What is water flushing?
Water flushing is a method undertaken to prevent the build-up of conditions favourable to the growth of Legionella and other bacteria within hot and cold water systems. It does this by:
Introducing fresh cold water containing residual disinfectant
Exposing pipework to temperatures at which Legionella bacteria is discouraged
Dislodging biofilm through the simple act of running water
A water flushing regime should be designed so that it allows for the whole dead-leg (section of stagnant water) to be removed.
The water should be purged long enough for circulating or freshwater to be drawn from the outlet - indicating that all stagnant water has been expelled.
Water Flushing Regime to reduce Legionella Growth.
· Water flushing needs to be conducted once a week for any low use water outlets. These consist of outlets within empty quarters/buildings or low use facilities that have water outlets within them.
· Water flushing takes a minimum of 5 minutes for cold and/or hot water outlets.
· Water outlets consist of anything that produces water – kitchen/bathroom/basin/garden taps, showers, hoses etc.
· Building Custodians are required to keep a record of what outlets have been flushed and when, to prove that flushing has been conducted.
Water Flushing record log.
The table below is an example flushing record log:
Please click on the image to enlarge.
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