Water Treatment Engineer

The water treatment engineer will be responsible for water treatment solutions for heating, chilled, hot and cold water services within healthcare, commercial and industrial buildings. 

The main emphasis of this role will be on commission cleaning, implementation, monitoring, and maintenance of heating and chilled water systems to ensure optimal performance, efficiency, and compliance with industry’s best practices and guidance.

Closed System Water Treatment:

Water System Monitoring & Testing: Conduct on-site sampling and analysis of closed-loop systems (e.g., pH, conductivity, inhibitor levels, microbiological activity). Perform corrosion monitoring and analysis to prevent damage to pipework and system components. Assess and maintain glycol levels in chilled water systems. Use test kits and meters to monitor total dissolved solids (TDS) and oxygen levels.

Water Treatment & Chemical Dosing: Select and apply the correct chemical treatments (e.g., inhibitors, biocides, dispersants) to prevent corrosion, scaling, and microbial growth. Implement biocide dosing to control bacterial contamination. Maintain and refill chemical dosing units and automated dosing pumps.

System Cleaning, Flushing & Disinfection: Carry out pre-commission cleaning of new closed-loop systems to remove construction debris and biofilms. Perform remedial flushing to remove corrosion products and sludge buildup. Conduct chemical cleaning and disinfection in compliance with industry standards (e.g., BSRIA BG29 & BG50).

Maintenance & Fault Diagnosis: Inspect and service system components, including filters, strainers, expansion vessels, and dosing pots. Identify and resolve issues such as low inhibitor levels, microbiological contamination, or excessive corrosion. Provide troubleshooting and technical support for clients experiencing system efficiency issues.

Compliance & Documentation: Ensure compliance with BSRIA, BSI, and HSE guidelines for closed-system water treatment. Maintain logbooks, risk assessments, and treatment records for each site. Produce detailed service reports with recommendations for improving system performance.

Client Support & Training: Provide technical advice and guidance to facility managers, engineers, and clients. Offer information on closed system water treatment best practices. Assist with preparing for audits and regulatory inspections.

Health & Safety Compliance: Ensure safe handling and storage of chemical treatments following COSHH regulations. Adhere to site-specific health and safety procedures. Use appropriate PPE (Personal Protective Equipment) when handling chemicals.

Legionella Control:

Water System Monitoring & Testing: Collect water samples for laboratory analysis. Inspect water tanks, calorifiers, and other systems for contamination or biofilm buildup.

System Maintenance & Remedial Actions: Carry out cleaning, disinfection, and descaling of water systems. Flush unused outlets to prevent stagnant water. Maintain and service water softeners, dosing systems, and filters.

Compliance & Documentation: Ensure compliance with ACoP L8 (Approved Code of Practice) and HSG274 guidelines. Advise customers on corrective actions and compliance measures.

Customer Interaction & Training: Provide guidance to clients on Legionella control measures. Work with facility managers, landlords, and duty holders to improve water safety. Offer recommendations for water system design improvements.

Emergency Response: Respond to Legionella outbreaks or non-compliant water test results. Implement corrective disinfection and remedial actions immediately.

Equipment & PPE Management: Ensure the proper use of PPE (Personal Protective Equipment). Calibrate and maintain testing and dosing equipment.

Continuous Improvement: Stay updated on industry standards and best practices, emerging technologies, and industry and health and safety related methodologies.

Education:

GCSEs/A-Levels (or equivalent) in Science, Chemistry, or Engineering (preferred for entry-level roles).

HND, NVQ, or Degree in a relevant field such as:

• Water Treatment Engineering
• Environmental Science
• Mechanical Engineering
• Plumbing or HVAC Engineering

Industry Certifications & Training

• Legionella Awareness & Control Training (ACoP L8 & HSG274 compliance).
• BSRIA BG29 & BG50 Certification (for closed-system water treatment).
• COSHH (Control of Substances Hazardous to Health) Training.
• Confined Space & Working at Heights Certification
• First Aid & Health & Safety Training (e.g., IOSH or NEBOSH).

Relevant Experience

(Minimum 2 years):

• Experience in pre commission cleaning, chemical dosing, closed system water treatment analysis, and biocide applications.
• Understanding of water treatment equipment (e.g., softeners, dosing pumps, filters).
• Conducting disinfection of hot and cold water systems, including process systems.

Additional Desirable Skills & Experience

• Knowledge of HVAC maintenance.
• Ability to use testing equipment and log data for compliance reports.
• Full UK driving licence.