Water quality impacts patient safety and infection control. Poor water systems can lead to Legionella outbreaks and other health risks.
Frequently Asked Questions
WQRMP is a proactive approach to identify, assess, and mitigate water-related risks in healthcare and aged care environments.
Legionella bacteria multiply in warm water environments, typically between 20°C and 45°C, and thrive in stagnant areas such as storage tanks, dead legs in pipework, and low-flow fixtures. The bacteria spread when contaminated water is aerosolised (through showers, taps, or cooling towers) and inhaled as tiny droplets. Healthcare and aged care facilities are particularly vulnerable because complex plumbing systems, irregular water usage, and warm temperatures create ideal conditions for growth.
Challenges include aging infrastructure, low-flow fixtures, recycled water use, and balancing sustainability with safety.
Water safety in health and aged care facilities is governed by several Australian standards and guidelines. Key requirements include compliance with the Australian Drinking Water Guidelines (ADWG), which set quality parameters for potable water, and AS/NZS 3500 Plumbing and Drainage Standards, ensuring proper system design and installation. Facilities must also follow state-based health regulations and implement a Water Quality Risk Management Plan (WQRMP) as recommended by the National Health and Medical Research Council (NHMRC). These standards aim to prevent contamination, control Legionella risk, and maintain safe water delivery for vulnerable populations.
Facilities can lower Legionella risk by maintaining correct water temperatures, flushing low-use outlets, and monitoring for stagnation. Regular testing and cleaning of storage tanks are essential. Using compliant tapware and fixtures, such as Galvin Lead Safe™ products, helps meet Australian standards and minimize contamination points. A proactive water quality management plan ensures ongoing safety and compliance.
Collaboration ensures that all stakeholders (engineers, facility managers, and suppliers) share critical information and responsibilities. This integrated approach helps identify risks early, implement effective controls, and maintain compliance with health standards. Without collaboration, gaps in communication can lead to system failures, increased contamination risk, and costly non-compliance issues.
Frequently Asked Questions
Lead exposure can cause serious health issues, especially in children, including developmental delays and neurological damage. There is no safe level of lead exposure.
Learn more here.
The NCC 2022 introduces a requirement for plumbing products to be “lead-free,” defined as having a weighted average lead content of ≤0.25% in wetted surfaces. This will become mandatory from 1 May 2026 to reduce lead contamination in drinking water systems.
Lead can leach from ageing pipes, fittings, and tapware, especially when water is stagnant or corrosive. This risk increases in older facilities with outdated plumbing systems.
Galvin provides Lead Safe™ tapware and fixtures, manufactured with lead-free materials to meet NCC compliance and reduce contamination risk in schools and hospitals.
Transitioning to lead-free early ensures compliance with NCC 2022, reduces contamination risk, and safeguards vulnerable populations such as children and patients.
The Australian Drinking Water Guidelines (ADWG) sets strict limits for contaminants, including lead at 0.01 mg/L, to ensure safe water delivery and protect public health.
The Australian Drinking Water Guidelines (ADWG) set a health-based limit for lead in drinking water at 0.01 mg/L (10 µg/L) at the point of consumption. The NCC 2022 regulates plumbing products, requiring them to be lead-free (≤0.25% lead). ADWG focuses on water quality, while NCC addresses product compliance—together they aim to reduce lead exposure.
Frequently Asked Questions
Bathrooms are high-risk spaces where poor design can compromise safety, dignity, and recovery. Thoughtful design supports patient wellbeing and reduces stress.
Research shows therapeutic environments improve recovery. Features like flexibility, informality, and consistency help patients feel safe and supported.
Design should prioritise safety, privacy, accessibility, and comfort. Ligature-resistant fixtures, non-slip surfaces, and calming aesthetics are essential.
Relevant standards include AS 1428.1 (access and mobility), AS/NZS 3500 (plumbing and drainage), and AusHFG guidelines for privacy and dignity.
Tapware influences hygiene, accessibility, and risk management. Ligature-resistant and compliant fixtures reduce harm and enhance usability.
Mental health facilities have diverse user needs. Generic designs fail to address safety risks and therapeutic requirements, impacting patient outcomes.
By using ligature-resistant fixtures, secure fittings, and layouts that minimise hiding points, while maintaining a non-institutional, calming environment.
