Snell LB, Hussein A, Abadioru O, Dibbens M, Whitehorn J, Nichols R, May L, Coates S, Barrett NA, Winteridge H, Otter JA, Goldenberg SD. J Hosp Infect. 2025 Nov;165:1-8. doi: 10.1016/j.jhin.2025.07.021. Epub 2025 Aug 11. PMID: 40803379.
Highlights:
- Manual measurement of water temperatures is labour intensive and does not provide a comprehensive overview of the whole water distribution system.
- A continuous remote sensor water temperature monitoring system was installed to the hot and cold water supply of 15 clinical handwash basins in an intensive care unit to monitor usage and temperature fluctuations over 100 days.
- Two clinical handwash basins were clearly identified as low use and were unused on multiple occasions for periods >24 h. These were decommissioned, which was associated with improved water utilisation across the rest of the unit.
- Continuous temperature monitoring devices have many advantages over manual, periodic monitoring, but have additional cost in terms of initial installation and maintenance. This could be offset by a reduction in manpower, particularly if linked to rationalisation of flushing.
- Another issue is the volume of data that is generated and how to interpret it. The Water Management Society has developed some guidance for the interpretation and management of data resulting from these monitoring systems. Available at: https://www.wmsoc.org.uk/ knowledge/publication/262/download






