The Industrial and Commercial Heating Equipment Association (ICOM) has updated its comprehensive guide, ‘Water Quality Considerations of Domestic Hot Water Systems for Commercial Applications’, providing best practice guidance for the design, commissioning and maintenance of commercial hot water systems.
Developed in collaboration with leading manufacturers and water treatment specialists, the guide addresses one of the most critical yet often overlooked aspects of system performance: water quality. It offers clear, practical advice on managing scale, corrosion and biofouling. These are key issues that can significantly impact efficiency, reliability and operational costs if left untreated.
Energy efficiency, system longevity and compliance with health and safety legislation are under increasing scrutiny across the built environment. By helping specifiers, contractors and facilities managers better understand the relationship between water quality and system performance, the guide aims to drive improved standards across the industry.
Covering everything from initial water analysis and treatment selection through to commissioning, monitoring and ongoing maintenance, the document is designed to be accessible to both technical specialists and those with limited knowledge of water treatment chemistry.
Steve McConnell, Director at ICOM, commented: “Water treatment is fundamental to the safe and efficient operation of commercial hot water systems, yet it is too often underestimated. This guide has been developed to support the industry in adopting a more informed and proactive approach, helping to reduce energy waste, extend equipment life and maintain system integrity.”
The guide also reinforces the importance of engaging competent water treatment professionals and adhering to relevant regulations and guidance, including those relating to Legionella control and water safety.
The relaunched guide is available to download free of charge from the ICOM website 2026-Treatment-Conditioning-of-Commercial-Hot-Water-Systems-Guide26.pdf