Often, water analysis is carried out as a result of a complaint of unusual taste or odour or because there is a concern that the water may present a risk to health.
In some instances there is a legal requirement to test the quality of water within a workplace, especially where the water originates from a private supply rather than that provided by a water company through the mains distribution network.
For Legionella control purposes, a programme of sampling is required where water temperatures have not been effective as a control method or where water treatment is being used as an alternative to temperature management. It is not normally necessary to take Legionella or microbiological samples on a routine basis or during the risk assessment process.
Water chemistry analysis may be beneficial when installing new items of plant or process or to determine the constituents of any make-up water.