TEC Members take part in ground-breaking trial to revolutionise Legionella risk management

TEC Members take part in ground-breaking trial to revolutionise Legionella risk management

TEC Members are taking advantage of a trial using innovative technology to manage the risks of Legionella, whilst unlocking substantial water savings. 

The trial – the first of its kind in the UK – is being run by TEC’s Water Framework supplier, Wave, using funding from the Market Improvement Fund. The initiative uses Infersens’ remote sensors to significantly reduce water wastage by providing accurate data on which taps and outlets need attention. 

 Legionella is a bacteria found in water that can cause Legionnaires’ disease, a form of pneumonia, if breathed in via droplets of water from little-used outlets. These could include showers, taps, air conditioning units, and cooling towers. This risk arises when water remains stagnant due to infrequent use, creating conditions where the bacteria can grow. . It is estimated that regular, manual water monitoring regimes, used as part of Legionella risk management, could account for up to 8% of all non-household water consumption.  

TEC members represent 80% of the universities and higher education institutions taking part in the trial. These institutions will learn whether taps and systems have had sufficient flow, meaning they pose a low risk of Legionella. 

Ollie Arthurs, Members Services Advisor at TEC, said: “We are delighted that within the first cohort five of the six higher education institutions taking part in the trial are TEC members. This is an exciting initiative which has the potential to unlock substantial water savings by reducing unnecessary wastage, whilst revolutionising legionella risk management. We look forward to seeing the results and sharing with members” 

Oli Shelley, Head of Water Efficiency Services at Wave commented: “Current Legionella risk management strategies often result in a lot of water wastage, so we’re excited to be running this trial. We hope it will give the universities confidence that they can change their current behaviour and make it easier for them to fulfil their obligations. 
Once deployed, the Infersens sensors will provide 24/7 flow and temperature data, allowing the universities to target specific taps and systems, and reduce unnecessary wastage.” 

TEC Members can take advantage of the Infersens’ technology, regardless of the trial. Get in touch with Ollie Arthurs or your MSA to find out more.