Water Chlorination Certificate Services
What is a water chlorination certificate and is it different to a disinfection?
A water chlorination certificate proves to the local water company or body that you have chlorinated your water system, whether its a short length of pipe or a full system and that it is ready to use.
A disinfection or chemical disinfection is the same thing. Having a chemical disinfection means you are disinfecting the water system with a chemical, normally chlorine hence the term chlorination.
When do I need a chlorination certificate?
Where necessary, hot and cold water services should be cleaned, flushed and disinfected in the following instances, as specified in BS 8558:2015:
New pipework is over 50 metres in length.
New pipework has internal diameter of 50mm or over.
If the pipe has been unused for a long period of time.
New commercial properties for local authorities.
If the existing supply pipe has become contaminated.
Previously supplied by a water system i.e. Well or Spring.
What happens during a chlorination?
A reading is taken at source using a photometer to determine how much chlorine is in the water supplied by the water utility company using a photometer. This is also known as a Background Reading.
Pre flush with clean water to remove debris, on larger diameter pipes we would also swab the pipe.
The pipe/system is then filled with a measured solution of chlorine (Sodium Hypochlorite), to remain in contact with the pipe for a period to allow disinfection to take place.
The system is then safely flushed to remove the chlorine via a de-chlorination process back to the original background reading.
Once the background is achieved, the water is held for a duration in the pipe and when that time has lapsed, a sample is then taken which is then sent off to a UKAS approved laboratory for analysis.
Subject to test results the pipe is then connected.
About water chlorination services and how long will it take?
C&M Waters water chlorination services are carried out by our fully trained engineers, provided with RAMS, method statements and procedures to ensure the work complies with the ACoP L8 (HSG 274) and COSHH regulations. Disinfection works are carried out with the use of chlorine with all RAMS designed to ensure the safety of the water system’s users is paramount.
It can take our experience engineers on average between 3-5 hours to chlorinate your water services. Other factors that will effect the time taken to clean the tank include how dirty the water system is and how accessible it is.
What are the water authority specifications?
Every local water authority has different water chlorination specifications. Guidance for South West Water and Wessex Water can be found using the links below:
The following however is a standardised list of the most commonly required features:
Flushing/Swabbing
Chlorine Level
Chlorine Contact Time
Microbiological and chemical analysis
Can water sampling or testing be included in the water chlorination service?
Yes, water chlorination services can include water sampling from UKAS accredited laboratories. Local water companies normally ask that you provide water sample results for the following: TVC @22°C, TVC @37°C, E.Coli, Coliforms, Total Chlorine, Free Chlorine, Turbidity/Clarity.
Water Chlorination FAQs
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Yes we undertake chlorinations on behalf of our customers every year issuing certification to your local water supplier.
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All of our engineers are fully qualified with City & Guilds training, they also hold certification in the water advisory regulations scheme, Pwtag ( The pool water treatment advisory group) and unvented systems, and can help assist you in meeting compliance today for HSE (ACoP L8), and provide landlords with guidance for hot and cold water low risk systems. so you can rest assured that you are working with a trusted water hygiene service provider who put health and safety first.
All our engineers are enhanced DBS Checked to ensure suitable people are entering your premises and to safeguard vulnerable people. We are committed to maintaining the highest standards within our industry.