Smart solutions aiding more efficient water use

Ensuring the safety and efficiency of water systems in healthcare estates is critical to protecting patient health and maintaining a secure environment. Hospitals, GP practices, and care homes, rely on large, complex water systems that must be carefully managed to prevent contamination and reduce risks such as Legionella outbreaks. Alongside its critical role in hospital hygiene, water is also used in fire safety systems in healthcare premises, and particularly in automatic sprinklers, which play a vital role in keeping patients safe. As both water hygiene and fire safety are directly linked to the well-being of vulnerable individuals, effective management of these systems is not simply a matter of compliance, but a vital component of healthcare safety.

One of the most significant threats in healthcare settings is Legionella bacteria, with the bacterium able to thrive in stagnant water, and — in some instances and under certain conditions — to cause Legionnaires' disease, a severe form of pneumonia that poses an increased risk to immunocompromised individuals. Across the healthcare estate, in environments that are used frequently by vulnerable individuals — including the elderly and immunocompromised, clean, uncontaminated water is non-negotiable, with any lapses in water hygiene potentially having serious consequences.

Legionella, a waterborne bacterium that thrives in stagnant water, particularly at temperatures between 20 and 50°C, is primarily found in man-made water systems such as storage tanks. In hospitals, where water demand fluctuates, these tanks can become a breeding ground for Legionella if they are not properly maintained. Showers, taps, and cooling systems can then disperse the bacteria into the air, posing a risk to staff, patients, and visitors. Those most vulnerable to Legionnaires' disease include individuals over 45 years' old, smokers, heavy drinkers, people with chronic respiratory or kidney disease, and those with weakened immune systems.