Potable water testing services
Our accredited potable water testing services help duty holders confidently meet UK drinking water regulations. Through accurate sampling, clear reports, and professional advice, you can protect your building’s occupants and provide audit-ready evidence of water safety.
Our accreditations
What is potable water testing?
Potable water testing is the process of sampling and analysing drinking water to see if it is safe to drink in line with UK water quality regulations. For duty holders (e.g., landlords, facilities managers, etc.), it provides clear, documented evidence that water being supplied to a building’s occupants is clean and free from harmful contaminants.
It usually includes:
- Microbiological water testing to find potentially harmful bacteria in a water supply.
- Chemical water analysis to see if any substances in the water could affect safety and taste.
These tests confirm whether water quality is safe to drink, and if it needs improving in line with health and safety standards.
Potable water testing is typically used in commercial, residential, and public sector buildings (e.g., offices, schools, healthcare settings). It helps to protect public health and supports duty holders’ legal responsibilities to do so.
Why is potable water testing a legal requirement?
Potable water testing is a legal requirement because duty holders must be able to prove that drinking water supplied within their premises is safe under UK law – not just assume that it is.
For example, under The Workplace (Health, Safety, and Welfare) Regulations 1992, “An adequate supply of wholesome drinking water shall be provided for all persons at work in the workplace.”
Similarly, water “intended for human consumption” should not contain potentially dangerous amounts of micro-organisms, parasites, or other substances. This can include anything from E.coli to excess amounts of nitrate.
Without routine potable water sampling and water quality testing, duty holders can’t demonstrate this level of compliance, risking public health and legal action. Water quality testing gives duty holders documented evidence of compliance during health inspections and audits.
What is included in our potable water testing service?
Our potable water testing service is an integrated, end-to-end process that makes sure you meet UK drinking water regulations and duty holder requirements. It includes:
Sampling & analysis
Routine and one-off potable water testing, covering microbiological and chemical analysis, with all samples analysed by UKAS-accredited laboratories.
Book a free potable water testing consultation
With over 25 years’ experience, our accredited engineers provide compliant potable water testing using UKAS-certified laboratories, same-day chilled sample transport, and clear, audit-ready reporting for your peace of mind.
Call our water hygiene specialists for advice or book your free consultation now.
What are our industry accreditations?
When you choose Acorn, you work with a reliable partner you can count on to help meet your legal responsibilities
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Legionella Control Association (LCA)
Demonstrates our commitment to managing Legionella risk in different water systems and supporting duty holders in meeting their own legal responsibilities.
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SafeContractor Accredited & Certified
Highlights that our working practices meet strict requirements for health and safety, environmental management, and workforce welfare.
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Safety Schemes in Procurement (SSIP)
Confirms our health and safety arrangements meet compliance criteria expected by public and private sector clients.
View our client testimonials
K
"Your technician was very polite and well mannered, he even made time to have a quick chat which is a surprise for me as most people who work on your home are just there to get job done and go 10/10!"
Keighley Boyes
N
"Excellent Service thanks for attending so promptly and dealing with the problem and taking into consideration the complex needs of the situation."
Natalie Hatzer
UK water hygiene regulations
There are several UK water hygiene quality regulations that duty holders must follow to demonstrate their drinking water is safe to use.
Water Supply (Water Quality) Regulations 2016
Sets the microbiological and chemical standards drinking water must meet to be classed as safe.
Health and Safety at Work Act 1974
States duty holders must protect people from health risks, including those that come from unsafe drinking water.
Health and Safety Executive (HSE)
Offers guidance on water hygiene tests and monitoring based on a number of risk-factors including:
- How the building is used
- Who uses the water and how often
- Likelihood of water stagnation
- Previous test results or known issues
Why choose us for potable water testing services?
Compliance-led water hygiene specialists
Our potable water testing services are in line with UK drinking water regulations and guidance, helping you demonstrate that your drinking water is compliant.
Accredited, experienced engineers
All potable water testing is carried out by trained engineers with over 25 years’ experience in water hygiene, following recognised industry best practice.
Clear reporting and ongoing support
All water sample results and documentation are stored digitally in your own secure client portal, giving you instant access to compliance evidence whenever it’s needed.
Who needs potable water testing?
A wide range of people and industries need potable water testing to ensure compliance and public safety, including:
- Employers and duty holders
- Landlords and managing agents
- Facilities managers
- Healthcare and care
- Hospitality and leisure
- Education
- Commercial and industrial premises
Potable water testing FAQs
What is potable water testing?
How often should potable water be tested?
Who is responsible for potable water testing?
What happens if my potable water test results fail?
Speak to a certified water hygiene specialist today
Need potable water testing services? You’re in the right place.
Get in touch now, and we’ll arrange a site visit at a time that works for you. With our experienced, accredited engineers, you’ll be compliant and ready for inspection in no time.
Call us today or book your free consultation to get started.
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