Charities & Third Sector
Typical Risks & Obligations
Community centres, almshouses, shared accommodation, and charity offices often experience intermittent water use, which can create conditions conducive to bacterial growth. Older or complex infrastructure, periods of low occupancy, and communal water systems increase the potential for Legionella proliferation, which poses risks to staff, volunteers, and beneficiaries.
Charities and third sector organisations across the UK are responsible for managing water safety in accordance with ACOP L8 and HSG 274. Structured risk assessments, continuous monitoring, water testing, and remedial interventions are essential to ensure the safety of building users. Failing to control these risks can result in illness, reputational damage, regulatory penalties, and liability for duty of care breaches.
SAS Water’s Tailored Solutions
SAS Water provides practical and reliable support to community and charitable organisations, helping you manage water hygiene across multiple sites. Our engineers assess pipework, storage tanks, and communal outlets to identify hazards and implement bespoke control measures that are appropriate to the building usage and occupancy patterns.
We assist in developing and executing flushing and cleaning regimes during low-use periods to prevent stagnation and biofilm accumulation. Continuous monitoring of water temperatures, outlets, and system performance ensures conditions remain safe at all times. Remedial plumbing interventions address dead legs, redundant pipework, or circulation issues, improving flow and reducing bacterial risk. Routine water sampling and laboratory testing verify the effectiveness of control measures, providing audit-ready documentation to satisfy regulatory inspections.
These proactive programmes allow charities to demonstrate due diligence, safeguard vulnerable individuals, and maintain compliance with UK water safety legislation, while supporting operational confidence across multiple locations. By implementing tailored solutions, organisations can focus on delivering their services, knowing that water systems are safe, compliant, and resilient.
Charities & Third Sector
Typical Risks & Obligations
Community centres, almshouses, shared accommodation, and charity offices often experience intermittent water use, which can create conditions conducive to bacterial growth. Older or complex infrastructure, periods of low occupancy, and communal water systems increase the potential for Legionella proliferation, which poses risks to staff, volunteers, and beneficiaries.
Charities and third sector organisations across the UK are responsible for managing water safety in accordance with ACOP L8 and HSG 274. Structured risk assessments, continuous monitoring, water testing, and remedial interventions are essential to ensure the safety of building users. Failing to control these risks can result in illness, reputational damage, regulatory penalties, and liability for duty of care breaches.
SAS Water’s Tailored Solutions
SAS Water provides practical and reliable support to community and charitable organisations, helping you manage water hygiene across multiple sites. Our engineers assess pipework, storage tanks, and communal outlets to identify hazards and implement bespoke control measures that are appropriate to the building usage and occupancy patterns.
We assist in developing and executing flushing and cleaning regimes during low-use periods to prevent stagnation and biofilm accumulation. Continuous monitoring of water temperatures, outlets, and system performance ensures conditions remain safe at all times. Remedial plumbing interventions address dead legs, redundant pipework, or circulation issues, improving flow and reducing bacterial risk. Routine water sampling and laboratory testing verify the effectiveness of control measures, providing audit-ready documentation to satisfy regulatory inspections.
These proactive programmes allow charities to demonstrate due diligence, safeguard vulnerable individuals, and maintain compliance with UK water safety legislation, while supporting operational confidence across multiple locations. By implementing tailored solutions, organisations can focus on delivering their services, knowing that water systems are safe, compliant, and resilient.
What We Offer
Select Your Solution Below
Legionella Risk Assessments
A Legionella risk assessment identifies and evaluates the potential for Legionella bacteria to develop within a building’s water system. It forms the foundation of an effective water hygiene management programme and is a legal requirement for many workplaces.
Our expert assessors conduct detailed inspections of hot and cold-water systems to determine risk levels and identify any conditions that could allow Legionella bacteria to proliferate.
How The Process Works
- Site Survey: A full inspection of the property’s water systems including storage tanks, pipework, calorifiers, outlets and associated plant.
- System Mapping: Identification of water system layout, usage patterns and areas where stagnation, scale or biofilm may occur.
- Risk Evaluation: Assessment of factors such as water temperature control, system design, stored water conditions and maintenance history.
- Control Measure Review: Evaluation of existing water hygiene management procedures and monitoring regimes.
- Report and Recommendations – A detailed report outlining risk levels, recommended control measures and any remedial actions required.
Compliance Standards
Legionella risk assessments are carried out in accordance with:
- Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974
- ACOP L8: The control of Legionella bacteria in water systems
- HSG274 Parts 2 and 3
- HSG 282
- BS 8580-1:2019
- BS 8580-2:2022
- HTM 04-01 in healthcare environments
Monitoring & Compliance Support
Ongoing monitoring ensures water systems remain within safe operational limits and that control measures remain effective.
Our water hygiene monitoring programmes provide structured inspections and testing to support organisations in maintaining compliance with Legionella control guidance.
How The Process Works
- Monitoring Schedule Development: A monitoring programme is created based on system type, risk level and building use.
- Flushing of Infrequently Used Outlets: Monitored by usage patterns within the building
- Routine Inspections: Regular checks of water temperatures, outlets, tanks, calorifiers, expansion vessels, and associated equipment.
- System Condition Checks: Identification of scale, corrosion, stagnation or biofilm within the system. Cleaning, Descaling, and Disinfecting where appropriate.
- Documentation and Reporting: Monitoring results are recorded and maintained as part of the site’s compliance documentation using digital logbooks.
- Corrective Action Guidance: Where deviations occur, recommendations are provided to restore control conditions.
Compliance Standards
Monitoring programmes follow guidance within:
- ACOP L8
- HSG274 Part 2 for hot and cold-water systems
- HSG 274 Part 3 Other Risk System
- HSG 282 used in spa-pool systems
- HTM 04-01 in healthcare environments
- BS 8680:2020
- BS 8558:2015
Cleaning & Disinfecting
Cleaning and disinfection removes contamination, biofilm, sediment and microbial growth from water systems. This process may be required following installation, system modification, contamination events or as part of routine water hygiene management. Pre-commission cleaning services are also carried out to ensure new systems are thoroughly cleaned and safe prior to operation.
How The Process Works
- System Assessment: Identification of the affected system components and level of contamination.
- Preparation and Isolation: Sections of the water system are isolated to allow controlled treatment.
- Chemical Disinfection: Approved disinfectant solutions are introduced to eliminate bacteria and microorganisms.
- Flushing and Neutralisation: Systems are flushed to remove disinfectant residues and contaminants.
- Verification Sampling: Water samples may be taken to confirm the effectiveness of the disinfection process.
Compliance Standards
Cleaning and disinfection procedures are conducted in line with:
- HSG274 Part 2
- HSG282
- ACOP L8
- BS 8558:2015
- PD 855468:2015
TMV Servicing & Maintenance
Thermostatic Mixing Valves regulate water temperature to prevent scalding while maintaining safe operating conditions within water systems.
Routine servicing ensures valves remain operational and hygienic, preventing scale build-up and ensuring accurate temperature control. We also install and manage Type 2 and Type 3 TMVs, including the replacement of failed units to maintain safe and compliant performance.
How The Process Works
- Valve Inspection: Examination of valve condition and operational performance.
- Temperature Verification: Checking mixed water temperatures at outlets.
- Component Cleaning: Removal of scale, debris and deposits within the valve body.
- Calibration and Adjustment: Ensuring temperature settings meet required safety limits.
- Service Records: Maintenance results recorded for compliance documentation.
Compliance Standards
TMV servicing follows guidance from:
- HSG274 Part 2
- HTM 04-01 in healthcare environments
- Manufacturer servicing recommendation
Water Sampling & Testing
Water sampling provides laboratory analysis of water quality and the presence of microbiological contamination including Legionella bacteria.
Sampling programmes provide evidence that control measures are working effectively and help identify issues before they develop into operational risks.
How The Process Works
- Sampling Plan Development: Identification of sampling locations based on risk assessment or deviations found in routine monitoring tasks.
- Sample Collection: Water samples collected using sterile procedures to prevent contamination.
- Laboratory Analysis: Samples are analysed by UKAS-accredited laboratories.
- Result Interpretation: Results are reviewed against recognised guidance thresholds by a competent analyst.
- Corrective Action Recommendations: Where elevated results are identified, remedial actions are provided by a qualified advisor.
Compliance Standards
Sampling programmes align with:
- ACOP L8
- HSG274
- BS 7592:2022
Training & Consultancy
Training and consultancy services provide organisations with the knowledge required to manage water hygiene responsibilities effectively.
This supports staff responsible for maintaining water systems and ensures appropriate procedures are followed.
How The Process Works
- Training Needs Assessment: Identification of staff roles involved in water hygiene management.
- Technical Training Delivery: Training covering Legionella awareness, monitoring procedures and compliance responsibilities.
- Management Guidance: Advice on implementing effective water safety management systems.
- Control Scheme Development: Support in developing monitoring schedules and management documentation.
- Ongoing Consultancy: Specialist advice to support compliance and operational decision making.
Compliance Standards
Training programmes reflect requirements outlined in:
- Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974
- Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations 1999
- COSHH
- ACOP L8: The control of Legionella bacteria in water systems
- HSG274 Parts 2 and 3
- HSG 282
- BS 8580-1:2019
- BS 8580-2:2022
- HTM 04-01 in healthcare environments
Remedial Plumbing Work
Where water systems contain design faults or deteriorated components, remedial plumbing work may be required to restore compliance.
This may include replacing pipework, modifying system layouts or installing improved control measures.
How The Process Works
- Identification of System Defects: Issues identified during risk assessment or routine monitoring.
- Engineering Evaluation: Determination of corrective work required.
- System Modification or Repair: Replacement or modification of pipework, tanks or outlets.
- Re-testing and Verification: System performance checked following remedial work.
- Compliance Documentation: Records updated to reflect system changes.
Compliance Standards
Remedial work is undertaken in accordance with:
- ACOP L8
- HSG 274
- HSG 282
- Water Supply regulations where applicable
Digital/IoT Services
Digital monitoring systems allow water system performance to be tracked continuously using sensor technology.
These systems provide real time data on temperature, system usage and flow conditions which can help identify risks before they escalate.
How The Process Works
- System Survey: Identification of suitable monitoring locations.
- Sensor Installation: Temperature or flow sensors installed on pipework and outlets.
- Data Monitoring: System conditions monitored remotely.
- Alert Generation: Alerts triggered if temperatures or system conditions move outside control limits.
- Data Reporting: Monitoring data used to support compliance documentation and system management.
Compliance Standards
Remote monitoring supports compliance with:
- ACOP L8
- HSG274
Water Softeners
Water softeners treat hard water by reducing harmful mineral levels, preventing scale formation, corrosion, and blockages in pipework and appliances.
Properly maintained softeners protect system efficiency and extend the lifespan of heating, cooling, and domestic water systems.
How The Process Works
- System Assessment: Evaluation of water hardness and suitability of softener installation.
- Installation & Configuration: Water softeners installed and set to required specifications.
- Routine Servicing: Annual servicing and maintenance carried out to ensure optimal performance.
- Monitoring & Adjustment: Water quality monitored, and softener settings adjusted if necessary to maintain consistent performance.
Compliance Standards
Water softeners support guidance for:
- ACOP L8
- HSG 274
Chemical Dosing Units
Controlled chemical dosing units maintain water quality across water systems, preventing scale, corrosion, and microbial growth while improving efficiency and extending system lifespan, helping to reduce long-term operational costs.
These systems can be used with a range of treatment methods, including chlorine dioxide, copper, silver, or hydrogen peroxide dosing.
How The Process Works
- Assessment: Identify water treatment requirements and appropriate dosing locations.
- Installation: Units installed and calibrated for precise chemical dosing.
- Monitoring: Ongoing checks to ensure effectiveness and system safety.
- Servicing & Support: Servicing, chemical supply and top up, fault diagnosis, call out, and repair to most systems.
Compliance Standards
Chemical dosing units support guidance for:
- ACOP L8
- COSHH
- HSG 274
Pre-Commission Cleaning
Pre-commission cleaning ensures that new or modified water systems are free from debris, sediment, and microbial contamination before use.
Cleaning and disinfection are carried out to safeguard water quality and ensure safe system operation.
How The Process Works
- System Inspection: Review of new or modified pipework and components.
- Flushing & Cleaning: Removal of sediment, biofilm, and debris from the system.
- Disinfection: Application of approved treatments to eliminate bacterial risks.
- Verification Sampling: System confirmed clean and compliant prior to commissioning.
Compliance Standards
Pre-commission cleaning supports guidance for:
- BSRIA BG29/2021
- BS 8552:2012
Closed System Analysis
Closed system analysis involves testing and monitoring water quality within heating and cooling systems to maintain efficiency and lifespan and prevent internal damage.
Ongoing analysis helps identify early signs of corrosion, scale, and contamination before they impact system efficiency.
How The Process Works
- Sample Collection: Water samples taken from representative system points.
- Field/Laboratory Testing: Water quality is tested against recognised guidance parameters, including microbiological analysis for TVCs, Pseudomonads, SRBs, and NRBs to assess system condition.
- Condition Assessment: Identification of corrosion, scale, or system imbalance.
- Treatment Review: Evaluation of existing chemical dosing and protection levels.
- Recommendations: Corrective actions provided to maintain system performance.
Compliance Standards
Closed system analysis supports guidance set out in:
- BSRIA BG50/2021
- BS 8552:2012
Boiler Water Treatment
Boiler water treatment prevents scale, corrosion, and microbial contamination, safeguarding equipment efficiency and lifespan.
How The Process Works
- System Review: Evaluate water quality and boiler performance.
- Treatment Application: Chemical treatment applied to control corrosion and scale.
- Monitoring & Adjustment: Ensure ongoing water quality and system efficiency.
- Servicing & Documentation: Annual checks and reports maintained for compliance.
Compliance Standards
Boiler water treatment supports guidance for:
- BSRIA BG50/2021
- BS 2486:1997
Remedial Work: Water Treatment Solutions
Remedial works address water treatment issues across closed systems and boiler water treatment, ensuring safe and compliant operation.
How The Process Works
- System Assessment: Review of system performance and identification of water quality issues.
- Remedial Action: Corrective measures applied to restore system safety and efficiency.
- Monitoring & Verification: Ensuring water quality and system performance meet required standards.
- Documentation: Records provided for compliance and audit purposes.
Compliance Standards
Remedial work supports guidance for:
- BSRIA BG50/2021
- BS 8558:2015
Backflow Prevention
Backflow prevention systems, including RPZ valves and breaker tanks, protect the public water supply by preventing contaminated water from flowing back into clean water networks.
These systems are regularly inspected, tested, and maintained to ensure correct operation, safeguarding building occupants and supporting regulatory compliance.
How The Process Works
- Site Survey: Identification of water points requiring backflow protection and assessment of risk.
- System Installation: Installation of RPZ valves, breaker tanks, or other appropriate backflow prevention devices.
- Routine Testing: Scheduled RPZ valve testing and system checks to verify correct operation.
- Maintenance & Repairs: Prompt remedial work if devices are not functioning within control limits.
- Compliance Documentation: Detailed records provided to demonstrate ongoing adherence to regulatory standards.
Compliance Standards
RPZ testing is carried out in accordance with:
- Water Regulations Advisory Scheme (WRAS) guidance
- WIAPS guidance
- Local water authority requirements
Water Regulation Compliance Consultancy
Water regulations govern how water systems are designed, installed, and operated to protect public water supplies.
Compliance consultancy supports organisations during planning and design stages, as well as post-installation, ensuring systems meet regulatory requirements and avoid enforcement action.
How The Process Works
- Regulatory Review: Assessment of water systems against regulatory requirements.
- System Inspection: Identification of potential breaches of water supply regulations.
- Risk Identification: Review of backflow risks and inappropriate fittings.
- Compliance Recommendations: Guidance on corrective measures and system modifications.
- Ongoing advisory support: Assistance with communication with water authorities and regulatory documentation.
Compliance Standards
Consultancy services address requirements within:
- Water Regulations Advisory Scheme (WRAS) guidance
- WIAPS guidance
- Local water authority requirements
Case Studies
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Case Studies
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Related Sectors
We Manage Water From A To Z
Healthcare
Legionella can be deadly for vulnerable patients. Hospitals and care homes must maintain strict water compliance.
Education
Young people are particularly susceptible to Legionella. Schools, colleges, and nurseries must rigorously manage water systems.
Public Sector & Local Authorities
Councils and local authorities must protect staff and the public by ensuring full water system compliance.
Hospitality & Leisure
Pools, spas, showers, and gyms create high Legionella risk and must be carefully controlled.
Industrial & Manufacturing
Factories and engineering sites using water in processes or cooling systems must follow strict compliance measures.
Construction & Engineering
Construction and engineering projects must ensure water systems are safely controlled throughout all stages to remain compliant.
Residential & Social Housing
Housing associations have a duty to ensure tenants’ water systems are safe and fully compliant.
Sports & Events
Stadiums and arenas with high visitor numbers require thorough water hygiene management to prevent infection.
Retail & Commercial
Offices, shops, and commercial buildings must comply with water regulations to safeguard employees and customers.
Related Sectors
We Manage Water From A To Z
Healthcare
Legionella can be deadly for vulnerable patients. Hospitals and care homes must maintain strict water compliance.
Education
Young people are particularly susceptible to Legionella. Schools, colleges, and nurseries must rigorously manage water systems.
Public Sector & Local Authorities
Councils and local authorities must protect staff and the public by ensuring full water system compliance.
Hospitality & Leisure
Pools, spas, showers, and gyms create high Legionella risk and must be carefully controlled.
Industrial & Manufacturing
Factories and engineering sites using water in processes or cooling systems must follow strict compliance measures.
Construction & Engineering
Construction and engineering projects must ensure water systems are safely controlled throughout all stages to remain compliant.
Residential & Social Housing
Housing associations have a duty to ensure tenants’ water systems are safe and fully compliant.
Sports & Events
Stadiums and arenas with high visitor numbers require thorough water hygiene management to prevent infection.
Retail & Commercial
Offices, shops, and commercial buildings must comply with water regulations to safeguard employees and customers.