Understanding the Importance of Water Treatment

For those of us in the UK, we are very fortunate to have the luxury of clean water running directly into our homes and public premises. However, in spite of the fact that our drinking, hand washing and bathing water is thoroughly cleaned and filtered before being passed on to us, that doesn’t necessarily mean it’s always contaminant-free. The water distribution system is still prone to containing numerous species of bacteria, viruses and algae. While a lot of these are ultimately harmless, some can pose a huge health risk.

Because of this, the way that water is distributed to us, the quality of the water we use and how industries manage their water are all stringently protected by a series of laws and regulations. Businesses are naturally at liberty to meet these requirements: get it right, and you can drastically improve your safety records, operational efficiencies and the quality of your customers’ and employees’ experiences. On the other hand, get it wrong and you seriously run the risk of compromising the safety of others, as well as your company’s performance and reputation.

Fortunately, water treatment services exist to minimise the risk of the latter happening. If you’ve ever wondered what a water treatment company does or why their processes are so integral to your business operations, keep reading.



What is Water Treatment & Why is It Important?

Water treatment refers to a series of processes that are designed to improve the quality of water and make it suitable for various purposes, such as for drinking or use in industrial applications. In order to do this, contaminants and impurities are removed or reduced with the aim of helping water to meet certain safety requirements and pose no harm to human health, industrial equipment or the environment.

Let’s take a closer look at three key reasons why water treatment services are so crucial:

Health & Safety Compliance

Undoubtedly the biggest reason why water treatment is such an indispensable service comes down to the role it plays in enforcing health and safety regulation adherence. In the UK, businesses are legally required to maintain exceptional water quality in their facilities - not only to safeguard the health of occupants, but also to prevent the spreading of waterborne diseases.

Equipment Longevity

When left untreated, water can act as a silent saboteur: causing steady but ultimately irreversible damage to plumbing and heating systems. Corrosion, scaling and sedimentation are just some of the most common threats that untreated water can pose. Water treatment works to shield the infrastructure of these systems, which goes a long way towards prolonging its lifespan and protecting your investment in turn.

Energy Efficiency

Water that’s laced with impurities and deposits tends to use up more energy to heat or cool it, which naturally results in higher energy bills and a less efficient property. Through proper water treatment, not only do you safeguard your systems, but also simultaneously optimise their performance. This is a big plus for sustainably-conscious business owners who also want to save some money on their bills.

Types of Water Treatment

Legionella Identification

Legionella is a harmful bacterium that can lead to severe health conditions, including the potentially fatal Legionnaires’ disease. Because legionella can thrive in water systems, testing for it is a crucial aspect of water treatment, especially for businesses with large and complex plumbing systems. Regular testing helps identify and mitigate the risk of legionella outbreaks, which is key to safeguarding the wellbeing of employees and customers.

Industrial Water Management

There are countless different types of industrial facilities, each with their own unique water usage patterns that require specialised water management strategies. In light of this, industrial water management aims to optimise water usage, reduce environmental impact and ensure compliance with regulatory standards. Strategies might include everything from the treatment of water for internal processes to the responsible disposal of wastewater.

Water Treatment Processes

Filtration

As the first line of defence against impurities, filtration is the backbone of water treatment. It involves the use of physical barriers or chemical processes to remove suspended particles, sediment and contaminants from the water - a process that’s crucial for preventing clogs in pipes and protecting downstream equipment.

Disinfection

Disinfection is another critical step in water treatment services, targeting harmful microorganisms that can pose severe health risks. Common methods include chlorination, ultraviolet (UV) treatment and ozonation, each of which has its own unique advantages and is chosen based on the specific requirements of the water source and its intended use.

Softening

If you live in certain parts of the UK, you might have heard the term ‘hard water’ before. Hard water, which is caused by high concentrations of minerals like calcium and magnesium, can lead to scaling. While this isn’t harmful to your health, when it occurs within pipes, it reduces water pressure and flow, and only gets worse over time. Hard water also negatively impacts the efficiency and lifespan of any appliance that requires water for operation. Because of this, a softening treatment works to remove these minerals, preventing further scale build ups and guaranteeing that equipment can run smoothly.

Common Water Contaminants & How to Avoid Them

Now that we’ve discussed some of the most common water treatment methods, let’s take a look at a couple of specific examples of water contaminants and how they might be treated by a professional service.

Chemical Contaminants

This type of water contaminant can come from a variety of sources, including industrial processes, agricultural runoff or accidental spills, and might contain everything from heavy metals to solvents and pesticides. Treatment methods, such as activated carbon filtration and chemical precipitation, can be implemented to remove or neutralise chemical impurities.

Microbial Contaminants

Microbial contaminants, including bacteria, viruses and parasites, pose a significant threat to water quality. In order to combat this, filtration, disinfection and regular testing are essential processes which protect the health and safety of those who rely on the water supply.

What Services Do We Offer?

At Caledonian Heating & Plumbing, we understand the critical role water treatment plays in maintaining the integrity of your plumbing and heating systems. That’s why our comprehensive suite of water treatment services is designed to address the unique needs of each of our clients, ensuring your compliance with regulations and the longevity of your infrastructure.

Legionella Testing

As mentioned above, it’s essential to remain aware that any water system meeting specific environmental requirements can be a hazardous legionella source. As members of the LCA (Legionella Control Association), Caledonian Heating & Plumbing Ltd can assist you in ensuring the safety of your water systems, and additional compliance with legionella regulations. As part of a customised legionella control plan for your company, our experts can perform risk assessments, testing and control work - organised in a structured and safe manner.

Water Risk Assessments

Industrial water management services and water risk assessments can prevent potential water-based damage from occurring in your area. Our detailed risk assessments are designed to identify potential problems and hazards in your water systems before they can cause any serious harm. On top of this, because complying with certain regulations is crucial to all businesses, our ongoing risk assessments are here to help maintain your adherence to existing laws.

Our team are trained to test the following:

●     Mains water systems

●     Water storage containers

●     Hot water systems (including storage cylinders)

●     Pipework pumping systems

●     Shower units

●     Air conditioning systems

●     Fountains

●     Pools, spas and jacuzzis

Water Tank Cleaning & Chlorination

Looking to maintain the water system and equipment that makes your spa, pool or jacuzzi sparkle? Our water maintenance services include sampling and testing for chlorinated water. Our team is trained in the art of cleaning, repairing and maintaining the correct chemical makeup of the water for your pools. Whether it’s as part of ongoing maintenance or as a one-off job, we can efficiently reline your water tank to help ensure your water supply stays as hygienic as possible for longer.

Reliable Industrial Water Management Services in Scotland

At Caledonian Heating & Plumbing Ltd, our water management services include water monitoring, legionella testing, tank cleaning and chlorination, water treatment risk assessments and general management and maintenance of all hot and cold water services. We operate to the highest regulatory standards including the current ACOP L8 standards and all relevant British Standards requirements. We'll help ensure compliance and adherence to current legislation – whatever your business. Contact us in Edinburgh or Dundee to find out more about how we can help you.