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David Harper: a lifetime dedicated to water safety
Across a long and distinguised career, David Harper has become recognised internationally for his work on water safety, Legionella, and other waterborne pathogens.
Few careers can claim to have influenced an industry quite as profoundly as that of Honorary Fellow Award recipient David Harper EngTech FIHEEM HFSOPHE HFWMSoc MCIPHE MIET.
Beginning his hospital
engineering career in 1967, David went on to play a pivotal role in the investigation of the landmark Legionnaires’ disease outbreak at Kingston upon Thames. The engineering controls developed in its aftermath helped shape the principles that ultimately underpin modern UK guidance on Legionella control.
Across more than five decades, David has become internationally recognised for his expertise in water safety, Legionella, and other waterborne pathogens. His knowledge has taken him from NHS hospitals to major international investigations and from offshore installations and
shipping to courtrooms, lecture halls, and policy discussions worldwide.
His contribution extends far beyond individual investigations. As an advisor, Authorising Engineer, Expert Witness, published author, and educator, David has helped generations of
engineers, estates professionals, and water safety specialists translate scientific understanding into practical engineering solutions that protect lives.
His contribution has been recognised through distinguished honours, including Lifetime Achievement recognition from
IHEEM Company Affiliate: Culligan UK
As the global leader in water services, Culligan UK supports healthcare organisations with clean, safe and great-tasting drinking water, combining advanced technology with specialist service and sector expertise. Trusted by more than 48,000 businesses and organisations nationwide, Culligan UK employs more than 800 people across 20+ locations, providing local support backed by almost a century of global water expertise.
For healthcare providers, water provision carries responsibilities that go far beyond everyday hydration. Culligan’s dedicated healthcare division is built around the needs of clinical environments, supporting estates teams with water solutions, installation, servicing, monitoring and compliance processes designed
around healthcare requirements, including HTM 04-01 and L8. Its healthcare offering combines technologies including advanced filtration, Firewall UVC purification and BioCote antimicrobial protection, which reduces up to 99.9 per cent of bacteria, viruses and cysts. In addition, C-Sense connected monitoring helps organisations maintain visibility over water quality, filter life and system performance while reducing the burden of reactive maintenance. Culligan also supports healthcare organisations in meeting wider sustainability goals, helping reduce reliance on single-use plastic bottles, improve operational efficiency and provide greater visibility over water usage and performance.
Operating in more than 100 countries worldwide, Culligan
10 Health Estate Journal November 2026
is united by a simple purpose: ensuring anyone can get the water they love, anywhere. In healthcare, that means combining science, service and specialist expertise to
help provide reliable, high-quality water for patients, staff and visitors. n For more information visit
www.culligan.co.uk
IHEEM and Honorary Fellowships of both the Society of Public Health Engineers and the Water Management Society. This year, IHEEM will further recognise his extraordinary contribution by awarding David the distinction of Honorary Fellow of the Institute – a fitting acknowledgement of his remarkable service to healthcare engineering and water safety. Yet perhaps David’s greatest
legacy is that his work continues. At Harper Water Management Group, his evidence-led philosophy of ‘Engineering Out’ waterborne risk remains central to the company’s approach. Reflecting on his career, David puts it simply: “I feel very fortunate to have spent my working life doing something I care about. To be recognised in this way is a great honour. I have also been lucky to work alongside so many great people over the years, and I am enormously grateful to them all.”
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