Closed water systems are any closed circuit, such as a domestic heating system with traditional radiators, which primarily uses water as the medium to transmit temperature for heating or chilling purposes.
The design of closed systems means that they are closed to the environment and will generally not represent a risk to health, however the maintenance of such systems will determine efficiency, life expectancy and reliability of the system.
Due to a lack of formal regulation, closed water systems tend to have a reduced significance as a managed asset within the management of buildings and their importance to the operation of the associated premises.
When managing these systems water quality needs to be carefully considered from both a bacterial and chemical perspective. Often, if issues are not dealt with quickly and effectively, it can lead to extensive remedial actions that can incur significant costs through damage and/or loss.
These issues can include:
Reduced system performance;
Loss of service through breakdown;
Increased running costs; and
Reduction in the life of the assets (premature replacement of pipework systems, plant and plant).
Dependent on your building and system we would recommend regular sampling to establish both bacterial and chemical understanding. These systems are closed and recirculatory by design, so water losses and consequently chemical loss should be minimal. The frequency of sampling and the testing of chemical levels and bacterial activity should reflect this. Quarterly sampling and testing is best practice for most systems, but often, closed systems are tested six monthly or even annually, this frequency should be on the level of control, complexity and condition of the system.
There is published guidance available to help you, which includes:
BSRIA BG29-2021 “Pre-commissioning Cleaning of Pipework Systems”
BSRIA BG50-2013 “Water Treatment for Closed Heating and Cooling Systems”
BS 8552 (2012) “Sampling and monitoring of water from building services closed systems. Code of Practice.
CSA GN4-“Bacteria within Closed Circuit Pipework Systems”
Water Hygiene Management have an inhouse team of qualified and experienced water treatment engineers whom carryout closed water system monitoring and testing inline with the aforementioned guidance.
Our experience means you can trust the advice and support you are given. We send all samples received to a UKAS accredited laboratory so you can trust the results.
We can support you with:
Chemical analysis of closed water systems
Bacteriology testing of closed water systems
Supply of closed system biocides, inhibitors and other chemicals as required.
We can also provide training to onsite personnel on closed water system to support in your day to day management.
• Legionella Risk Assessments (LRA).
• Legionella Risk Assessment Reviews (LRAR).
• Legionella Policy and Written Scheme Development.
• Routine Temperature Monitoring.
• Descaling & Disinfections.
• Inspection & testing of Assets & Storage Vessels i.e. tanks, water heaters, pumps, expansion vessels & TMV’s.
• Analytical Sampling & Testing.
• Mains Chemical Disinfections.
• Storage Vessel Cleaning & Disinfection.
• Water Softener Servicing.
• Installation, Maintenance & Monitoring of online chemical dosing systems.
• Basic Plumbing Remedial Works.
• Installation and Replacement of TMV’s.
• Installations of Domestic Water Services.
• Tank Relining.
• Tank Replacements.
• Water Heater Replacements.
• Legionella Operative Training.
• Legionella Awareness Training.
• Responsible Person Training.
• Online Legionella Awareness Training.