EUSR National Water Hygiene

The National Water Hygiene scheme is recognised by the UK water industry. It plays as a vital part in ensuring the protection of public health and promoting safe drinking water practices. It is a criminal offence to supply water unfit for human consumption.

Created in 2006, the ‘Blue Card’ replaced all water company specific hygiene schemes. It also removed the need for workers to undergo separate testing, health screening and to carry multiple cards. Water companies across the UK now mostly mandate the use of the National Water Hygiene card. This is for anyone entering a clean water site or engaged in operations on the clean water network, whether in contact with the water or not.It is increasingly expected that all those handling water for human consumption, including contractors, facilities management organisations, environmental health practitioners, water engineers, plumbers etc. also carry a ‘Blue Card’ to demonstrate competence and their understanding of safe water hygiene practice.

The National Water Hygiene is approved by Energy and Utility Skills Register (EUSR).Any person working on a restricted operations area at sites such as service reservoirs, water pumping stations, water treatment works, wells, springs and boreholes or working on the network of water mains and service pipes must be in possession of a National Water Hygiene card. The same training package is delivered to both direct employees of water companies, and all contractors that work on the restricted operations sites including self-lay organisations working on new developments.

Requirements: A good level of written and spoken English is required to successfully complete this course.

How is the course delivered / assessed? This courses comprises of a trainer lead presentation, a health screening aspect and a multiple choice test. Trainees will be called upon to share their experiences and thoughts throughout to build on the course material and to identify cases of good and bad practice.

What is awarded after completion of the course? Once the course has been completed candidates will receive a EUSR Card.

When does the qualification expire?: EUSR qualifiications are valid for 3 years from the date of training. After which the course will require renewal by anyone still working within the industry.