In this expert guide the environmental specialists at WTS consider the most common techniques used in soil testing and the analysis of contaminated land and brownfield sites. The guide identifies the most common test parameters including VOCs, phenols, sulphides and cyanides; outlines the importance of sample preparation, and then examines a number of popular techniques used in the testing of soil samples.
There are lots of different types of food poisoning bacteria and viruses that can make us ill when we eat or come in to contact with contaminated food. In this guide our experts look at thirteen of the most common bugs that can cause food poisoning. We look at what foods they commonly affect, typical symptoms, what to do if you become infected and proactive tips on preventing contamination.
In this expert guide the air quality specialists at WTS consider the most common types of mould found in houses, offices and other workplaces, which ones can be dangerous and how they affect the health and wellbeing of building occupants.
A regular programme of potable water testing on-board ships, other marine vessels and off-shore installations is an essential management process required to maintain safe drinking water supplies for crew members, passengers and others.
In this expert guide the water safety experts at Water Treatment Services consider the health risks that need to be considered by ship owners and officers and how these can be properly managed. We review the main maritime regulations and international guidance on fresh water quality, and conclude with a summary of recommendations for the testing of drinking water quality in marine environments.
Developing a good indoor air quality plan that follows the BREEAM environmental assessment and rating system can help businesses manage their construction and refurbishment planning processes.
Following such a structured approach can help businesses create better, healthier workspaces for their staff and others through the careful selection and use of suitable building materials, appropriate heating and ventilation, and other equipment.
Some types of algae produce toxins that can be harmful to humans and animals. Carrying out blue-green algae testing can quickly confirm its presence helping owners, operators and managers of lakes, reservoirs and other watercourses, including recreational water sites, manage the potential health risks to people, pets and other animals.
In this expert guide we consider what this algae is and how to recognise it, the risks to people and animals, how these risks can be managed, and the benefits of algae testing.
We conclude by reviewing the recommended trigger levels from the World Health Organization, what these mean for the safe management of watercourses, how regular water quality analysis can help, and how best to treat unwanted algal blooms.
Specialist spa, hot tub and swimming pool water testing solutions.
Water Treatment Services is a leading water and environmental engineering specialist offering a range of laboratory based microbiological analysis and swimming pool water testing solutions (including tests for spas, hot tubs and hydrotherapy pools) to businesses, local authorities, healthcare organisations, schools, universities and private individuals throughout the UK and Ireland.
Our specialist laboratory procedures include tests for a range of common pathogens found in pool waters including E. coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Total coliforms, TVC/Aerobic colony counts, Legionella bacteria and other less common organisms that can contaminate pools.
If you’re one of the many UK businesses, councils, hospitals, schools, universities or private households who own or operate a pool, hot tub, spa or hydrotherapy pool then you’ll already know that maintaining the quality of the water in your pool is something which can’t be ignored.
Our specialist laboratory water testing and analysis solutions for swimming pools, spas and hot tubs include:
With offices in London serving the South and South East England, Manchester (North West), Birmingham (Midlands), Bristol (South East England and Wales), Leeds (North and North East) and Glasgow (Scotland), supported by regional teams of trained engineers and technicians we can offer professional, cost effective pool water testing, in-field sampling and laboratory microbiological analysis services across the UK and Ireland.
Contact Water Treatment Services today to learn how our professional water quality analysis, testing and sampling solutions can help maintain pool water quality, safety standards and regulatory compliance processes. To speak with one of our experts call us on 0330 223 31 31 or simply use this button.
Swimming pool water is treated water specifically maintained for use in swimming pools. The same approach is used for water used in spas, hot tubs and hydrotherapy pools. Impurities introduced into the water from swimmers and the wider environment are managed through chemical and mechanical treatments to ensure the water remains clean, clear, and safe to use.
Treatments include the application of chemical disinfectants such as chlorine or bromine, pH balancers, algaecides, and stabilisers. Filtration and circulation equipment is also used to remove debris, while regular testing and maintenance ensure the water remains visually appealing, hygienic, safe, and comfortable for swimmers.
Unlike other water systems found in homes and commercial premises where the water is flushed or drained away after each use, swimming pools, hot tubs and spas could be considered as a re-circulating water system where the water is retained and re-used many times over.
If you’re not testing the chemical and microbial water quality regularly, taking steps to maintain balance and keep it clean, issues such as pH and water clarity can change, and more worryingly bacteria can start to grow rapidly.
Bacteria such as E. coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Legionella thrive in warm, poorly or untreated water and have the potential to make people using the pool or spa very ill.
Don’t assume that water which appears crystal clear is clean and safe to use – the types of bacteria which can grow in water are invisible to the naked eye.
UK health and safety laws dealing with swimming pool and spa water quality, testing and treatment really only come into play if you’re running a business such as a leisure centre, gym or hotel, or the pool is in a holiday property which is let to paying guests.
Owners and operators of pools and spas need to ensure sure that the water quality and treatment programmes are effective and meet current standards. Although the law might not apply to domestic pools and spas, they provide excellent guidelines and standards which it makes sense to read, understand and comply with.
For more information both the Health and Safety Executive and the Pool Water Treatment Advisory Group (PWTAG) provide excellent guidance to help pool operators comply with health and safety law.
It is very important that regular microbial analysis is carried out to ensure the effectiveness of the water treatment programme is maintained and the pool is safe to use. Specialist microbial analysis is carried out in the laboratory, not in-field.
Swimming pools operated as part of a business should be tested on a monthly basis.
Microbial testing of privately operated pools is at the owner’s discretion, however we recommend the same testing frequency.
Our swimming pool microbial laboratory testing suite includes for the following:
Frequency – These tests should be carried out on a monthly basis.
Hot tubs and spa pools typically contain lower volumes of water and operate at higher temperatures than swimming pools.
These factors can increase the potential for bacterial growth in the water, including the risks from Legionella bacteria and other waterborne pathogens.
Our hot tub and spa pool microbial testing suite includes for the following:
Frequency – These tests should be carried out on a monthly basis, or when the spa is first used or recommissioned, after a report of ill-health, if there are problems of contamination, or if there have been alterations in the treatment/maintenance programmes.
If there are reports of ill-health from bathers further testing may also be required for other organisms including Staphylococcus aureus, Cryptosporidium, Giardia and possibly viruses.
In addition to routine microbial analysis of pool waters regular chemical testing should also be carried out. One of the most important chemical parameters you’ll need to keep under control in your swimming pool or spa is the pH of the water, often referred to as the “balance”. This is a way of determining how acidic or alkaline the water is.
Adding pool chemicals to the water can often change the pH levels and may prevent other chemicals from working as well as intended. pH is measured on a scale of 0 to 14. 0 is an extremely strong acid, 14 is strongly alkaline, and at the mid-point, 7, the water is neutral.
Experts agree that the ideal pH range for water in swimming pools or hot tubs is between 7.2 and 7.6. This is a range which is comfortable for skin and eyes, allows chlorine added to the water to work properly, and within this range water scale problems are unlikely.
If the water pH starts to fall too low into the “acidic” range, you may find that the water becomes irritating to skin or eyes, pool equipment including heater elements start to corrode. You may also start to notice a build-up of minerals around the edges of the pool itself. On the other hand, if the water becomes too alkaline, you might notice skin irritation, but also water clarity reduces and scale starts to form on the sides of the spa or pool.
In the UK, mains water from the tap will have different pH levels depending on where you are in the country, how your water is treated and local geology – what type of rocks the water flows through on its way to your local reservoir. It’s therefore impossible to set-out a standard water treatment regime which works for everyone, as the water in tubs will tend to be different from the start.
Measuring levels of chlorine or your biocide of choice in pool water is also important. Chlorine is currently the most popular biocide for the control of bacteria in pools but needs to be maintained at optimum levels – enough to kill any bacteria in the water, but not too much to cause health issues for bathers or accelerated corrosion of the equipment and other components used in the pool or spa.
There are various ways of testing the essential chemical parameters in your pool water including pH and chlorine (usually free or total chlorine).
Electronic meters are also available that will measure pH and chlorine levels. These are simple to use but more costly than test strips and tablet methods.
Please remember that there is no “best” way of testing the chemical parameters of your water; the key is to understand why you should be testing, how to do it correctly, and to do it regularly.
Contact Water Treatment Services today to find out more about our laboratory water analysis services including microbiological testing of swimming pool, spa, hot tub and hydrotherapy pool waters.
With offices in London serving the South and South East England, Manchester (North West), Birmingham (Midlands), Bristol (South East England and Wales), Leeds (North and North East) and Glasgow (Scotland), supported by regional teams of specially trained technicians and consultants we can offer professional, cost effective microbiological water analysis solutions to businesses, local authorities, hospitals, schools, universities and private individuals across the whole of the UK and Ireland.
Contact us today to learn how our expert water analysis solutions can help keep your pool water under control and safe to use.
You may also be interested in…
Reviews
Submit your review here
In this expert guide the environmental specialists at WTS consider the most common techniques used in soil testing and the analysis of contaminated land and brownfield sites. The guide identifies the most common test parameters including VOCs, phenols, sulphides and cyanides; outlines the importance of sample preparation, and then examines a number of popular techniques used in the testing of soil samples.
There are lots of different types of food poisoning bacteria and viruses that can make us ill when we eat or come in to contact with contaminated food. In this guide our experts look at thirteen of the most common bugs that can cause food poisoning. We look at what foods they commonly affect, typical symptoms, what to do if you become infected and proactive tips on preventing contamination.
In this expert guide the air quality specialists at WTS consider the most common types of mould found in houses, offices and other workplaces, which ones can be dangerous and how they affect the health and wellbeing of building occupants.
A regular programme of potable water testing on-board ships, other marine vessels and off-shore installations is an essential management process required to maintain safe drinking water supplies for crew members, passengers and others.
In this expert guide the water safety experts at Water Treatment Services consider the health risks that need to be considered by ship owners and officers and how these can be properly managed. We review the main maritime regulations and international guidance on fresh water quality, and conclude with a summary of recommendations for the testing of drinking water quality in marine environments.
Developing a good indoor air quality plan that follows the BREEAM environmental assessment and rating system can help businesses manage their construction and refurbishment planning processes.
Following such a structured approach can help businesses create better, healthier workspaces for their staff and others through the careful selection and use of suitable building materials, appropriate heating and ventilation, and other equipment.
Some types of algae produce toxins that can be harmful to humans and animals. Carrying out blue-green algae testing can quickly confirm its presence helping owners, operators and managers of lakes, reservoirs and other watercourses, including recreational water sites, manage the potential health risks to people, pets and other animals.
In this expert guide we consider what this algae is and how to recognise it, the risks to people and animals, how these risks can be managed, and the benefits of algae testing.
We conclude by reviewing the recommended trigger levels from the World Health Organization, what these mean for the safe management of watercourses, how regular water quality analysis can help, and how best to treat unwanted algal blooms.
Specialist spa, hot tub and swimming pool water testing solutions.
Water Treatment Services is a leading water and environmental engineering specialist offering a range of laboratory based microbiological analysis and swimming pool water testing solutions (including tests for spas, hot tubs and hydrotherapy pools) to businesses, local authorities, healthcare organisations, schools, universities and private individuals throughout the UK and Ireland.
Our specialist laboratory procedures include tests for a range of common pathogens found in pool waters including E. coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Total coliforms, TVC/Aerobic colony counts, Legionella bacteria and other less common organisms that can contaminate pools.
If you’re one of the many UK businesses, councils, hospitals, schools, universities or private households who own or operate a pool, hot tub, spa or hydrotherapy pool then you’ll already know that maintaining the quality of the water in your pool is something which can’t be ignored.
Our specialist laboratory water testing and analysis solutions for swimming pools, spas and hot tubs include:
With offices in London serving the South and South East England, Manchester (North West), Birmingham (Midlands), Bristol (South East England and Wales), Leeds (North and North East) and Glasgow (Scotland), supported by regional teams of trained engineers and technicians we can offer professional, cost effective pool water testing, in-field sampling and laboratory microbiological analysis services across the UK and Ireland.
Contact Water Treatment Services today to learn how our professional water quality analysis, testing and sampling solutions can help maintain pool water quality, safety standards and regulatory compliance processes. To speak with one of our experts call us on 0330 223 31 31 or simply use this button.
Swimming pool water is treated water specifically maintained for use in swimming pools. The same approach is used for water used in spas, hot tubs and hydrotherapy pools. Impurities introduced into the water from swimmers and the wider environment are managed through chemical and mechanical treatments to ensure the water remains clean, clear, and safe to use.
Treatments include the application of chemical disinfectants such as chlorine or bromine, pH balancers, algaecides, and stabilisers. Filtration and circulation equipment is also used to remove debris, while regular testing and maintenance ensure the water remains visually appealing, hygienic, safe, and comfortable for swimmers.
Unlike other water systems found in homes and commercial premises where the water is flushed or drained away after each use, swimming pools, hot tubs and spas could be considered as a re-circulating water system where the water is retained and re-used many times over.
If you’re not testing the chemical and microbial water quality regularly, taking steps to maintain balance and keep it clean, issues such as pH and water clarity can change, and more worryingly bacteria can start to grow rapidly.
Bacteria such as E. coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Legionella thrive in warm, poorly or untreated water and have the potential to make people using the pool or spa very ill.
Don’t assume that water which appears crystal clear is clean and safe to use – the types of bacteria which can grow in water are invisible to the naked eye.
UK health and safety laws dealing with swimming pool and spa water quality, testing and treatment really only come into play if you’re running a business such as a leisure centre, gym or hotel, or the pool is in a holiday property which is let to paying guests.
Owners and operators of pools and spas need to ensure sure that the water quality and treatment programmes are effective and meet current standards. Although the law might not apply to domestic pools and spas, they provide excellent guidelines and standards which it makes sense to read, understand and comply with.
For more information both the Health and Safety Executive and the Pool Water Treatment Advisory Group (PWTAG) provide excellent guidance to help pool operators comply with health and safety law.
It is very important that regular microbial analysis is carried out to ensure the effectiveness of the water treatment programme is maintained and the pool is safe to use. Specialist microbial analysis is carried out in the laboratory, not in-field.
Swimming pools operated as part of a business should be tested on a monthly basis.
Microbial testing of privately operated pools is at the owner’s discretion, however we recommend the same testing frequency.
Our swimming pool microbial laboratory testing suite includes for the following:
Frequency – These tests should be carried out on a monthly basis.
Hot tubs and spa pools typically contain lower volumes of water and operate at higher temperatures than swimming pools.
These factors can increase the potential for bacterial growth in the water, including the risks from Legionella bacteria and other waterborne pathogens.
Our hot tub and spa pool microbial testing suite includes for the following:
Frequency – These tests should be carried out on a monthly basis, or when the spa is first used or recommissioned, after a report of ill-health, if there are problems of contamination, or if there have been alterations in the treatment/maintenance programmes.
If there are reports of ill-health from bathers further testing may also be required for other organisms including Staphylococcus aureus, Cryptosporidium, Giardia and possibly viruses.
In addition to routine microbial analysis of pool waters regular chemical testing should also be carried out. One of the most important chemical parameters you’ll need to keep under control in your swimming pool or spa is the pH of the water, often referred to as the “balance”. This is a way of determining how acidic or alkaline the water is.
Adding pool chemicals to the water can often change the pH levels and may prevent other chemicals from working as well as intended. pH is measured on a scale of 0 to 14. 0 is an extremely strong acid, 14 is strongly alkaline, and at the mid-point, 7, the water is neutral.
Experts agree that the ideal pH range for water in swimming pools or hot tubs is between 7.2 and 7.6. This is a range which is comfortable for skin and eyes, allows chlorine added to the water to work properly, and within this range water scale problems are unlikely.
If the water pH starts to fall too low into the “acidic” range, you may find that the water becomes irritating to skin or eyes, pool equipment including heater elements start to corrode. You may also start to notice a build-up of minerals around the edges of the pool itself. On the other hand, if the water becomes too alkaline, you might notice skin irritation, but also water clarity reduces and scale starts to form on the sides of the spa or pool.
In the UK, mains water from the tap will have different pH levels depending on where you are in the country, how your water is treated and local geology – what type of rocks the water flows through on its way to your local reservoir. It’s therefore impossible to set-out a standard water treatment regime which works for everyone, as the water in tubs will tend to be different from the start.
Measuring levels of chlorine or your biocide of choice in pool water is also important. Chlorine is currently the most popular biocide for the control of bacteria in pools but needs to be maintained at optimum levels – enough to kill any bacteria in the water, but not too much to cause health issues for bathers or accelerated corrosion of the equipment and other components used in the pool or spa.
There are various ways of testing the essential chemical parameters in your pool water including pH and chlorine (usually free or total chlorine).
Electronic meters are also available that will measure pH and chlorine levels. These are simple to use but more costly than test strips and tablet methods.
Please remember that there is no “best” way of testing the chemical parameters of your water; the key is to understand why you should be testing, how to do it correctly, and to do it regularly.
Contact Water Treatment Services today to find out more about our laboratory water analysis services including microbiological testing of swimming pool, spa, hot tub and hydrotherapy pool waters.
With offices in London serving the South and South East England, Manchester (North West), Birmingham (Midlands), Bristol (South East England and Wales), Leeds (North and North East) and Glasgow (Scotland), supported by regional teams of specially trained technicians and consultants we can offer professional, cost effective microbiological water analysis solutions to businesses, local authorities, hospitals, schools, universities and private individuals across the whole of the UK and Ireland.
Contact us today to learn how our expert water analysis solutions can help keep your pool water under control and safe to use.
You may also be interested in…
Reviews
Submit your review here
Testing water for metals and heavy metals.
Testing your water for metals and heavy metals is an important step in safeguarding health, protecting assets, and ensuring compliance with environmental and regulatory standards. At Water Treatment Services we provide specialist laboratory analysis and in-field sampling solutions designed to identify the presence and concentration of metals such as lead, mercury, arsenic and others that can pose serious risks if left unchecked. Our expert services support private individuals, businesses and organisations across the UK, helping to ensure drinking water, trade effluent and industrial wastewater remain safe, compliant and fit for purpose.
Our comprehensive testing services cover a wide range of applications, from the analysis of potable water supplies and private sources such as wells and boreholes, through to the testing of wastewater and trade effluent discharges. We use the latest laboratory techniques and in-field monitoring equipment to deliver accurate, reliable results across metals, chemicals and microbiological parameters. Whether you need reassurance about the quality of your drinking water, independent validation of water treatment performance, or assistance meeting strict effluent discharge consent limits, our experienced teams are here to help.
There are a number of reasons why you may want to test water for metals, including some of the more common heavy metals such as lead, mercury and arsenic.
You may extract your water from a private supply and be concerned about contamination of your drinking water, or you may be a business looking to satisfy trade effluent discharge standards for your wastewater. Whatever your reasons Water Treatment Services has the expertise to help you.
Our specialist laboratory based water analysis and in-field sampling solutions include:
Testing water for metals and heavy metals is a vital step in protecting health, meeting legal obligations, and maintaining the performance of water systems and treatment programmes. Whether you are concerned about a private water supply, need to confirm compliance with the Water Supply Regulations, or have to meet strict trade effluent discharge standards, accurate and reliable analysis is essential.
With offices in London serving the South and South East England, Manchester (North West), Birmingham (Midlands), Bristol (South East England and Wales), Leeds (North and North East) and Glasgow (Scotland), supported by regional teams of specially trained engineers, water treatment service specialists and technical experts we can offer professional, cost effective water testing, in-field water sampling and laboratory analysis services across the UK and Ireland.
Contact Water Treatment Services today to learn how our professional water quality analysis, in-field testing and sampling solutions can help improve your water quality, water treatment validation and regulatory compliance processes. To speak with one of our water testing experts call us on 0330 223 31 31 or simply use this button.
Here in the UK we’re lucky to have a safe and reliable supply of clean drinking water, literally on-tap. Most homes and commercial buildings in the UK get their mains water supplied directly by one of the big water companies, who have a responsibility to check the quality of the water being supplied, and testing it to ensure it falls within strict legal limits set by the regulators.
Water supplied for drinking (often called potable water) in the UK has to be constantly monitored, and there is an independent regulatory body called the Drinking Water Inspectorate (DWI) which monitors this. DWI inspectors regularly enter consumer properties to take water samples for independent analysis.
The quality of our drinking water is not something most of us need to worry about unless something goes wrong. However, if you’re buying or leasing a property for residential or commercial purposes which takes its water from a private water supply such as a well, borehole, spring or other water source, then it’s up to you to ensure your water meets the standards set in the Water Supply Regulations 2016. Confirming this may involve testing water for metals, chemicals, microbiological parameters and other common contaminants.
In general, heavy metals contaminating our water supplies are less of a problem than they were in the past. With improved environmental awareness we’ve cleaned up our collective act when it comes to waste and wastewater disposal.
Changing patterns of work have also meant that we just don’t have the heavy industrial processes that previously used iron, steel, lead, mercury, arsenic and other metals. However, that doesn’t mean there is now no longer any metal contamination of our water supplies. It’s therefore important that where you suspect there may be a metal contamination issue that you test your water to make sure concentrations’ do not exceed the safe limits set by the Government.
Some of the main metals and other elements you might find in water, and which could potentially cause health problems if present at high enough concentrations include:
The UK’s 2016 Water Supply Regulations set out maximum allowable limits for metals and heavy metals in drinking water. If your water is supplied from a water utility company then they are obliged to meet these standards. However, if you extract from a private water supply such as a well, borehole, spring or other water source, then it’s up to you to ensure you meet these standards. The following limits on the maximum concentration levels of metals in drinking water are taken from the Water Supply Regulations 2016.
| Metal | Maximum concentration in drinking water | Point of compliance |
|---|---|---|
| Aluminium (Al) | 200 µg/l | Consumers’ taps |
| Antimony (Sb) | 5.0 µg/l | Consumers’ taps |
| Arsenic (As) | 10 µg/l | Consumers’ taps |
| Boron (B) | 1.0 mg/l | Consumers’ taps |
| Cadmium (Cd) | 5.0 µg/l | Consumers’ taps |
| Chromium (Cr) | 50 µg/l | Consumers’ taps |
| Copper (Cu) | 2.0 µg/l | Consumers’ taps |
| Iron (Fe) | 200 µg/l | Consumers’ taps |
| Lead (Pb) | 10 µg/l | Consumers’ taps |
| Manganese (Mn) | 50 µg/l | Consumers’ taps |
| Mercury (Hg) | 1.0 µg/l | Consumers’ taps |
| Nickel (Ni) | 20 µg/l | Consumers’ taps |
| Selenium (Se) | 10 µg/l | Consumers’ taps |
| Sodium (Na) | 200 µg/l | Consumers’ taps |
If you intend to discharge trade effluent or industrial waste water in to a public sewer or watercourse such as a stream, river, lake or the sea then you will need to obtain specific consent from your local sewerage undertaker. Your consent to discharge is likely to include strict limits on the quality of the effluent including its metal content. Water Treatment Services can analyse your waste water and effluent streams for a range of common metals including the following:
There are a number of steps you can take to make sure that your drinking water is safe, especially when you’re relying on water from a private supply or natural source rather than taking it from one of the big water utilities. The approach selected in treating your water before drinking will very much depend on what type of contamination problems exist or are suspected. Testing water for metals, chemicals, microbiological and other contaminants is therefore important. The main methods used to treat water to make it suitable for drinking are:
At Water Treatment Services we combine specialist laboratory testing, in-field sampling and expert consultancy to give you clear, dependable results you can act on with confidence. With offices and technical teams located across the UK, we offer full national coverage and cost-effective solutions tailored to your specific needs. Contact us today to speak with one of our water testing experts and find out how our comprehensive range of water analysis services can help you safeguard quality, demonstrate compliance and protect the people, processes and environments that matter most.
Contact us today to learn how our expert analysis solutions can help you determine your water quality and the presence and concentration of any metal contamination.
You may also be interested in…
Reviews
Submit your review here
In this expert guide the environmental specialists at WTS consider the most common techniques used in soil testing and the analysis of contaminated land and brownfield sites. The guide identifies the most common test parameters including VOCs, phenols, sulphides and cyanides; outlines the importance of sample preparation, and then examines a number of popular techniques used in the testing of soil samples.
There are lots of different types of food poisoning bacteria and viruses that can make us ill when we eat or come in to contact with contaminated food. In this guide our experts look at thirteen of the most common bugs that can cause food poisoning. We look at what foods they commonly affect, typical symptoms, what to do if you become infected and proactive tips on preventing contamination.
In this expert guide the air quality specialists at WTS consider the most common types of mould found in houses, offices and other workplaces, which ones can be dangerous and how they affect the health and wellbeing of building occupants.
A regular programme of potable water testing on-board ships, other marine vessels and off-shore installations is an essential management process required to maintain safe drinking water supplies for crew members, passengers and others.
In this expert guide the water safety experts at Water Treatment Services consider the health risks that need to be considered by ship owners and officers and how these can be properly managed. We review the main maritime regulations and international guidance on fresh water quality, and conclude with a summary of recommendations for the testing of drinking water quality in marine environments.
Developing a good indoor air quality plan that follows the BREEAM environmental assessment and rating system can help businesses manage their construction and refurbishment planning processes.
Following such a structured approach can help businesses create better, healthier workspaces for their staff and others through the careful selection and use of suitable building materials, appropriate heating and ventilation, and other equipment.
Some types of algae produce toxins that can be harmful to humans and animals. Carrying out blue-green algae testing can quickly confirm its presence helping owners, operators and managers of lakes, reservoirs and other watercourses, including recreational water sites, manage the potential health risks to people, pets and other animals.
In this expert guide we consider what this algae is and how to recognise it, the risks to people and animals, how these risks can be managed, and the benefits of algae testing.
We conclude by reviewing the recommended trigger levels from the World Health Organization, what these mean for the safe management of watercourses, how regular water quality analysis can help, and how best to treat unwanted algal blooms.
Specialist spa, hot tub and swimming pool water testing solutions.
Water Treatment Services is a leading water and environmental engineering specialist offering a range of laboratory based microbiological analysis and swimming pool water testing solutions (including tests for spas, hot tubs and hydrotherapy pools) to businesses, local authorities, healthcare organisations, schools, universities and private individuals throughout the UK and Ireland.
Our specialist laboratory procedures include tests for a range of common pathogens found in pool waters including E. coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Total coliforms, TVC/Aerobic colony counts, Legionella bacteria and other less common organisms that can contaminate pools.
If you’re one of the many UK businesses, councils, hospitals, schools, universities or private households who own or operate a pool, hot tub, spa or hydrotherapy pool then you’ll already know that maintaining the quality of the water in your pool is something which can’t be ignored.
Our specialist laboratory water testing and analysis solutions for swimming pools, spas and hot tubs include:
With offices in London serving the South and South East England, Manchester (North West), Birmingham (Midlands), Bristol (South East England and Wales), Leeds (North and North East) and Glasgow (Scotland), supported by regional teams of trained engineers and technicians we can offer professional, cost effective pool water testing, in-field sampling and laboratory microbiological analysis services across the UK and Ireland.
Contact Water Treatment Services today to learn how our professional water quality analysis, testing and sampling solutions can help maintain pool water quality, safety standards and regulatory compliance processes. To speak with one of our experts call us on 0330 223 31 31 or simply use this button.
Swimming pool water is treated water specifically maintained for use in swimming pools. The same approach is used for water used in spas, hot tubs and hydrotherapy pools. Impurities introduced into the water from swimmers and the wider environment are managed through chemical and mechanical treatments to ensure the water remains clean, clear, and safe to use.
Treatments include the application of chemical disinfectants such as chlorine or bromine, pH balancers, algaecides, and stabilisers. Filtration and circulation equipment is also used to remove debris, while regular testing and maintenance ensure the water remains visually appealing, hygienic, safe, and comfortable for swimmers.
Unlike other water systems found in homes and commercial premises where the water is flushed or drained away after each use, swimming pools, hot tubs and spas could be considered as a re-circulating water system where the water is retained and re-used many times over.
If you’re not testing the chemical and microbial water quality regularly, taking steps to maintain balance and keep it clean, issues such as pH and water clarity can change, and more worryingly bacteria can start to grow rapidly.
Bacteria such as E. coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Legionella thrive in warm, poorly or untreated water and have the potential to make people using the pool or spa very ill.
Don’t assume that water which appears crystal clear is clean and safe to use – the types of bacteria which can grow in water are invisible to the naked eye.
UK health and safety laws dealing with swimming pool and spa water quality, testing and treatment really only come into play if you’re running a business such as a leisure centre, gym or hotel, or the pool is in a holiday property which is let to paying guests.
Owners and operators of pools and spas need to ensure sure that the water quality and treatment programmes are effective and meet current standards. Although the law might not apply to domestic pools and spas, they provide excellent guidelines and standards which it makes sense to read, understand and comply with.
For more information both the Health and Safety Executive and the Pool Water Treatment Advisory Group (PWTAG) provide excellent guidance to help pool operators comply with health and safety law.
It is very important that regular microbial analysis is carried out to ensure the effectiveness of the water treatment programme is maintained and the pool is safe to use. Specialist microbial analysis is carried out in the laboratory, not in-field.
Swimming pools operated as part of a business should be tested on a monthly basis.
Microbial testing of privately operated pools is at the owner’s discretion, however we recommend the same testing frequency.
Our swimming pool microbial laboratory testing suite includes for the following:
Frequency – These tests should be carried out on a monthly basis.
Hot tubs and spa pools typically contain lower volumes of water and operate at higher temperatures than swimming pools.
These factors can increase the potential for bacterial growth in the water, including the risks from Legionella bacteria and other waterborne pathogens.
Our hot tub and spa pool microbial testing suite includes for the following:
Frequency – These tests should be carried out on a monthly basis, or when the spa is first used or recommissioned, after a report of ill-health, if there are problems of contamination, or if there have been alterations in the treatment/maintenance programmes.
If there are reports of ill-health from bathers further testing may also be required for other organisms including Staphylococcus aureus, Cryptosporidium, Giardia and possibly viruses.
In addition to routine microbial analysis of pool waters regular chemical testing should also be carried out. One of the most important chemical parameters you’ll need to keep under control in your swimming pool or spa is the pH of the water, often referred to as the “balance”. This is a way of determining how acidic or alkaline the water is.
Adding pool chemicals to the water can often change the pH levels and may prevent other chemicals from working as well as intended. pH is measured on a scale of 0 to 14. 0 is an extremely strong acid, 14 is strongly alkaline, and at the mid-point, 7, the water is neutral.
Experts agree that the ideal pH range for water in swimming pools or hot tubs is between 7.2 and 7.6. This is a range which is comfortable for skin and eyes, allows chlorine added to the water to work properly, and within this range water scale problems are unlikely.
If the water pH starts to fall too low into the “acidic” range, you may find that the water becomes irritating to skin or eyes, pool equipment including heater elements start to corrode. You may also start to notice a build-up of minerals around the edges of the pool itself. On the other hand, if the water becomes too alkaline, you might notice skin irritation, but also water clarity reduces and scale starts to form on the sides of the spa or pool.
In the UK, mains water from the tap will have different pH levels depending on where you are in the country, how your water is treated and local geology – what type of rocks the water flows through on its way to your local reservoir. It’s therefore impossible to set-out a standard water treatment regime which works for everyone, as the water in tubs will tend to be different from the start.
Measuring levels of chlorine or your biocide of choice in pool water is also important. Chlorine is currently the most popular biocide for the control of bacteria in pools but needs to be maintained at optimum levels – enough to kill any bacteria in the water, but not too much to cause health issues for bathers or accelerated corrosion of the equipment and other components used in the pool or spa.
There are various ways of testing the essential chemical parameters in your pool water including pH and chlorine (usually free or total chlorine).
Electronic meters are also available that will measure pH and chlorine levels. These are simple to use but more costly than test strips and tablet methods.
Please remember that there is no “best” way of testing the chemical parameters of your water; the key is to understand why you should be testing, how to do it correctly, and to do it regularly.
Contact Water Treatment Services today to find out more about our laboratory water analysis services including microbiological testing of swimming pool, spa, hot tub and hydrotherapy pool waters.
With offices in London serving the South and South East England, Manchester (North West), Birmingham (Midlands), Bristol (South East England and Wales), Leeds (North and North East) and Glasgow (Scotland), supported by regional teams of specially trained technicians and consultants we can offer professional, cost effective microbiological water analysis solutions to businesses, local authorities, hospitals, schools, universities and private individuals across the whole of the UK and Ireland.
Contact us today to learn how our expert water analysis solutions can help keep your pool water under control and safe to use.
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In this expert guide the environmental specialists at WTS consider the most common techniques used in soil testing and the analysis of contaminated land and brownfield sites. The guide identifies the most common test parameters including VOCs, phenols, sulphides and cyanides; outlines the importance of sample preparation, and then examines a number of popular techniques used in the testing of soil samples.
There are lots of different types of food poisoning bacteria and viruses that can make us ill when we eat or come in to contact with contaminated food. In this guide our experts look at thirteen of the most common bugs that can cause food poisoning. We look at what foods they commonly affect, typical symptoms, what to do if you become infected and proactive tips on preventing contamination.
In this expert guide the air quality specialists at WTS consider the most common types of mould found in houses, offices and other workplaces, which ones can be dangerous and how they affect the health and wellbeing of building occupants.
A regular programme of potable water testing on-board ships, other marine vessels and off-shore installations is an essential management process required to maintain safe drinking water supplies for crew members, passengers and others.
In this expert guide the water safety experts at Water Treatment Services consider the health risks that need to be considered by ship owners and officers and how these can be properly managed. We review the main maritime regulations and international guidance on fresh water quality, and conclude with a summary of recommendations for the testing of drinking water quality in marine environments.
Developing a good indoor air quality plan that follows the BREEAM environmental assessment and rating system can help businesses manage their construction and refurbishment planning processes.
Following such a structured approach can help businesses create better, healthier workspaces for their staff and others through the careful selection and use of suitable building materials, appropriate heating and ventilation, and other equipment.
Some types of algae produce toxins that can be harmful to humans and animals. Carrying out blue-green algae testing can quickly confirm its presence helping owners, operators and managers of lakes, reservoirs and other watercourses, including recreational water sites, manage the potential health risks to people, pets and other animals.
In this expert guide we consider what this algae is and how to recognise it, the risks to people and animals, how these risks can be managed, and the benefits of algae testing.
We conclude by reviewing the recommended trigger levels from the World Health Organization, what these mean for the safe management of watercourses, how regular water quality analysis can help, and how best to treat unwanted algal blooms.
Specialist spa, hot tub and swimming pool water testing solutions.
Water Treatment Services is a leading water and environmental engineering specialist offering a range of laboratory based microbiological analysis and swimming pool water testing solutions (including tests for spas, hot tubs and hydrotherapy pools) to businesses, local authorities, healthcare organisations, schools, universities and private individuals throughout the UK and Ireland.
Our specialist laboratory procedures include tests for a range of common pathogens found in pool waters including E. coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Total coliforms, TVC/Aerobic colony counts, Legionella bacteria and other less common organisms that can contaminate pools.
If you’re one of the many UK businesses, councils, hospitals, schools, universities or private households who own or operate a pool, hot tub, spa or hydrotherapy pool then you’ll already know that maintaining the quality of the water in your pool is something which can’t be ignored.
Our specialist laboratory water testing and analysis solutions for swimming pools, spas and hot tubs include:
With offices in London serving the South and South East England, Manchester (North West), Birmingham (Midlands), Bristol (South East England and Wales), Leeds (North and North East) and Glasgow (Scotland), supported by regional teams of trained engineers and technicians we can offer professional, cost effective pool water testing, in-field sampling and laboratory microbiological analysis services across the UK and Ireland.
Contact Water Treatment Services today to learn how our professional water quality analysis, testing and sampling solutions can help maintain pool water quality, safety standards and regulatory compliance processes. To speak with one of our experts call us on 0330 223 31 31 or simply use this button.
Swimming pool water is treated water specifically maintained for use in swimming pools. The same approach is used for water used in spas, hot tubs and hydrotherapy pools. Impurities introduced into the water from swimmers and the wider environment are managed through chemical and mechanical treatments to ensure the water remains clean, clear, and safe to use.
Treatments include the application of chemical disinfectants such as chlorine or bromine, pH balancers, algaecides, and stabilisers. Filtration and circulation equipment is also used to remove debris, while regular testing and maintenance ensure the water remains visually appealing, hygienic, safe, and comfortable for swimmers.
Unlike other water systems found in homes and commercial premises where the water is flushed or drained away after each use, swimming pools, hot tubs and spas could be considered as a re-circulating water system where the water is retained and re-used many times over.
If you’re not testing the chemical and microbial water quality regularly, taking steps to maintain balance and keep it clean, issues such as pH and water clarity can change, and more worryingly bacteria can start to grow rapidly.
Bacteria such as E. coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Legionella thrive in warm, poorly or untreated water and have the potential to make people using the pool or spa very ill.
Don’t assume that water which appears crystal clear is clean and safe to use – the types of bacteria which can grow in water are invisible to the naked eye.
UK health and safety laws dealing with swimming pool and spa water quality, testing and treatment really only come into play if you’re running a business such as a leisure centre, gym or hotel, or the pool is in a holiday property which is let to paying guests.
Owners and operators of pools and spas need to ensure sure that the water quality and treatment programmes are effective and meet current standards. Although the law might not apply to domestic pools and spas, they provide excellent guidelines and standards which it makes sense to read, understand and comply with.
For more information both the Health and Safety Executive and the Pool Water Treatment Advisory Group (PWTAG) provide excellent guidance to help pool operators comply with health and safety law.
It is very important that regular microbial analysis is carried out to ensure the effectiveness of the water treatment programme is maintained and the pool is safe to use. Specialist microbial analysis is carried out in the laboratory, not in-field.
Swimming pools operated as part of a business should be tested on a monthly basis.
Microbial testing of privately operated pools is at the owner’s discretion, however we recommend the same testing frequency.
Our swimming pool microbial laboratory testing suite includes for the following:
Frequency – These tests should be carried out on a monthly basis.
Hot tubs and spa pools typically contain lower volumes of water and operate at higher temperatures than swimming pools.
These factors can increase the potential for bacterial growth in the water, including the risks from Legionella bacteria and other waterborne pathogens.
Our hot tub and spa pool microbial testing suite includes for the following:
Frequency – These tests should be carried out on a monthly basis, or when the spa is first used or recommissioned, after a report of ill-health, if there are problems of contamination, or if there have been alterations in the treatment/maintenance programmes.
If there are reports of ill-health from bathers further testing may also be required for other organisms including Staphylococcus aureus, Cryptosporidium, Giardia and possibly viruses.
In addition to routine microbial analysis of pool waters regular chemical testing should also be carried out. One of the most important chemical parameters you’ll need to keep under control in your swimming pool or spa is the pH of the water, often referred to as the “balance”. This is a way of determining how acidic or alkaline the water is.
Adding pool chemicals to the water can often change the pH levels and may prevent other chemicals from working as well as intended. pH is measured on a scale of 0 to 14. 0 is an extremely strong acid, 14 is strongly alkaline, and at the mid-point, 7, the water is neutral.
Experts agree that the ideal pH range for water in swimming pools or hot tubs is between 7.2 and 7.6. This is a range which is comfortable for skin and eyes, allows chlorine added to the water to work properly, and within this range water scale problems are unlikely.
If the water pH starts to fall too low into the “acidic” range, you may find that the water becomes irritating to skin or eyes, pool equipment including heater elements start to corrode. You may also start to notice a build-up of minerals around the edges of the pool itself. On the other hand, if the water becomes too alkaline, you might notice skin irritation, but also water clarity reduces and scale starts to form on the sides of the spa or pool.
In the UK, mains water from the tap will have different pH levels depending on where you are in the country, how your water is treated and local geology – what type of rocks the water flows through on its way to your local reservoir. It’s therefore impossible to set-out a standard water treatment regime which works for everyone, as the water in tubs will tend to be different from the start.
Measuring levels of chlorine or your biocide of choice in pool water is also important. Chlorine is currently the most popular biocide for the control of bacteria in pools but needs to be maintained at optimum levels – enough to kill any bacteria in the water, but not too much to cause health issues for bathers or accelerated corrosion of the equipment and other components used in the pool or spa.
There are various ways of testing the essential chemical parameters in your pool water including pH and chlorine (usually free or total chlorine).
Electronic meters are also available that will measure pH and chlorine levels. These are simple to use but more costly than test strips and tablet methods.
Please remember that there is no “best” way of testing the chemical parameters of your water; the key is to understand why you should be testing, how to do it correctly, and to do it regularly.
Contact Water Treatment Services today to find out more about our laboratory water analysis services including microbiological testing of swimming pool, spa, hot tub and hydrotherapy pool waters.
With offices in London serving the South and South East England, Manchester (North West), Birmingham (Midlands), Bristol (South East England and Wales), Leeds (North and North East) and Glasgow (Scotland), supported by regional teams of specially trained technicians and consultants we can offer professional, cost effective microbiological water analysis solutions to businesses, local authorities, hospitals, schools, universities and private individuals across the whole of the UK and Ireland.
Contact us today to learn how our expert water analysis solutions can help keep your pool water under control and safe to use.
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Testing water for metals and heavy metals.
Testing your water for metals and heavy metals is an important step in safeguarding health, protecting assets, and ensuring compliance with environmental and regulatory standards. At Water Treatment Services we provide specialist laboratory analysis and in-field sampling solutions designed to identify the presence and concentration of metals such as lead, mercury, arsenic and others that can pose serious risks if left unchecked. Our expert services support private individuals, businesses and organisations across the UK, helping to ensure drinking water, trade effluent and industrial wastewater remain safe, compliant and fit for purpose.
Our comprehensive testing services cover a wide range of applications, from the analysis of potable water supplies and private sources such as wells and boreholes, through to the testing of wastewater and trade effluent discharges. We use the latest laboratory techniques and in-field monitoring equipment to deliver accurate, reliable results across metals, chemicals and microbiological parameters. Whether you need reassurance about the quality of your drinking water, independent validation of water treatment performance, or assistance meeting strict effluent discharge consent limits, our experienced teams are here to help.
There are a number of reasons why you may want to test water for metals, including some of the more common heavy metals such as lead, mercury and arsenic.
You may extract your water from a private supply and be concerned about contamination of your drinking water, or you may be a business looking to satisfy trade effluent discharge standards for your wastewater. Whatever your reasons Water Treatment Services has the expertise to help you.
Our specialist laboratory based water analysis and in-field sampling solutions include:
Testing water for metals and heavy metals is a vital step in protecting health, meeting legal obligations, and maintaining the performance of water systems and treatment programmes. Whether you are concerned about a private water supply, need to confirm compliance with the Water Supply Regulations, or have to meet strict trade effluent discharge standards, accurate and reliable analysis is essential.
With offices in London serving the South and South East England, Manchester (North West), Birmingham (Midlands), Bristol (South East England and Wales), Leeds (North and North East) and Glasgow (Scotland), supported by regional teams of specially trained engineers, water treatment service specialists and technical experts we can offer professional, cost effective water testing, in-field water sampling and laboratory analysis services across the UK and Ireland.
Contact Water Treatment Services today to learn how our professional water quality analysis, in-field testing and sampling solutions can help improve your water quality, water treatment validation and regulatory compliance processes. To speak with one of our water testing experts call us on 0330 223 31 31 or simply use this button.
Here in the UK we’re lucky to have a safe and reliable supply of clean drinking water, literally on-tap. Most homes and commercial buildings in the UK get their mains water supplied directly by one of the big water companies, who have a responsibility to check the quality of the water being supplied, and testing it to ensure it falls within strict legal limits set by the regulators.
Water supplied for drinking (often called potable water) in the UK has to be constantly monitored, and there is an independent regulatory body called the Drinking Water Inspectorate (DWI) which monitors this. DWI inspectors regularly enter consumer properties to take water samples for independent analysis.
The quality of our drinking water is not something most of us need to worry about unless something goes wrong. However, if you’re buying or leasing a property for residential or commercial purposes which takes its water from a private water supply such as a well, borehole, spring or other water source, then it’s up to you to ensure your water meets the standards set in the Water Supply Regulations 2016. Confirming this may involve testing water for metals, chemicals, microbiological parameters and other common contaminants.
In general, heavy metals contaminating our water supplies are less of a problem than they were in the past. With improved environmental awareness we’ve cleaned up our collective act when it comes to waste and wastewater disposal.
Changing patterns of work have also meant that we just don’t have the heavy industrial processes that previously used iron, steel, lead, mercury, arsenic and other metals. However, that doesn’t mean there is now no longer any metal contamination of our water supplies. It’s therefore important that where you suspect there may be a metal contamination issue that you test your water to make sure concentrations’ do not exceed the safe limits set by the Government.
Some of the main metals and other elements you might find in water, and which could potentially cause health problems if present at high enough concentrations include:
The UK’s 2016 Water Supply Regulations set out maximum allowable limits for metals and heavy metals in drinking water. If your water is supplied from a water utility company then they are obliged to meet these standards. However, if you extract from a private water supply such as a well, borehole, spring or other water source, then it’s up to you to ensure you meet these standards. The following limits on the maximum concentration levels of metals in drinking water are taken from the Water Supply Regulations 2016.
| Metal | Maximum concentration in drinking water | Point of compliance |
|---|---|---|
| Aluminium (Al) | 200 µg/l | Consumers’ taps |
| Antimony (Sb) | 5.0 µg/l | Consumers’ taps |
| Arsenic (As) | 10 µg/l | Consumers’ taps |
| Boron (B) | 1.0 mg/l | Consumers’ taps |
| Cadmium (Cd) | 5.0 µg/l | Consumers’ taps |
| Chromium (Cr) | 50 µg/l | Consumers’ taps |
| Copper (Cu) | 2.0 µg/l | Consumers’ taps |
| Iron (Fe) | 200 µg/l | Consumers’ taps |
| Lead (Pb) | 10 µg/l | Consumers’ taps |
| Manganese (Mn) | 50 µg/l | Consumers’ taps |
| Mercury (Hg) | 1.0 µg/l | Consumers’ taps |
| Nickel (Ni) | 20 µg/l | Consumers’ taps |
| Selenium (Se) | 10 µg/l | Consumers’ taps |
| Sodium (Na) | 200 µg/l | Consumers’ taps |
If you intend to discharge trade effluent or industrial waste water in to a public sewer or watercourse such as a stream, river, lake or the sea then you will need to obtain specific consent from your local sewerage undertaker. Your consent to discharge is likely to include strict limits on the quality of the effluent including its metal content. Water Treatment Services can analyse your waste water and effluent streams for a range of common metals including the following:
There are a number of steps you can take to make sure that your drinking water is safe, especially when you’re relying on water from a private supply or natural source rather than taking it from one of the big water utilities. The approach selected in treating your water before drinking will very much depend on what type of contamination problems exist or are suspected. Testing water for metals, chemicals, microbiological and other contaminants is therefore important. The main methods used to treat water to make it suitable for drinking are:
At Water Treatment Services we combine specialist laboratory testing, in-field sampling and expert consultancy to give you clear, dependable results you can act on with confidence. With offices and technical teams located across the UK, we offer full national coverage and cost-effective solutions tailored to your specific needs. Contact us today to speak with one of our water testing experts and find out how our comprehensive range of water analysis services can help you safeguard quality, demonstrate compliance and protect the people, processes and environments that matter most.
Contact us today to learn how our expert analysis solutions can help you determine your water quality and the presence and concentration of any metal contamination.
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