About this goal

One in three people live without sanitation.  This is causing unnecessary disease and death.  Although huge strides have been made with access to clean drinking water, lack of sanitation is undermining these advances.  If we provide affordable equipment and education in hygiene practices, we can stop this senseless suffering and loss of life. (Goal 6: Clean Water and Sanitation - The Global Goals)

In Focus: SLC Water Quality Compliance/SOCOTEC

Clean water and sanitation are crucial to human health.  South Lanarkshire Council check the quality of various types of water including drinking water, swimming pools and recreational lochs.

The council run several programmes to test the shower temperature in Sheltered Housing Complexes comply with legislation and ensure there is no damage to the unit. They also carry out annual checks on cold water cisterns, monitoring temperatures within and the condition of the cisterns to ensure they comply to strict safety guidelines.  If defects are found the cistern may be decommissioned, a programme which is funded by the council.

Legionella is a type of bacteria that can cause harm to health.  Inhaling small droplets can cause serious respiratory diseases.  Where water might expose people to Legionella, legal health and safety duties must be met, therefore tests and checks are vital.  Sector leading company SOCOTEC carries out Legionnaires Risk Assessments, as well as testing for lead in cold water mains on unoccupied properties on behalf of the council.  This involves a full inspection of all water services, pipework, laboratory testing and producing reports.  Any issues are passed to the appropriate department for repair.

Further reading and information

Goal 6: Clean Water and Sanitation
Goal 6: Clean water and sanitation - The Global Goals

Legionella Compliance and Risk Assessments
www.socotec.co.uk/our-services/water-services/legionella-risk-assessments

Sustainable Development and Climate Change Strategy
Introduction - South Lanarkshire Council