There are various cold water storage tanks regulations in place, to ensure the quality and safety of water supply systems. Compliance with these regulations is essential for ensuring public health and safety, especially in residential and commercial settings.
At Franklin Hodge, we provide high-quality cold water storage tanks, in line with all relevant regulations.
Key Regulations/Guidelines
Many regulations govern the storage of cold water in the UK. These include:
- Water Supply Regulations 2016: This regulation sets the standard for the quality of water that’s supplied to customers. It also includes guidance on the construction and maintenance of cold water storage tanks. The regulations state that tanks should be made from a material that prevents the ingress of dirt, insects and other contaminants, and that also does not contaminate the water itself.
- Health and Safety at Work Act 1974: This act stipulates that employers need to ensure the health and safety of employees, which includes maintaining water storage systems. Regular inspections of the storage tanks are key to preventing illnesses associated with stagnation and contamination.
- Legionnaires’ Disease: Legionnaires’ is a potentially fatal form of pneumonia. It is spread by water that contains the Legionella bacteria. Under the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) guidelines, water storage tanks should be assessed to check if Legionella bacteria is present. This is especially important in large buildings like hotels, hospitals, schools and care homes.
Compliance With Cold Water Storage Tank Regulations
To stay compliant with cold water storage tank regulations, your business needs to follow best practices for the installation and maintenance of the tank. This includes:
- Regular inspections to check for signs of wear, leaks, corrosion or contamination.
- Maintaining an appropriate water temperature to reduce the risk of bacteria growing. Cold water should be kept below 20°C at all times.
- Regular cleaning of the tank to remove any sediment or other contaminants.
If you’re looking for a cold water storage tank that offers a safe, quality water supply, get in touch with Franklin Hodge. We offer a standard range of highly customisable products, as well as bespoke solutions for situations where there are design and engineering challenges.
FAQs
What materials should cold water storage tanks be made from?
Cold water storage tanks should be made from materials that prevent dirt from entering the tank, as well as insects and other contaminants. The tank should also be made from materials that do not contaminate the water with harmful substances.
How often do you recommend inspections?
We suggest you arrange a professional inspection at least once a year. You might want to inspect the tank more regularly if it is exposed to tough environmental conditions. In between professional inspections, you should also give the tank a once-over now and then to look for early signs of wall panels or corrosion.
Why is Legionnaires’ disease a risk for stored water?
Stored water is at risk of Legionnaires’ disease contamination because the bacteria spreads especially well in water temperatures between 20–45 °C. That’s why it’s so essential to ensure the temperature of your water tank never exceeds 20°C.