HHSRS Hazard 18 - Water Supply for Domestic Purposes

Hazard 18 - Water Supply for Domestic Purposes

This hazard covers the quality and adequacy of the supply of water within the dwelling for drinking and for domestic purposes such as cooking, washing, cleaning and sanitation. As well as the adequacy, it includes threats to health from contamination by bacteria, protozoa, parasites, viruses, and chemical pollutants. (Contamination by radon and lead are dealt with separately.)

The vast majority of dwellings in the UK are served by public mains water, with around 1% of the population served by private water supplies. Private supplies may become contaminated more readily because water is usually pumped into a storage tank within the dwelling.

Legionella can be dispersed into the air during use of showers, and this, although rare, is the most likely route for transmission of Legionnaires' disease in homes. Legionella thrive between 20ºC and 45ºC.

Vulnerable Group: All ages

Defects & Justifications

• Water supply tap - lack of a tap for drawing wholesome water for drinking within the dwelling.
• Intermittent supply - regular or prolonged interruption of supply.
• Water pressure - water delivered to taps at inappropriate pressure.
• Water temperature - water stored at an inappropriate temperature.
• Defective pipework etc - inappropriate materials used for pipework, storage tanks, or fittings.
• Contamination of tanks - inadequate protection against contamination of water storage tanks.
• Water filter defects - poor maintenance of water filters.
• Water softening system - poor maintenance of water softening system.

Index of HHSRS Hazards