Managing water safety has never been more important. With rising expectations from regulators and increasing awareness of the risks associated with Legionella and other waterborne pathogens, organisations need expert guidance that goes beyond compliance.
This is especially true in high-risk environments, such as healthcare facilities, educational establishments, facilities management, government estates, research facilities, and large commercial portfolios, where water systems are complex, and the consequences of failure can be severe.
This is where the Authorising Engineer (Water) (AE(W)) plays a critical role. But choosing the right partner to deliver AE(W) services is essential. Organisations need an expert who brings not only technical knowledge but independence, governance insight, and practical experience.
One name stands out in this space: the Water Hygiene Centre (WHC).
In this blog, we explore why the Water Hygiene Centre is perfectly placed to deliver trusted, expert AE(W) services.
Unmatched Specialism in Water Safety
Unlike generalist consultants, the Water Hygiene Centre dedicates itself entirely to water safety, water hygiene, and Legionella risk management. This depth of focus means our Authorising Engineers bring an expert understanding of:
HTM 04-01 and NETB 2024/3 requirements- HSG 274 guidance
- Water Safety Plans
- Current regulatory expectations and compliance frameworks
Their advice is not only compliant but also aligned with the latest industry best practices. Our Authorising Engineers focus on safety. In some situations, circumstances which are compliant are not necessarily safe, which is where we are attuned to go beyond compliance to ensure safety. We don’t just read the rule book to you.
Independent, Highly Qualified Professionals
One of the biggest advantages of partnering with Water Hygiene Centre is its complete independence.
We do not perform water treatment, disinfection, plumbing, remediation, or engineering services.
This means their advice is:
- 100% impartial
- Free from commercial conflicts of interest
- Focused solely on reducing risk and strengthening governance
The team includes professionally registered specialists—often holding IEng, CEng, CIWEM, IHEEM, or equivalent status, with decades of experience in high-risk building management.
A Proven Track Record in Complex, High-Risk Estates
The Water Hygiene Centre has long-standing relationships with NHS Trusts, government departments, laboratories, and multi-site commercial estates. Their experience includes:
- Large hospitals with intricate hot and cold water systems
- Buildings with evaporative cooling systems
- The water safety pitfalls to avoid with Net Zero ambitions, including air source and ground source heat pumps
- Facilities with critical infection-control environments
- Distributed building portfolios requiring consistent assurance
This proven capability makes them ideally equipped to deliver the AE(W) role, where understanding real-world operational challenges is as important as technical competence.
Excellence in Governance, Assurance, and Compliance
An Authorising Engineer (Water) is more than just a technical advisor; they provide strategic oversight and assurance.
The Water Hygiene Centre excels in strengthening organisational governance by delivering:
Clear, effective water safety governance frameworks- Comprehensive Water Safety Audit and assurance processes
- Evidence-based action plans
- Support during CQC, HSE, or internal audits
- Expert root-cause analysis following incidents or non-compliance
This gives leadership teams confidence that robust systems are in place and risks are being properly managed.
Industry-Leading Training and Competence Development
Training is essential to building long-term resilience in water safety management. The Water Hygiene Centre offers highly respected and recognised programmes for:
- Responsible Persons
- Authorised Persons
- Water Safety Group members
- Estates and Facilities teams
Their training blends technical knowledge with practical, real-world application, ensuring staff are not only competent but confident in their responsibilities.
Recognised Thought Leadership
The Water Hygiene Centre is widely known for contributing to the industry’s understanding of water safety. Their engineers regularly produce:
- Technical guidance notes
- White papers
- Best-practice insights
- Commentary on regulatory changes
Clients benefit from this thought leadership through proactive updates and advice that reflect the latest standards and emerging risks.
A Collaborative, Supportive Client Partnership
What truly sets the Water Hygiene Centre apart is their approach to partnership.
They work closely with estates teams, infection prevention specialists, facilities managers, and board-level leaders to build a culture of safety. Their goal is not just to fix issues, but to:
- Strengthen organisational understanding
- Improve accountability
- Enhance long-term water safety strategies
This collaborative approach ensures sustained improvement, not just short-term fixes.
A Partner You Can Trust for AE(W) Excellence
Choosing an Authorising Engineer (Water) is one of the most important decisions an organisation can make in protecting patients, staff, and building users. The Water Hygiene Centre stands out as the ideal partner because they bring:
Deep technical expertise- Independence and integrity
- Strong governance and assurance skills
- Proven performance in high-risk environments
- Recognised industry leadership
- A collaborative, client-focused approach
For organisations seeking confidence, compliance, and genuine peace of mind, the Water Hygiene Centre is a partner on whom you can rely.
Feel free to reach out if you have any questions about the issues mentioned above or if you would like to consult with one of our experts on water hygiene.
Editors Note: The information provided in this blog is correct as of the date of original publication – January 2026
© Water Hygiene Centre 2026
