Water hygiene in Leeds
Leeds has a big student population around Headingley and Hyde Park, a growing build-to-rent sector on the South Bank and plenty of converted mill and warehouse buildings. Long summer vacancies in student housing make pre-term flushing and recommissioning essential.
Converted mill buildings and large student blocks across Yorkshire often have complex, extended hot and cold distribution systems that are hard to keep at safe temperatures.
Why local water matters
Water in Leeds is generally soft to moderately soft. Softer water produces less limescale, but it can be more corrosive to older metal pipework, and corrosion products and biofilm still need managing through good temperature control and regular flushing.
The rules that apply in Leeds
Legionella and water hygiene. In England, legionella duties come from the Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974, the Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations 1999 and COSHH 2002, with HSE's ACoP L8 and HSG274 setting the standard. Enforcement is by HSE or the local authority, depending on the premises.
Local enforcement. In Leeds, legionella law is enforced by Leeds City Council's environmental health team for offices, shops, hotels, restaurants and leisure premises, and by HSE for factories, warehouses, hospitals, schools and council-run premises.
Who we help in Leeds
- Private landlords, letting agents and HMO operators
- Freeholders and managing agents of blocks of flats
- Offices, shops and commercial landlords
- Schools, colleges and student accommodation
- Care homes, GP surgeries and dental practices
- Hotels, guest houses and holiday lets
- Factories, warehouses and industrial estates