Meet the Team: Lee Haggerty
This week, we’re putting the spotlight on one of our talented team members who keeps the wheels turning (and the pipes flowing) at GMS — say hello to Lee Haggerty! Lee joined GMS just over a year ago and has been a key part of our plumbing team ever since. As one of our skilled… Read more »
The Critical Importance of Water Hygiene Planned Preventative Maintenance (PPM) in Healthcare Settings
In healthcare environments—where vulnerable patients rely on safe, clean surroundings—water hygiene is not just a compliance issue; it’s a critical aspect of patient safety and infection control. Planned Preventative Maintenance (PPM) for water systems is an essential strategy to prevent microbial contamination, protect at-risk individuals, and meet stringent regulatory standards. What is Water Hygiene PPM?… Read more »
Meet Alex Stelmach – Keeping the GMS Engine Running Smoothly
Today on Meet the Team, we’re catching up with the wonderful Alex Stelmach, who plays a crucial role behind the scenes at GMS. With over two years of experience under her belt, Alex has become an essential part of the team—known for her positive attitude, strong work ethic, and team spirit. A Day in the… Read more »
Contract News!
GMS is proud to announce that we have been awarded a new contract to deliver Legionella Services for Bolton Council over the next three years. This marks a continuation of a longstanding relationship with Bolton Council, spanning 19 years through both direct contracts and partnerships with FM providers. We are now delighted to be reappointed… Read more »
Why Dirty Water Systems May Show No Detectable Legionella: A Closer Look at Bacterial Dynamics and Mutations
In water hygiene management, it’s not uncommon to encounter heavily contaminated water systems that, despite appearing ideal for Legionella pneumophila proliferation, return negative results for Legionella during microbiological analysis. These situations often raise questions about sampling accuracy, environmental suitability, bacterial competition, and the complex behaviour of microbial communities under stress. High TVC, No Legionella: What’s… Read more »
Legionella Infection: Transmission, Risk Factors, and Control Guidance
The likelihood of developing legionellosis depends on the vulnerability of the individual and the route of exposure. The primary means of infection is through inhaling aerosols—tiny airborne particles that originate from droplets. These aerosols are typically produced when water is sprayed (e.g. from showers, irrigation systems) or splashes onto surfaces (e.g. turning on a tap… Read more »
When Should Cold Water Storage Tanks Be Cleaned?
Water Sustainability and the Need for Conservation With the growing pressures of population expansion, urbanisation, and the global climate crisis, the demand for water resources is increasing at an unsustainable rate. Projections indicate that by 2050, an additional 4,000 million litres of water per day—equivalent to approximately 1,600 Olympic-sized swimming pools—will be required to meet… Read more »
The Importance of Potable Water Sampling from Cold Water Storage Tanks
Potable water—water that is safe for human consumption—is a vital component of public health infrastructure. Ensuring its quality is not only a regulatory requirement in many regions but also a fundamental aspect of protecting the health and wellbeing of building occupants. One critical but sometimes overlooked area in maintaining potable water safety is the regular… Read more »
Expansion Vessels in Water Systems: Purpose, Design, and Good Practice
Expansion vessels are widely used in both domestic and commercial water systems to help manage pressure changes and protect system components. When correctly selected, installed, and maintained, they contribute to system stability, equipment longevity, and compliance with safety expectations. This article explains why expansion vessels are used, how they operate, and what good practice looks… Read more »
Why You Should Involve a Water Hygiene Consultant in Your Water System Refurbishment Plans
When planning a refurbishment of your building’s water systems — whether it’s an upgrade to old pipework, installing new tanks, or modernising controls — it’s tempting to think that a good M&E contractor or facilities team can handle it all. But one crucial expert often overlooked in these projects is the Water Hygiene Consultant. Their… Read more »
