From Day One to Year 20: Why National Water Hygiene Still Matters

As National Water Hygiene marks its 20th anniversary, the scheme remains an essential safeguard for drinking water quality and public health across the UK.

For two decades, National Water Hygiene has helped people working across the water sector understand their role in protecting water supplies. What began as a new industry requirement has become a recognised standard that supports safe working practices and helps maintain high standards of drinking water. Few people have seen that journey more closely than others. One of those individuals is Paul Standing, Learning & Development Specialist at Watertrain.

Looking Back to the Beginning

Paul completed one of the earliest National Water Hygiene courses when the scheme was first introduced in 2006. At the time, many people were still learning what it was and why it mattered.

“I remember being in that room and thinking, like many people did, what is this actually for? But I came away having learned things that have stayed with me throughout my career.”

Over the past 20 years, Paul has worked across different parts of the water industry and has seen firsthand how National Water Hygiene has become embedded in everyday working practices.

“When the scheme started, people were still getting used to the idea. Now it is part of the industry’s culture. Everybody knows what it is, why they need it and the role it plays in protecting drinking water.”

Building Understanding Across the Industry

National Water Hygiene helps people understand how their actions can affect water quality, whether they are working directly on the network, handling equipment, storing materials or maintaining site welfare facilities to help prevent contamination.

The training reinforces the importance of personal hygiene and good working practices, helping to reduce risks and safeguard public health.

For Paul, one of the scheme’s greatest achievements is the fact that its purpose is widely understood.

“There are plenty of things in life where people ask, ‘Why do we have to do that?’ National Water Hygiene is different. People understand why it exists. They understand that protecting water quality is everyone’s responsibility.”

More Than Just a Requirement

That understanding has helped make the scheme an established requirement across the industry. Paul recalls occasions where individuals without a valid National Water Hygiene card were removed from the site because they had not completed the required training.

“It has become as essential as any other industry licence or certification. You cannot work without it, and that’s a good thing because it helps protect both the network and the public.”

As a Learning & Development Specialist, Paul now uses the principles taught through National Water Hygiene to support learners entering the sector. The training provides a foundation that helps people understand wider topics such as water quality, asset management and public health protection.

Protecting a Vital Resource

Paul believes the scheme has helped people recognise that drinking water should be treated with the same care as any other food product.

“When people understand that water is a food product, it changes the way they think. You would not expect food to be handled carelessly, and the same principle applies to drinking water.”

One of the reasons National Water Hygiene has remained relevant for 20 years is its simplicity. The principles have not changed. Good hygiene, good habits and personal responsibility continue to play a vital role in protecting water quality.

Looking Ahead

Looking ahead to the next milestone anniversary, Paul believes the scheme should continue building awareness and reinforcing good habits across the sector, particularly among new entrants and contractors working across the water network.

“National Water Hygiene has spent 20 years helping people understand the importance of protecting drinking water. It has done a fantastic job, and I hope it continues to do exactly that for many years to come.”

A Lasting Legacy

20 years on, National Water Hygiene remains a simple but powerful safeguard. Every cardholder plays a role in helping to protect drinking water quality, maintain public confidence and ensure communities continue to receive safe, clean water every day.

As the scheme celebrates its 20th anniversary, its purpose remains as important as ever: helping people understand that protecting drinking water starts with them.

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To learn more about Watertrain’s EUSR Water Hygiene course, please visit www.watertrain.co.uk/eusr-water-hygiene or contact our team.