Marc Fitzpatrick

Legionella is a group of water-borne bacteria that thrive in warm, stagnant water systems and can cause a serious lung infection known as Legionnaires’ disease when inhaled as fine droplets. These bacteria occur naturally in lakes and rivers but become hazardous when they multiply in man-made systems where water is stored, circulated, or sprayed into the air. If you’re a facilities manager, you’ll recognise that any building with stored or recirculated water can present a risk - from hot and...

When it comes to water hygiene , there’s no shortage of advice out there - some good, some not so much. Unfortunately, many businesses end up paying for unnecessary services because of long-standing myths or misleading recommendations. So, let’s bust a few of the biggest water hygiene myths and set the record straight. 1. “Your tanks should be cleaned annually” This is one of the most common misconceptions in the industry. In reality, your water tanks don’t need to be cleaned every year -...

Quick-answer: If your stored water isn’t turning over within 24 hours, the tank is likely oversized and at risk of stagnation. Tell-tale signs include visible surface contamination such as scum, biofilm or floating debris, slimy deposits on internal surfaces, discolouration, odour, or repeated microbiological failures. A correctly sized tank should support regular turnover within 24 hours and maintain clean, clear water with no microbiological fouling. Why tank size matters for your facility...