In the years following the COVID-19 pandemic, the way we use buildings has changed dramatically.

Across the UK and beyond, facilities that were once vibrant and busy offices, schools, universities, and hospitality venues have experienced periods of low or fluctuating occupancy.

While this shift has created flexibility and new work patterns, it has also introduced serious challenges for facility and estate managers, particularly in managing water hygiene.

One of the most pressing concerns is the increased risk of Legionella. When water systems are underused, stagnation sets in. Stagnant water, combined with warm temperatures and residual nutrients in pipework, provides ideal conditions for Legionella bacteria to multiply. Once established, it becomes exceedingly difficult to control, especially in larger or more complex buildings with irregular water usage.

At Scotmas, we understand these challenges better than most. Our work in Legionella prevention and control spans decades, and we’ve supported public and private sector facilities around the world in managing their water systems safely and efficiently. Post-COVID, we’re seeing a significant shift: the traditional, manual flushing and periodic disinfection routines are no longer sufficient. In today’s climate, only continuous dosing with Chlorine Dioxide offers reliable protection.

Why Manual Methods No Longer Work

Historically, many building managers relied on a regime of routine flushing and periodic testing to maintain water hygiene. But with unpredictable usage patterns, this is no longer viable.

Water may sit in pipes for days or weeks between uses, with staff or tenants returning sporadically. By the time Legionella is detected in testing, the threat may already be widespread. This puts the responsibility on facilities teams to not only monitor their systems but to actively and continuously treat them to prevent the formation of biofilms. These slimy layers provide a protective environment for Legionella and other pathogens to grow.

Chlorine Dioxide: Proven, Reliable, and Safe

Chlorine Dioxide is a well-documented and trusted solution for controlling Legionella and other microbiological risks in water systems. Unlike traditional chlorine, it doesn’t form harmful by-products like trihalomethanes and remains effective across a wide pH range. Crucially, Chlorine Dioxide penetrates biofilms, breaking down the environment where Legionella thrives.

But not all Chlorine Dioxide solutions are created equal. Some systems are inconsistent, complex to monitor, or require constant adjustment and oversight, adding to the workload of already-stretched estates teams.

The Scotmas Bravo WA: Designed for Today’s Water Hygiene Challenges

That’s where the Bravo WA generator and dosing system from Scotmas sets a new standard. Developed and manufactured in the UK, the Bravo WA is a fully integrated water disinfection system, designed to generate and dose Chlorine Dioxide (ClO2) into water supplies automatically.

It offers real-time monitoring, data logging, and remote access via our secure web portal, giving facilities teams complete confidence that their systems are operating within safe parameters, even across multiple buildings or sites.

Built with user safety, simplicity, and reliability in mind, the Bravo WA:

• Eliminates the need for manual intervention and repeated flushing.
• Ensures stable and consistent dosing to counter Legionella growth.
• Integrates easily with Building Management Systems (BMS).
• Provides automated compliance reports to meet HSE ACOP L8 and HTM 04-01 guidance.

For estates managers navigating the complexities of post-COVID building usage, the Bravo WA provides peace of mind and demonstrable controlwithout the burden of constant manual oversight.

You can learn more about the Bravo WA by visiting us at https://www2.scotmas.com/bravo-wa-legionella-control

Your Partner in Legionella Control

At Scotmas, we do more than supply equipment. Our team includes microbiologists and experienced engineers who understand the regulatory landscape, risk assessment requirements, and day-to-day pressures faced by estates teams. We offer full support from system specification and installation to staff training and aftercare.

As building usage patterns continue to evolve, water hygiene management must evolve with them. Continuous Chlorine Dioxide dosing is no longer a “nice to have “; it’s a necessity for any building where occupancy may vary or where the consequences of Legionella outbreaks are severe.

To discuss how the Bravo WA can protect your buildings, staff, and reputation, contact our team today on +44 (0)1573 226901 or by connecting through LinkedIn with Gemma Hammond or Thomas Warrender M.W.M.Soc

Let Scotmas help you stay ahead of the risk with innovative, scalable, and sustainable water disinfection solutions.

Photo Credit: @heyho