WATER MANAGEMENT


that boiler operators receive appropriate training for the systems they manage. This includes understanding boiler controls, water treatment regimes, alarm responses, and safe operating procedures. Within healthcare estates, where staffing structures


may change over time and responsibilities may be shared across engineering teams, maintaining operator competence requires a structured approach to training and knowledge sharing. Training programmes focused on boiler operation and water treatment help engineers develop the confidence to manage systems proactively rather than reactively. When operators understand the relationship between water chemistry, system efficiency, and equipment protection, water testing becomes part of routine plant management rather than a compliance exercise. As demonstrated in the above case study, improving


Gartnavel Boiler House – well-maintained environments support safer operation and effective boilerwater treatment control.


allows dissolved solids to accumulate. Modern monitoring systems can support blowdown


control by continuously measuring boiler water conductivity. This allows blowdown to be adjusted automatically, helping maintain consistent water quality while minimising unnecessary energy losses. For estates teams managing multiple boilers across healthcare sites, optimising blowdown control can deliver measurable improvements in both efficiency and system stability.


Wendy Liston


Wendy Liston has over 25 years of experience in water treatment and works for Deep Water Blue Ltd, supporting organisations to optimise boiler performance while advancing sustainability goals. Her experience spans healthcare, food and beverage, pharmaceutical, paper manufacturing, and commercial facilities. A Member of the Royal Society of Chemistry and the Water Management Society, Wendy is passionate about improving efficiency, reducing operational costs, and lowering environmental impact, while advocating for training and knowledge sharing to support safe and efficient steam generation.


Case study Gartnavel General Hospital undertook a review of its boiler water management strategy following concerns about plant condition and operational efficiency. Previously, monthly testing had been undertaken by external contractors. However, results were often received some time after testing and were difficult for site staff to interpret. Over time, this allowed scale to begin forming on boiler tubes, eventually leading to repairs and unscheduled downtime. Following a review of the system, the estates team


introduced a new approach focused on operator training, improved monitoring and closer collaboration with water treatment specialists. Key improvements included BG04 training for operators, daily boiler water testing, digital reporting of test results, improved communication between operators and water treatment specialists, additional chemical injection points, and improvements to condensate recovery systems. During a subsequent inspection the boilers were reported to be “in the best condition they had been in for years”. Energy analysis also revealed measurable improvements including a reduction of 235,295 kWh in annual gas consumption and 42,941 kg reduction in annual CO₂ emissions. Perhaps the most significant outcome was the shift in


operational culture. Boiler operators began reviewing water chemistry daily and discussing system performance as part of routine plant management.


Operator competence and training While chemical treatment programmes and monitoring systems are essential components of boiler water management, the knowledge and competence of plant operators remain equally important. Operators responsible for steam plant must understand


how water chemistry influences boiler performance and safety. They should be able to interpret routine water testing results and recognise when system conditions fall outside acceptable limits. Guidance documents such as BG01 and BG02 emphasise the importance of ensuring


46 Health Estate Journal April 2026


operator knowledge and engagement can have a significant impact on both system performance and plant condition. Encouraging operators to review water chemistry data regularly and discuss results with water treatment specialists can help build a culture of proactive system management. Over time, this approach supports improved reliability, reduced maintenance costs and more efficient steam generation. Effective boiler water management also contributes directly to wider estate objectives such as energy efficiency and carbon reduction. Steam boilers can represent a significant proportion of


energy consumption within healthcare estates. Maintaining clean heat transfer surfaces and stable water chemistry helps ensure boilers operate as efficiently as possible. Across the NHS, estates teams are working towards ambitious carbon reduction targets as part of the NHS Net Zero strategy, which aims for the health service to reach net-zero carbon emissions by 2040 for directly controlled emissions. Improving the operational efficiency of existing infrastructure, including boiler plant, can therefore play an important role in supporting these wider sustainability objectives. Operational improvements such as maintaining clean


heat transfer surfaces, optimising blowdown rates and ensuring stable water chemistry can deliver meaningful energy savings without major capital investment.


Key takeaways for healthcare estates teams n Maintain pretreatment systems such as water softeners to prevent scale formation.


n Monitor boiler water chemistry routinely and maintain accurate records.


n Ensure operators are trained to interpret test results and understand treatment programmes.


n Monitor condensate return systems to reduce corrosion risks and energy losses.


n Recognise that improved boiler efficiency can contribute to wider sustainability and net-zero objectives.


Conclusion Steam systems remain a vital part of healthcare infrastructure, supporting essential services across hospitals and healthcare facilities. While boilers themselves are often the focus of maintenance activity, the quality of water circulating within these systems plays an equally important role in determining plant performance. By prioritising effective water treatment, regular monitoring, and operator competence, healthcare organisations can improve the safety, efficiency, and resilience of their steam systems and support the safe delivery of healthcare services.


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