Copper-silver ionisation is becoming an important point of discussion in healthcare water safety, particularly where Estates teams are managing complex or difficult-to-control water systems and need to assess whether supplementary or alternative control strategies should be considered.
With HSE guidance focused on demonstrable control and NHS healthcare guidance framed through HTM 04-01, the real question is not simply what the technology is.
It is whether it is technically appropriate, how it should be implemented, and how effective control will be evidenced in practice.
We support healthcare organisations with that process, from site assessment and conductivity review through to implementation planning, monitoring, maintenance and wider compliance support.
The challenge with complex systems
Some healthcare systems remain hard to manage consistently using temperature alone, particularly where there are long pipe runs, low-use outlets or repeated microbiological issues, prompting Estates teams and Water Safety Groups to ask whether a supplementary treatment option should be assessed.
Research reflects a mixed but increasingly promising picture. Copper-silver ionisation has been used for around 30 years to help control Legionella, and recent healthcare case reporting has shown significant reductions in detection rates at individual sites. These results are encouraging, but success depends heavily on correct design, water chemistry and ongoing maintenance – it is not a “fit and forget” solution, and it isn’t a replacement for existing control measures.
How we can help
We support healthcare organisations in assessing whether copper-silver ionisation is appropriate for their estate, from water chemistry and conductivity review through to technical selection, installation planning and monitoring integration. We also provide ongoing service and performance checks, helping you evidence that your chosen control strategy is delivering effective, demonstrable control.
Meet Paul Tolley – Healthcare Solutions Manager
If your team is reviewing high-risk patient areas or healthcare water safety arrangements ahead of IHEEM, speak to Paul via Paul.Tolley@marlowe-es.com or 07899 791521 about practical support with risk-led implementation and assurance.
