Dentaqua Units: Water Supply Installation and Compliance Checks for Dental Practices

The First Principle Group has issued a technical alert concerning the installation of a mains-connected Dentaqua dental water treatment unit following observations made during a recent dental practice water hygiene inspection.

What did we find?

During the inspection, a Dentaqua unit connected directly to the mains water supply was found with flexible supply pipework showing significant green internal discolouration and visible biological-type growth.

This raised concerns about potential microbiological activity within the supply pipework and whether the materials used for the mains water connection were suitable for use with wholesome water. From visual inspection alone, we could not confirm that the flexible pipework and associated fittings were appropriately approved or compliant with the Water Supply (Water Fittings) Regulations 1999. Importantly, this does not mean that all Dentaqua units or installations are affected. The issue was identified at one installation and has prompted us to recommend precautionary checks where Dentaqua units are directly connected to the mains water supply. Where units are directly connected to the mains, Dentaqua water supply compliance should be verified, including the suitability of pipework and fittings, backflow protection and compliance with the Water Supply (Water Fittings) Regulations 1999.

Dentaqua Water Supply Compliance – What Dental Practices Should Check

If your practice uses a mains-fed Dentaqua unit, we recommend checking:

• the condition and suitability of the mains supply pipework and fittings;

• whether materials used are appropriately approved (WRAS) for their intended application;

• that suitable backflow protection is installed;

• that the complete installation complies with the Water Supply (Water Fittings) Regulations; and

• the installation requirements with the Dentaqua supplier, manufacturer or a suitably competent installer.

Any visible discolouration, contamination or suspected biological growth should be investigated and appropriate corrective action taken.

Need your Dentaqua installation checked?

The First Principle Group provides dental water hygiene and Legionella risk assessments throughout the UK, including assessment of dental water systems, DUWL management, backflow protection and Water Fittings Regulations considerations.