Within our skilled workforce, a highly qualified safety officer undertakes Legionella Water Risk Assessments as specified in the HSG 274.  Partial and complete building risk assessments are offered to cover all aspects of air and water services.

The assessment includes all the aspects of water hygiene specific to site, including a comprehensive and in-depth survey of all sources of tank supplied water, closed circuits; open circuit cooling systems, fire water services and air moving plant.

Enki Environmental Ltd offer a comprehensive suite of UKAS accredited laboratory tests including legionella testing, sampling and water analysis of environmental samples for the detection of legionella bacteria and other waterborne pathogens commonly found in man-made water systems.

Water System Checks

The periodic sampling and testing of water sources from man-made systems for the presence of legionella bacteria is a valuable means of demonstrating that adequate control over such a water system is being achieved.

Additionally, the analysis of samples from water sources suspected of being contaminated with legionella bacteria is also an important forensic tool that can be used to identify possible sources of risk within a water system.

Routine Monitoring & Inspection

The UK’s Health & Safety Executive (HSE) in their Approved Code of Practice (ACOP) L8, “Legionnaires’ disease. The control of legionella bacteria in water systems” state that:

“ … Periodic sampling and testing for the presence of legionella bacteria may also be relevant to show that adequate control is being achieved. However, reliably detecting the presence of legionella bacteria is technically difficult and requires specialist laboratory facilities.”

Paragraph 68. HSE “ACOP L8“.

Enki offer a range of on-site training services. Courses include an introduction to the water cycle and an introduction to the control of Legionella bacteria in water systems.

We offer our clients regular monitoring of water quality in domestic water systems in accordance with HSG 274 and where relevant to HTM 04-01 (Healthcare premises). Our highly skilled staff carry out this work using the most up to date and advanced equipment.

Installation of new domestic water services require that disinfection be carried out in accordance with ACOP L8 (2001) and BS 6700:2006.

The size and scope of work can vary from a small system to a major installation with varying outlets.  Our service is comprehensive and includes analytical monitoring to ensure full compliance with EEC guidelines for potable water use.

Main Cleaning & Disinfection

• Cleaning and disinfection regimes for:
• Cooling Towers
• Tanks (regardless of size/volume)
• Full Disinfection solutions for
• Entire building water services and systems
• Emergency response

Additionally our team of specialist cleaners have regular experience of working in the following areas of cleaning and disinfection:

• Cold water storage tanks
• Cooling water systems
• Calorifiers (for hot water )
• Water features including fountains and pool systems

Also we work with hotels and leisure as well as industrial and commercial site to descale showers.  The Enki Environmental Ltd  team also understand the importance and correct application of the use of epoxy painting to protect systems.

Ancillary Disinfection

While thermal disinfection is the traditional approach for legionella control,  the use of secondary chemical disinfection can achieve the same means  or be employed where temperatures cannot reach the desired levels. Where hot water is not required for other uses such as laundry, production or kitchens then it does not need to be stored at 60oC or distributed at 50oC (other than in NHS premises).

If water temperatures are reduced, then any lapse of biocide levels would leave the system vulnerable. Therefore, if a biocide is being utilised then it will require close monitoring to ensure it is effective which will typically mean weekly checks.

In general terms a private water supply is any water supply which is not provided by a water company. It is not a “mains” supply. About 1% of the population of England and Wales have private water supplies to their homes. Most private supplies are situated in the more remote, rural parts of the country. The source of the supply may be a well, borehole, spring, stream, river, lake or pond. The supply may serve just one property or several properties through a network of pipes.

Enki is trained to risk assessment standard BS 8580:2010 and for private water supply.

What do they mean for owners and consumers?

A private water supply is a supply of water which does not come from a public water supply (from a water company unless it is subsequently supplied by someone else ). Private supplies may come from a variety of sources, including wells, springs, boreholes and streams. Regulations on private water supplies in England and Wales were introduced in 1991 and were replaced by new Regulations introduced early in 2010. The new Regulations apply to all who own or use a private water supply. The new Regulations have been introduced to ensure that water from private supplies is wholesome, so that people who drink water or consume food or drinks made from private supplies may do so without risk to their health. This information aims to help those with a private water supply understand how the regulations affect them. Local authorities are responsible for regulating private water supplies used for domestic purposes (such as drinking, cooking, and washing) in both domestic and commercial premises.

What harm could the contamination cause?

Some microorganisms, such as coliforms, just indicate that contamination may be present. Others, such as Cryptosporidium, Giardia, Camplyobacter and E.coli O157 can cause vomiting and diarrhoea or more severe illness in some cases. The effects of chemicals depend on the type and amount of chemical present. One common concern relates to lead, which is dissolved from lead pipework, and can impair the childhood development. Children with higher levels of lead in their bodies tend to have difficulties with learning and behaviour. There is further advice overleaf on how to identify lead pipes and reduce this risk.

What can I do?

Make sure you know where your water comes from and how it reaches your tap. Knowing this can help you understand what could cause a problem. • Clarify who is responsible for maintenance of the supply. Contact the owners of the land where the source is, and discuss your supply with them, and where the source, tank/s and pipework are. • Clarify who is responsible for the whole supply system including water treatment equipment and that it is maintained according to manufacturer’s instructions.

Where can I get help?

From your local authority and the Drinking Water Inspectorate at www.dwi.gov.uk

Enki Environmental Ltd undertakes all aspects of tank refurbishment; upgrading tanks in domestic water services are based on compliance with ACOP L8 (2001) and Water Regulations 1999.  Tanks can be upgraded with any of the following a WRC approved butyl liner, or alternatively a variety of resin system linings, which have WRC approvals, or a fibreglass lining may be applied.

Modifications may include new lids, lagging, fitting of vents and vermin guards/screens and relocation of pipework to eliminate low flow areas within the tank.

The infection of Legionnaires disease is most commonly acquired by the inhalation of airborne droplets or particles containing legionella. Spa baths and swimming pools are susceptible to this and need to be treated using the appropriate chemicals along with a suitable maintenance program.

Our skilled staff are able to service the many different types and size of water softeners available today.

We also install and service.

TMVs provide a safe solution to scalding and the problem of Legionella in buildings. There purpose is to blend hot water (stored at temperatures high enough to kill bacteria) and cold to ensure constant, safe outlet temperatures preventing scalding. Thermostatic Mixing Valves have to meet the highest of specifications required by the NHS and Water Regulations Guide 1999. This requires regular checking and maintenance as required.

There is a need for protecting and treating of low, medium and high pressure hot water systems and chilled water systems. This is achieved by sampling and monitoring of water quality using our portable field laboratory we are then able to present any treatment necessary.

For all closed circuit or closed loop water systems the maintenance of the water treatment of the system is essential to its effective functionality.

These types of system conveniently either heat and/or cool a building in both commercial and industrial settings as well as operating in certain industrial process applications.

By their design they operate as “closed circuits” retaining the fluid within the system itself for an indefinite time period.  Therefore without the implementation of an effective treatment regime the water or fluid within the system can become impaired due to fouling or corrosion eventually if untreated leading to a reduction of heat transfer through reduced system flow.

Additionally the failure to maintain the system can result in control gear (valves) becoming blocked or choked also leading to potential system failure. Control valves can become blocked and inoperative.

The Enki Environmental Ltd  range of solutions for closed systems covers:

• Corrosion monitoring and preventative maintenance routines
• Microbiological control measures
• Pre-commission cleaning and post operational flushing
• Pseudomonas consultancy and control regimes
• Removal of deposits and solids
• Standard water treatment in compliance with BSRIA recommendations
• System remedial actions

Enki Environmental Ltd will reduce cost and prevent system leakage.  The implementation of one of our maintenance programmes also reduces the risk from the build-up of Pseudomonas and the associated issues that this brings.

Cooling towers are a specialist area that requires experienced knowledgeable attention, depending on the age, construction and design.

We provide a comprehensive range of cooling water hygiene solutions across the full spectrum of environments.

Our solutions cover the following areas where cooling water hygiene is an essential component of client systems or processes:

All of this is considered in the initial Enki Environmental Risk Assessment, before recommendations can be made on the condition of the cooling tower pack and what the next steps should be; removal of the pack if appropriate or practical for cleansing, or if this is deemed too dangerous or the pack is in too bad a condition, cleanse and disinfection in situ.

Once remedial works have been completed to ensure compliance with the appropriate legal standards, regular monthly to quarterly monitoring inspection visits and performance targets will be agreed, as recommended by our qualified engineers.

Without effective water treatment, your cooling water system for refrigeration plants and/or air conditioning systems, can suffer from:

• Corrosion – ferrous and non-ferrous decomposition
• Scale formulation – deposition of calcium  and magnesium salts
• Fouling – deposition of particular matter
• Microbiological activity – protozoa, pseudomona’s, biofilms, legionella, etc.

These four factors reduce efficiency, put your cooling process at risk, shorten plant life, and waste energy, chemicals and water charges. It’s a well-known fact that poor control of your cooling system can not only put your cooling process at risk, but can also squander £1,000s in wasted energy, chemicals and water charges.

Enki UK Ltd. provides, bespoke solutions to the specific requirements of a clients open circuit cooling systems.  Offering a wide range of water treatment chemicals to address all water quality issues, thus ensuring the requirements of ACOP L8 (2001), have been fully met.

As well as treatment chemicals, Enki UK Ltd. can provide control equipment that utilises the latest micro-processor technologies.  Combined with this, competent and experienced engineers, routinely visit site, giving extra peace of mind to the client knowing that legislative compliance is assured.

Enki UK Ltd has a team of engineers greatly experienced in the clean and disinfection of open circuit cooling systems.  Many years of experience in this type of cleaning and disinfection, of water systems is a boast Enki make with full justification.

Enki UK Ltd carries out all works on new systems in accordance with BSRIA AG1/2001. Flushing, Chemical Cleaning and system stabilisation is required for heating, chilled and condenser circuits.

From our experience the chemicals we use are considered to be the most effective available and have been in practical use in the types of system for some years.

When existing systems are found to be fouled by corrosion, scale or debris resulting from lack of or incorrect treatment, we offer an on-line cleaning programme.  It is our policy to use non-aggressive chemical cleaning technology in conjunction with the flushing and inhibiting procedures used in pre-commission cleaning.