We sample and test the water in all council-owned swimming pools and spa pools to ensure that the chlorine and pH levels are correct. This is important as too much chlorine can lead to skin and eye irritation and too little chlorine might not be adequate to destroy bacteria and other germs.

For information about drinking water quality visit www.dwi.gov.uk

Sampling for Legionnaires disease

Legionnaires disease is a notifiable disease and cases involving domestic houses are investigated by the Public Health team.The organism that causes Legionella is found within domestic water systems, ponds and the soil around ponds. It can survive in hot and cold water taps, showers, toilets and header tanks. On identification of Legionnella the Public Health team will sample the domestic water supply system and give full support and advice on the treatment of the supply.

The Public Health team may carry out other water sampling investigations, for example;

• where there are unknown water sources
• flooding in cellars
• defective foul drainage systems

For further information contact Public Health and Severn Trent Water