organisations can protect occupants and meet their legal duties with confidence.
