National Water Hygiene: Supporting Trainers to Deliver Essential Water Industry Training 

Every day, millions of people across the UK rely on access to safe, clean drinking water. Maintaining that supply requires more than the systems and networks that deliver it. It also depends on the knowledge and practices of those working on and around clean water systems. 

For training organisations and individual trainers, this presents an opportunity to support the water industry by delivering training that helps individuals understand their responsibilities when working in environments where drinking water could be affected. 

Our National Water Hygiene scheme, often referred to as the Blue Card, provides a consistent approach to hygiene awareness across the UK water industry, helping individuals understand the precautions needed to protect drinking water quality and minimise contamination risks. 

Why National Water Hygiene Matters 

Protecting drinking water quality is a shared responsibility. Whether someone is working on water mains, treatment facilities or service reservoirs, their actions can directly affect the safety of the public water supply.  

National Water Hygiene training helps individuals recognise potential contamination risks and understand the hygiene practices required to manage them. This includes personal hygiene, preventing contamination and maintaining safe working practices. 

The scheme is widely recognised across the UK water industry and is required for certain activities involving potable water. For employers, it provides assurance that individuals have completed recognised hygiene awareness training, while creating opportunities for trainers to support organisations in meeting industry requirements. 

The Role of Approved Trainers 

Trainers play an important role in making National Water Hygiene training accessible to individuals and organisations across the UK. By delivering the scheme, they help employees and contractors develop a consistent understanding of the hygiene principles expected of them. This consistency matters, particularly when individuals work across different organisations, projects and locations. 

National Water Hygiene operates through individual trainer approval, with approved trainers delivering the scheme in accordance with its requirements. Their knowledge and expertise help individuals understand how hygiene principles apply to their day-to-day responsibilities. 

Through EUSR, we provide the framework for delivering the scheme, including training requirements, assessment arrangements and registration processes. Successful completion results in an EUSR registration and a National Water Hygiene Blue Card, valid for three years. 

Denise McGlynn, Key Account Manager at Energy & Utility Skills, said,

“Approved trainers bring valuable knowledge and practical expertise to the delivery of National Water Hygiene. Their ability to explain the importance of good hygiene practices and relate them to real working environments helps individuals understand their responsibilities in protecting drinking water quality. This expertise is essential to maintaining consistent standards across the water industry.” 

An Opportunity for Training Organisations and Trainers 

As water companies and their supply chains continue to maintain and improve essential networks, access to recognised hygiene awareness training remains important. 

For training organisations already delivering utilities training, National Water Hygiene can be a valuable addition to their existing offer through individually approved trainers. It also presents an opportunity for trainers looking to expand into the water sector, helping them support employers and contractors who require industry-recognised training. 

Become an Approved National Water Hygiene Trainer 

Interested in delivering National Water Hygiene training? Contact our team to find out more about the individual trainer approval process and the requirements for delivering National Water Hygiene training.