How to Get a Disinfection Certificate from Thames Water:
A Contractor's Checklist
You are installing or repairing a water main in the Thames Water region. The work is done, but before the final connection and sign-off, you’ve been sent a detailed list of requirements for a disinfection certificate. This is a comprehensive demand for specific documents, processes, and test results – it’s not just a simple pass or fail.
This situation is common, and the level of detail can be daunting for those not familiar with the process. At Pipe Testing Services (PTS), we handle these specific compliance packs for contractors every week.
Understanding the Thames Water Compliance Checklist
Thames Water is responsible for the safety and integrity of a vast water network. To protect it, they require proof that any new or repaired pipework connecting to their system is sterile and sound. Your compliance pack will typically need to include two key documents: a detailed Method Statement and a UKAS Laboratory Certificate.
The Method Statement: Proving Your Process
This document shows that the disinfection was carried out correctly. It must detail:
- Who, When, and What: The name of the competent contractor (e.g., Pipe Testing Services), the date of the work, and the exact diameter and length of the pipe disinfected.
- Process Detail: Confirmation that swabbing and flushing were performed before disinfection.
- Chemicals Used: The specific disinfectant used (must be a hypochlorite solution) and the chlorine levels at every stage: the source water, after dosing, after the required contact time, and after the final flush.
The UKAS Laboratory Certificate: Providing Impartial Proof
This is the scientific evidence. After the chlorination, a water sample must be taken and sent to an independent, UKAS-accredited laboratory. The results certificate must show passing levels for:
- Total Coliforms per 100ml
- E.coli per 100ml
- Turbidity (a measure of water clarity)
- 37°C Colony Counts per 1ml
- 22°C Colony Counts per 1ml
- Total Chlorine (to show it's within safe consumer limits)
A Typical Scenario: Disinfecting a 63mm Main for an Apartment Block
We recently handled a project for a client with 15 metres of new 63mm pipe supplying a block of apartments. They had been given the exact checklist detailed above by Thames Water.
Our team attended the site, performed the pre-flushing, carried out a controlled system chlorination according to BS 8558, and took a sample. We then provided the client with a full compliance pack, including the detailed method statement and the passing UKAS lab certificate. This allowed them to get their connection signed off without any delays.
"I Also Need a Pressure Test / Fusion Weld / Tank Clean..."
It’s common for clients needing a disinfection certificate to require other services as part of the same project. Our teams are equipped to handle a wide range of needs in a single visit or as part of a coordinated plan:
- Pressure Testing: We frequently perform hydrostatic pressure testing on new mains before chlorination.
- Fusion Welding: If you need a valve installed or a repair made, our certified electrofusion welding teams can assist.
- Water Tank Cleaning: For larger developments, we provide full cleaning and chlorination for new water storage tanks.
The PTS Solution for Your Thames Water Connection
Navigating the specific compliance requirements for a major water authority can be complex. Choosing a specialist partner like Pipe Testing Services means you can be confident that the entire process is handled correctly, from start to finish. We provide the expertise, the on-site execution, and the precise documentation that gets your project approved.
If you have been tasked with providing a disinfection certificate for Thames Water, or any other water authority, contact us today. Send us your specification, and we will provide a clear, accurate quote to get the job done.
To discuss your requirements, schedule a consultation, or request a quote, please contact us at:
- Phone – 01922 451646
- Email – enquiries@pipetestingservices.co.uk
- Address – Unit 27 Birchbrook Industrial Estate, Shenstone, Lichfield, Staffs, WS14 0DJ
