Water treatment 101: Ensuring safe and reliable systems

Water Treatment - 24 March 2025 - 5 minute read.

Water is the lifeblood of any building—residential or commercial. From drinking and cooking to heating and sanitation, it’s an essential resource that flows through every corner of our daily lives. However, the quality and safety of that water cannot be taken for granted. Without proper treatment, water systems can become breeding grounds for bacteria, corrosion, and inefficiencies that compromise both human health and the longevity of a building’s infrastructure. This is where water treatment comes into play, and at Balance Mechanical (Balmech), we pride ourselves on delivering expert solutions to ensure water systems remain safe, reliable, and sustainable.

In this article, we’ll explore the fundamentals of water treatment, why it’s critical for residential buildings, and how Balmech’s comprehensive approach to mechanical building services integrates water treatment into our mission of providing world-class support for property managers and developers.

What is water treatment?

At its core, water treatment is the process of improving water quality to make it suitable for its intended use. In residential buildings, this typically involves removing contaminants, balancing chemical properties, and preventing the buildup of harmful substances in pipes and systems. Untreated or poorly managed water can lead to a host of problems: legionella bacteria thriving in warm water tanks, limescale clogging pipes in hard water areas, or corrosion eating away at metal components. These issues don’t just affect water quality—they can disrupt heating systems, increase energy costs, and even pose serious health risks to residents.

For property managers overseeing large residential developments—like the 300-apartment Royal Gateway project or the 224-unit Wornington Green complex that Balmech has worked on—reliable water systems are non-negotiable. A single failure can affect hundreds of residents, damage reputations, and lead to costly repairs. Water treatment, therefore, is not just a technical necessity; it’s a cornerstone of building management that ensures safety, efficiency, and peace of mind.

Water treatment in residential buildings

Water treatment isn’t a one-size-fits-all process. Depending on the building’s location, water source, and usage, different strategies come into play. Here are some of the key components Balmech focuses on when designing and maintaining water systems:

The first line of defense, filtration removes physical impurities like sediment, dirt, and debris from the water supply. This is especially important in new builds or refurbishments—like our work on Abbey Road Phase 3—where construction dust and particles can enter the system during installation.

To tackle dissolved contaminants, such as minerals or bacteria, chemical treatments like chlorination or pH balancing are used. In areas with hard water (common across the South East, where many of our projects are based), we deploy softening agents to prevent limescale buildup, protecting pipes and appliances.

Legionella, the bacteria responsible for Legionnaires’ disease, thrives in stagnant or warm water between 20-45°C. Balmech incorporates regular flushing, temperature control, and biocide treatments into our water management plans to eliminate this risk, aligning with our safety-first philosophy.

Over time, untreated water can corrode metal pipes and fittings, leading to leaks and system failures. By adjusting water chemistry and using corrosion inhibitors, we extend the lifespan of plumbing systems—a critical consideration for long-term projects like Friary Park’s 88 apartments.

Water treatment isn’t a set-it-and-forget-it solution. Regular testing, monitoring, and servicing are essential to keep systems running smoothly. Balmech’s full-service approach means we’re there from initial design to ongoing support, ensuring consistent performance.

Integrating water treatment into your systems

At Balmech, water treatment isn’t an isolated service—it’s part of our holistic approach to mechanical building services. Whether we’re installing HVAC systems, designing energy centres, or managing commercial gas setups, water quality plays a pivotal role in the success of every project. Our work on prestigious residential developments across the South East demonstrates how we weave water treatment into our broader commitment to quality, safety, and sustainability.

Beyond technical performance, water treatment is a matter of public health. Contaminated water can lead to outbreaks of illness, costly legal liabilities, and reputational damage for property managers and developers. At Balmech, safety is at the forefront of everything we do. Our accreditations—such as CHAS, SSIP, and Gas Safe Register—reflect our adherence to the highest industry standards, and our water treatment services are no exception.

For instance, legionella prevention is a legal requirement under the UK’s Health and Safety at Work Act. Our team conducts risk assessments, implements control measures, and provides detailed documentation to ensure compliance. This proactive approach not only protects residents but also gives our clients confidence that their projects are in capable hands.

Sustainability

Improving water quality isn’t just about safety—it’s also about sustainability. At Balmech, we’re committed to reducing the environmental impact of the buildings we work on. Efficient water treatment supports this mission in several ways. By preventing limescale and corrosion, we reduce the need for frequent repairs or replacements, cutting down on material waste. By optimizing water use in heating and cooling systems, we help lower energy consumption, aligning with initiatives like the Green Deal, which we’re proud to be approved for.

In a project like Wornington Green, where 224 apartments required a balance of performance and eco-friendliness, our water treatment strategies played a key role in achieving energy efficiency targets. This dual focus on sustainability and reliability is what sets Balmech apart as a partner for forward-thinking developers and property managers.

With decades of experience in mechanical installations, Balmech brings a wealth of expertise to every water treatment challenge. Our team of specialists understands the unique needs of residential buildings, from shell and core setups to fast-track fit-outs and refurbishments. We work closely with principle contractors like Barratt, Bouygues, and Mount Anvil to deliver results-driven solutions that don’t compromise on quality.

Our process starts with a thorough consultation to assess your project’s requirements. From there, we design a tailored water treatment plan, implement it with precision, and provide ongoing support to keep your systems running at peak performance. Whether it’s a small refurbishment or a large-scale development like Abbey Road Phase 3, we’re equipped to handle it all.

Wrapping up

Water treatment may not always be the most glamorous aspect of mechanical building services, but it’s one of the most critical. At Balmech, we see it as an opportunity to showcase our commitment to safety, service, and sustainability. By ensuring water systems are clean, efficient, and reliable, we help property managers and developers focus on what matters most: creating homes where people can thrive.