Look after heating or chilled water in Sheffield and South Yorkshire? If it has not been sampled recently, you do not yet know what condition the system is in.
Water Hygiene Services is an independent water hygiene company based in Leeds, about 35 miles from Sheffield, and we are testers first. We sample closed heating and chilled water systems and test to BSRIA BG 29 for new systems and BG 50 for running ones, for estates managers, facilities managers and building and property managers in Sheffield and South Yorkshire.
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What is closed system water testing?
A closed system is a sealed circuit of water that heats or cools a building without being used for drinking or washing. Closed system water testing is the routine sampling and analysis that shows whether the treatment in that circuit is working, with sampling to BS 8552.
We take the samples, send them to a laboratory and give you an independent review of the results, with the action each one needs. The samples go to an independent laboratory, and we report what the results show, separate from any contractor who treats the system. For the full explanation of BG 29, BG 50 and what we test for, see our Closed System Water Testing page.
- Heating, chilled water, heat pump and condenser water circuits
- New systems at handover and existing systems on a routine programme
- Routine panel (appearance, pH, conductivity, solids, iron, inhibitor) or fuller diagnostic panel with bacteria tests
- Heat pump and mixed-metal systems, including aluminium and glycol checks
- Independent testing to BG 29 for new systems and BG 50 for running ones
- Typical routine sampling every one to three months in mid-life, more often in the first six months
Testing panels: what we test for
We use two levels of testing. The routine panel looks at appearance, pH, conductivity, total dissolved solids, iron and the corrosion inhibitor, and is used for a first check, regular monitoring and trend tracking.
The fuller diagnostic panel adds suspended solids, hardness, alkalinity, chloride, dissolved iron, copper, aluminium and nitrite, with glycol percentage for chilled systems and bacteria tests. It is used when a routine result points to a problem, for an annual deep-dive and to check a system before and after remedial work.
Chemistry results are usually back within one to two weeks. Bacteria testing takes longer, so allow up to about three weeks for those results. If you need the chemistry first, we can report on it separately. The full list is on our Closed System Water Testing page.
Closed systems in buildings across Sheffield and South Yorkshire
Yorkshire Water supplies the area. Large university buildings, hospitals and retail centres have extensive heating and chilled water circuits, and converted buildings often have circuits extended over several refurbishments.
Buildings where we sample closed systems include:
- The two universities and their student accommodation
- Hospitals, clinics and care homes
- City centre offices, hotels and venues
- Former steelworks and industrial buildings now used as offices, studios and business units
- Large retail and leisure centres
- New-build and refurbished buildings at handover
Two ways we are used in Sheffield
New and newly commissioned buildings: we can independently test the system against BG 29 and report whether the results support the builder's sign-off, separate from the contractor who did the work.
Running systems: we can give a second opinion on your current water treatment provider, by testing to BG 50 and reviewing the results independently.
If the results show a problem and you would like help putting it right, remedial works, dosing and chemical treatment are available afterwards if you ask.
How a sampling visit works
- We review your system and agree the sample points, from the main plant to the remote terminal units.
- We circulate the system before sampling, so the sample reflects the water in use.
- Samples are taken from the circulating water and the make-up water, using laboratory bottles and a chain of custody record.
- The laboratory analyses the samples and we review the results against BG 50 guideline values.
- You receive a clear independent report with recommended actions in priority order, and the results go into your water treatment logbook.
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Questions we are asked in Sheffield
Our university buildings have large heating and chilled water systems. Where should they be sampled?
At the main plant and at remote points such as low-flow pipework and terminal units. We agree the points when we review the system.
Can you verify a new building against BG 29, independently of the builder?
Yes. We test the system independently and report whether the results support the sign-off. If the results show a problem and you would like help putting it right, remedial works, dosing and chemical treatment are available afterwards if you ask.
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Very happy with their very high standard of work Water Hygiene Services have been carrying out legionella risk assessments for us for a couple of years now. We have been very happy with their very high standard of work, their ability to work to tight deadlines and the general professional service they provide
