Controlling the quality of water

Responsibility

A lot has changed since October 2000 regarding responsibility for the prevention of Legionella disease. This is due to the fact emphasis is being laid on the hygiene aspects of temporary tap water supplies. As far as Legionalla infections are concerned a lot has changed within our business responsibility.

Responsibility of the parties

1. The supplier of the water guarantees the bacteriological soundness of the tap water
2. W.T.L. the company installing the temporary water supply guarantees distribution of safe tap water, from the permanent system, that is the hydrant to the taps used by the customer/subscriber/exponent/user.
3. The ORGANISATION guarantees that it will provide accurate and safe information.
4. The ORGANISATION is considered as the principal company responsible.
5. The organiser is responsible for daily supervision of the premises in order to prevent eventual vandalism.
6. THE CUSTOMER/SUBSCRIBER/EXPONENT/USER guarantees the bacteriological and hygienic safety of all objects/equipment.
7. A water joint can only made with the approval of W.T.L.
8. Should a CUSTOMER/SUBSCRIBER/EXPONENT/USER wish to use equipment that is Legionella unsafe or Aerosol producing equipment such as bubble bath, whirlpool, mist producing equipment, humidifiers, fountains and showers, then the ORGANISATION is responsible for hygiene and water quality especially where it concerns Legionella disease.

What to do in case of Legionella infection

Should an a case of Legionella break out after the temporary tap water supply has been connected then W.T.L will do the following:

1. First of all W.T.L will close off the main water supply, and close the pumps in order to prevent further contamination
2. The Organiser is informed
3. The Organiser and W.T.L. will discuss how serious the contamination is taken from a public health perspective.
4. The cause of the contamination is established
5. Together W.T.L. and the Organiser look for solution
6. The temporary tap water system is constantly disinfected until all Legionella bacteria have disappeared as well as the remaining disinfectant.

Follow-up

The follow-up consists of taking water samples on a regular basis. There are practical reasons for doing. The time duration for use and the size of the temporary tap water installation are determining factors. The water samples are taken by W.L.T. and are analysed by a recognised laboratory.