Water services

Irrespective of any statutory responsibility, Charity Trustees should ensure that any premises for which they are responsible are in as safe a condition as is reasonably practicable. It is sensible to let water run for a period from taps which have not been used for a while.

Procedures to be followed if any premises are to be occupied after a period of vacancy:

• The incoming main water supply pipe should be examined and any lead pipework be replaced in accordance with water supply by-laws (local authority grants may be available for this work)
• Distribution pipework within the building should be examined and any lead pipework replaced with copper or other approved materials
• The water storage tank(s) should be examined, drained, cleaned, disinfected, and flushed out. The tank(s) should be fitted with proper ventilated covers in accordance with water supply by-laws.