Common questions related to water supply survey works

1.      Why are the taps being labelled now?

As part of annual maintenance and inspection schedules it was highlighted that some cold water taps within Montefiore 2 and 3 at Wessex Lane were not all suitable for use as drinking water. As a result, a full survey and labelling of taps have been scheduled.

Cold-water taps in these blocks are being surveyed and will be labelled accordingly:

• Taps with water suitable for drinking, will have a new green label stating, “Drinking water”
• Taps where the water is not suitable for drinking will have a red “Not drinking water” label put in place

Taps already correctly labelled will have the stickers left in position.

2.      Why is water from some taps not suitable for drinking?

The buildings at Montefiore 2 and 3 along with Wolfe House were built with two cold water systems. One was drinking water, which comes directly from the mains water supply, and the second is water stored in tanks which can be used for showers and some wash basins which provide hot and cold-water supplies.

Water from tanks may not always be suitable for drinking as it can contain bacteria if, amongst other causes, it remains stagnant or still for long periods. We already have robust water management systems in place to minimise this risk with regular checks and monthly water hygiene inspections alongside other scheduled maintenance activities.

3.      Is the water safe to wash with?

Yes, water from all taps in halls is safe to use for washing yourself and for purpose of washing up.

4.      Can I brush my teeth using the water from non-drinking water taps?

Yes, the water is safe for brushing your teeth.

5.      I have drunk water from this tap previously, is this a problem?

There have been no negative effects or incidents resulting from students using taps that are now being labelled as unsuitable for drinking. We’d like to reassure you that all flats in these blocks do and will continue to have access to safe drinking water.

6.      Will the plumbing be updated to allow room and bathroom taps to provide drinking water?

For the foreseeable future the current systems will remain in place. The systems are safe and operational with both mains water for drinking and water stored in tanks for washing being available in all flats. Labelling will make clear which tanks are drinking water and which are not for drinking within rooms and flats.  

The university is always looking to make improvements on water usage, heating and hot water to reduce wastage and water management costs. This is part of efforts to improve sustainability and reduce costs for both the university and halls residents.

7.      Why was the issue not identified before now?

New inspection and audit process in relation water hygiene has identified improvements that can be made to water systems within halls to further ensure safe supply of water to all University buildings. This is an ongoing improvement plan to support best practice under our water quality management plan.