New drinking water analysis programmes
From 1 January 2026, the terms of sanitary control of water are changing. The publication…
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What is domestic hot water and cooling tower water?
Domestic Hot Water (DHW) refers to heated water intended for domestic or hygiene use (showers, sinks, washbasins). Due to its temperature and its passage through sometimes complex networks, it can promote the development of biofilms and micro-organisms such as Legionella, requiring regular monitoring.
Cooling tower water is used in industrial or commercial cooling installations to dissipate heat from processes or equipment. Their open-circuit operation promotes exchanges with the air, creating conditions favourable to bacterial growth, particularly Legionella, which can be dispersed as aerosols.
Domestic hot water and cooling tower water are both subject to strict regulations to prevent health risks and protect building occupants, workers and the public.
There are several key points of vigilance:
- DHW installations: temperature maintenance, limiting stagnation zones, maintenance of tanks, networks and outlets.
- Cooling tower installations: water quality monitoring, preventive treatments, equipment cleaning and regular microbiological control.
- Regulatory monitoring: carrying out analyses, monitoring physico-chemical and microbiological parameters, in particular Legionella testing, in accordance with current requirements.
Controlling health risk
The main risk associated with domestic hot water is the proliferation of Legionella, bacteria responsible for Legionnaires’ disease, a serious respiratory infection. To ensure user safety, we support you in monitoring your networks and applying ministerial orders. Our expertise allows you to validate the effectiveness of your preventive and curative treatments (thermal or chemical shocks) and guarantee the compliance of your installations.
Regulations
Domestic hot water must comply with the criteria set out in the order of 10 February 2010 relating to the monitoring of Legionella in installations.
The order of 14 December 2013 relating to general requirements applicable to installations covered by heading 2921 is the reference text for cooling tower operators. This text defines the obligations regarding Legionella analysis, water treatment, maintenance plans, staff training and reporting in the event of exceedances.
Innovation & Methods
Our expertise
We offer analyses designed to check the regulatory compliance of your foodstuffs.
Legionella
Detection and enumeration of Legionella pneumophila and Legionella species by culture method or rapid PCR.
Water microbiology
Enumeration of revivifiable micro-organisms and faecal contamination indicators.
Physico-chemical parameters
Measurement of temperature, pH, iron and hardness (TH), factors that promote bacterial growth.
Network diagnosis
Water quality analysis to assess scaling and corrosion of pipework.
Regulations
Our regulatory team supports you in assessing the compliance of your products through daily monitoring of current regulations and directives, draft texts and standards.
Our experts Céline and Aurélie are here to listen.
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Audit
Carry out an auditA comprehensive quality audit to assess your production practices and guarantee the compliance of your products. Our experts will provide tailored recommendations to optimise your processes and reduce risks.
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Traceability
Discover our toolWe help you set up effective traceability systems to ensure transparency throughout the cereal production chain. You can track each batch from cultivation to final use.
Logistics
Our nationwide coverage, combined with a fleet of tri-temperature vehicles compliant with NF X15-140, guarantees cold chain control and sample transport under optimal conditions.
Phytocontrol’s sampling technicians are all qualified to carry out physico-chemical and microbiological sampling in accordance with the following standards:
- FD T90-520: sampling technique for health monitoring of drinking water.
- FD T90-521: sampling technique for health monitoring of swimming pool and bathing water.
- FD T90-522: sampling technique for Legionella testing in water.
Each sample benefits from real-time traceability, from collection or sampling through to analysis.
Optimising our routes helps reduce our environmental impact while ensuring a responsive and efficient service.
Testimonial
A challenge to overcome?
We have the solution!
Whether you are a network manager, an industrial company or a farmer, we help you ensure the sustainability and compliance of your resource.
Our guests come to us to relax and enjoy their stay with complete peace of mind. Behind this experience is an entire team ensuring the smooth running of the establishment, particularly on less visible matters such as water quality. Legionella monitoring is part of our commitment to guaranteeing a safe environment for both our guests and our staff.
+1,000 satisfied customers
Research and expertise
A research centre at your service
We drive your projects forward with tailor-made solutions and close support. Technical expertise, full traceability and rigorous compliance: we turn your constraints into performance levers.
Our experts are committed to working with you to:
- Secure your production with high-precision analyses.
- Control your traceability, from raw material to finished product.
- Anticipate regulatory changes to guarantee your compliance.
ACCREDITATIONS
Our accreditations
Phytocontrol is accredited by COFRAC and holds specific approvals from the Ministry of Health and the Ministry of the Environment for water sampling and analysis.
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We support you from order to delivery of results.
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