While most of those who are exposed to Legionella will not become ill, it’s still vital to ensure water systems and their constituent parts are properly maintained. To remain compliant, businesses need to assess risks in their networks, manage any identified issues, and then prevent the possibility of an outbreak. All of this work requires documentation to remain on the right side of the law.
EnquireDownload The BrochureLegionella is a pathogenic group of bacteria that cause pneumonia-type illnesses, with the most serious being Legionnaires’ disease. You usually get it by breathing in mist from water that contains Legionella. The mist may come from hot tubs, showers, or taps in large buildings.
While most of those who are exposed to Legionella will not become ill, it’s still vital to ensure water systems and their constituent parts are properly maintained. To remain compliant, businesses need to assess risks in their networks, manage any identified issues, and then prevent the possibility of an outbreak. All of this work requires documentation to remain on the right side of the law.
To control Legionella, the temperature of a plumbing system can be maintained so as to prevent growth. The ideal temperature for Legionella is between 25-42°C, but when water is heated above 50°C, 90% of strains die. It is therefore imperative to keep the temperature above this threshold.
A heating loop is used to circulate hot water around a building and keep the temperature constant, however, there are “legs” which must branch off in order to supply mixers to taps and showers. When these outlets have not been used for a while, the water in these legs converges to the ambient temperature where Legionella thrives.
The potentially fatal consequences of serious contamination mean routine monitoring and inspection of at-risk areas is critical for those in charge of buildings. In no other environment is this more important than public washrooms, where complex circulating hot water systems are commonplace.
For some time, it has been recognised that failings in these environments often result from sub-standard risk assessments that overlook the different parts of a plumbing network. In response, Health and Safety Executive (HSE) has revised its own technical guidance document (HSG274 Part 2) to combat avoidable failings in Legionella control. Keeping compliant and free from bacteria will keep staff and customers safe from contaminated water. Legionella outbreaks can never be fully eliminated but they can be mitigated with the right procedures in place.
LeakNet is primarily used to shut the water off, but it can be used to turn the water on too. To restrict Legionella growth, we can automatically purge the outlet when there hasn’t been any consumption for a certain amount of time. This ensures water never becomes stagnant inside the pipe.
Because the system records everything online, you will have full logs of the exact time and amount of water consumed on each purge. We can also install wireless temperature sensors clipped onto the pipe so the water temperature can be documented too.
In this way, we reduce time spent on legionella compliance by over 80% and save up to £20 per tap annually on water and energy wastage.
Automatic purge routines can be programmed to decrease Legionella risk for areas which have little or sporadic use.
Ready to transform your water system? Quensus offers a suite of features designed for user-friendly, sustainable, and cost-effective building operations.
Up to 7 credits for reducing water usage per person per day compared against a baseline performance. For example, use water-saving WCs, tap aerators, low-flow showers, waterless urinals, and greywater/rainwater for recycling non-potable water.
Our expertise in smart water metering and data analytics allows us to monitor and analyse water consumption patterns, providing valuable insights to identify water-saving opportunities and track progress towards reduction targets.
Installing our device on the main meter earns you 4 points.
Sub-metering building areas consuming 10% or more of the building's total water demand, or metering multi-tenant buildings per tenanted area, achieves an additional 2 credits.
Up to 4 credits (each) are available based on the water efficiency of the following assets to reduce overall water consumption in the building:
WAT02 - Water-efficient equipment: toilets
WAT03 - Water-efficient equipment: urinals
WAT04 - Water-efficient equipment: hand washing basins
WAT05 - Water-efficient equipment: showers
WAT06 - Water-efficient equipment: white goods
Our experience in specifying and installing water-efficient fixtures can help building owners select and implement the most appropriate solutions to achieve significant water savings.
Up to 4 credits for installing a robust leak detection system, which plays a vital role in conserving water resources. By promptly identifying and addressing leaks, buildings can significantly reduce water wastage, contributing to a more sustainable water footprint. 1 credit has traditionally been given for a leak detection system that can detect a major water leak on the mains water supply within the building and/or between the building and the utilities water meter.
Our advanced leak detection technology, including smart metering and real-time monitoring, can quickly identify and locate leaks, enabling prompt repairs and minimising water wastage, potentially enabling you to achieve the full 4 credits after a complete calendar year.
Up to 4 credits for proactive measures to prevent leaks. Proper installation and maintenance of flow control devices, whether in sanitary fittings or larger residential complexes, are essential for minimising water loss and ensuring the longevity of plumbing systems.
Our LeakNet system goes beyond traditional leak prevention methods. With AI-powered monitoring, real-time alerts, and automatic shut-off capabilities, LeakNet actively identifies and stops leaks before they cause significant damage or water wastage. This proactive approach aligns perfectly with the BREEAM focus on minimising water loss and ensuring the longevity of plumbing systems.
Up to 4 credits can be awarded depending on the extent and effectiveness of the isolation valve strategy within the building's water supply system, which allows controlled shut-off of specific sections of the water supply, enabling targeted maintenance or repairs without disrupting the entire system. 1 credit has traditionally been given for installing a flow control device to each WC area/facility so that water is only supplied when needed.
Our smart shut-off valves seamlessly integrate into any plumbing system, providing the isolation capabilities necessary for targeted maintenance and repairs.
This not only meets the traditional BREEAM requirement for isolation valves but also enhances it with intelligent control and automation.
By enabling quick and precise shut-off of specific sections, LeakNet minimises disruption and water wastage during maintenance activities, maximizing the potential for achieving up to 4 credits.
The automatic shut-off functionality also serves as an innovative flow control device, securing an additional credit for controlling water supply to WC areas.
Up to 4 credits for using alternative water sources and efficient water-using technologies. Rainwater harvesting, greywater recycling, and the use of water-efficient fixtures are examples of strategies that can substantially decrease reliance on mains water supply.
While we don't directly address alternative water sources, LeakNet's ability to dramatically reduce water wastage through automatic shutoff and leak prevention contributes to lowering mains water consumption.
By minimising unnecessary water loss, LeakNet supports the overarching goal of WAT10, contributing to achieving the maximum credits available.
Up to 4 credits for accurate monitoring and reporting of water consumption data, which is fundamental to effective water management. By tracking consumption patterns, building owners and operators can identify areas for improvement and implement targeted water-saving measures. This will include internal sub-meters to monitor the impacts of inefficiencies and leakage and encourage more effective water management.
Our smart metering and data analytics capabilities can provide detailed insights into water consumption patterns, facilitating the identification of inefficiencies and enabling targeted water-saving interventions.
Up to 4 credits for re-using water for non-potable purposes, such as irrigation or toilet flushing, reduces the demand on treated water supplies. This credit promotes innovative solutions for sustainable water sourcing.
Our experience in monitoring water recycling systems, such as greywater and rainwater harvesting solutions, can help track inefficiencies in these systems and maximise the reuse of water to reduce environmental impact.
Up to 4 credits for standardised reporting of water consumption, benchmarking, and comparison across different buildings and portfolios. This transparency encourages continuous improvement in water efficiency and supports informed decision-making.
Obtain 2 credits by using our data management and reporting tools to automate the collection, analysis, and reporting of water consumption data, providing clear and actionable insights to support decision-making.
Earn 1 extra credit when you report on it internally, and another credit if you publish this information in an annual report.
A comprehensive water strategy goes beyond individual measures by establishing a holistic approach to water management. It includes regular maintenance of water systems, water efficiency, water reuse, and leak detection. The strategy should also include a plan for monitoring and reporting water consumption ensuring optimal performance and longevity, as well as promoting awareness and behavioral changes among building occupants to foster a water-conscious culture.
Up to 8 credits are available depending on the comprehensiveness of the water strategy and the inclusion of specific elements such as:
A proactive maintenance policy for installed water systems
Targets for reducing water consumption
A plan for monitoring and reporting water consumption
A plan for engaging building occupants in water conservation efforts
Our holistic approach to water management and expertise in water efficiency, reuse, and leak detection can help building owners develop and implement comprehensive water strategies that achieve long-term sustainability and cost savings.
There will be times when the budget may not allow having every area of the building protected, so you should discuss with your insurer the acceptable risk profile of the building. There are unlimited number of options, but we have simplified leak prevention into the following categories:
A combination of bronze, silver and gold will provide the most effective leak prevention system available.
Automatic Flow Monitoring with Smart Shutoff Valves on the boosted supply to each unit/apartment. The most effective solution post-handover over the lifetime of the building.
Automatic Flow Monitoring with Smart Shutoff Valves on the boosted supply to each floor (or each riser if plumbing is vertically fed). Ideal during construction because each floor can be isolated individually.
The absolute minimum you should be looking for is Automatic Flow Monitoring on the Mains Cold Water System and Boosted Cold Water System for the whole building. This is covered in the BREEAM WAT03 standard.
LeakNet revolutionises water management with real-time insights. Remote notifications and comprehensive data at a moments notice. A modern solution for leak prevention, ensuring control and peace of mind on the go.
Discover LeakNetDiscover our range of flow sensors & meters, designed for accurate and reliable fluid measurement in various applications.
Learn MoreExplore our comprehensive range of WRAS Approved valves designed for precise fluid control in various applications.
Learn MoreLeak cables can swiftly detect any water presence and have the capability to automatically shut off the water if necessary.
Learn MoreQuick & Easy to Install Splash Detectors - Immediate notification of water leaks.
Learn MoreWater Management made simple with real-time consumption and alert notification.
Learn MoreGot questions? Ask us!
We have a friendly team ready to help you. Picking the right water solution can be tricky, but don't worry - we're your H2O Heroes! Let's solve this together!
FlowReporter and LeakNet are designed with global accessibility at their core. Here's how we ensure they work seamlessly across borders:
• Universal Power: The 12V DC power source is globally recognized, allowing you to plug in and operate the system directly from any standard power outlet worldwide.
• Cloud-Based Systems: Access real-time data and manage your water from anywhere with an internet connection. The web-based interface means no software installation and easy access from computers or mobile devices.
• Remote Commissioning: Our expert team can remotely configure and calibrate your system, ensuring optimal performance regardless of your location. This eliminates the need for on-site technicians in many cases, saving you time and resources.
• Fitting-Agnostic Design: Our leak detection technology is compatible with a wide variety of pipe materials and sizes. This flexibility simplifies installation without the need to source specialized components.
While we have established commercial partnerships in the UK, US, and Dubai, our solutions are accessible globally, making them suitable for use in any country.
Let us know where you plan to use FlowReporter and LeakNet. We'll provide specific guidance on installation, local regulations, and any other considerations to ensure a smooth and successful deployment.
You can see our returns policy at Quensus.com/delivery
Quensus warrants the WiFi Base to be free from defects in materials and workmanship under normal use during the period of time that FlowReporter is subscribed to (up to a maximum of 3 years). During this period, if a defect arises, we will either repair or replace the WiFi Base. Failures due to WiFi signal or power problems which are the customer’s responsibility are not considered faults.
Fittings which are plumbed in are covered by an OEM warranty which covers defects in materials and workmanship under normal use. This warranty lasts 12 months from sale of the units.
Splash Sensors should be placed only where waste water may be an issue - if someone has a shower as normal, but the plug seal has failed, the mains system will not pick this up. The most common areas are under shower trays because most other areas will be visibly wet and should be caught by eye, but places such as under the washing machine, under tanks, under sinks would offer additional peace of mind.
Every Splash Sensor should be within 20m of a Splash Gateway. The Splash Gateway just needs a standard ethernet cable connection to provide power and internet.
There is no physical network connection, WiFi is always used. If for some reason the available WiFi is unsuitable, there are 2 options:
· Use a WiFi access point or router plugged into a physical port on the user's network which would transmit its own WiFi and only be used by LeakNet.
· Use a cellular hotspot (gateway) which would allow LeakNet to use a mobile network for internet connectivity (no connection to user's network). However, these would incur additional monthly costs for data, stipulated by the mobile network operator.
If you have weak WiFi signal which consistently drops, there are several options to correct the situation:
· Reduce the distance between the Base unit and WiFi router, either by moving the Base unit (and extending connection cables up to 10m) or by moving the WiFi router.
· Make sure there is some room around the Base unit. It should be at least 30cm away from metal objects and other electronics.
· Add a WiFi booster somewhere in the middle of the Base unit and WiFi router.
· Add a WiFi router nearby (by plugging into the building’s physical network) which would transmit its own WiFi and only be used by LeakNet.
· Add a 3G hotspot nearby which will connect over the cellular network using a SIM card.
For the last 3 points, get in touch! We can either supply or give you recommendations on the equipment to use.
It is highly unlikely that you would have a power outage and then a burst pipe during the outage. We usually find that a power outage might occur after a bad leak as water reaches the electrics, so by shutting the water off before this happens, we mitigate this risk. However, for those who do not want to take this risk, we can provide an optional rechargeable battery which will provide power to the unit for at least 24 hours after power failure.
We do not usually supply installation and/or fittings unless they have been requested.
We have an installer network to call upon, but it is up to the individual to determine the best fitting for each scenario.
Fittings for common installations are easily (and cheaply) bought from B&Q, Screwfix, Plumbfix, PTS, Toolstation etc.
Examples of fittings are 3/4 inch to 15mm push fit, or 1” to 22mm compression, or 1” to 28mm press fit.
You're welcome to use your own meters and valves, but our components are specifically designed to optimise leak detection and offer several advantages:
Valves: Our motorised valves offer significant advantages:
Meters: Our meters are engineered for superior sensitivity. They have a low pulse weight (under 0.5 liters per pulse) and a low starting flow rate, which means they detect leaks faster than typical water meters. Our smaller flow sensors offer additional benefits too:
Our system can accommodate meters and valves up to 8 inches in size. However, for optimal leak detection, we recommend flow sensors in the ¾-inch to 1.25-inch range. Here's why:
While larger meters can still monitor overall water loss, they may be less effective at pinpointing specific leaks, especially in areas with high and variable water consumption.
The water shutoff valve can be opened and closed in a few ways:
While all of our flow meters are highly accurate and perfect for leak detection and tracking water usage within your property, only MID-approved meters can be used for official billing purposes.
Our meters above 1.5" are already MID-approved and designed for billing. For smaller pipe sizes, we typically recommend our highly accurate flow sensors, but we can easily substitute MID-approved meters if billing is a requirement. We're happy to guide you through the selection and installation process.
Our leak detection sensitivity varies depending on pipe size:
There is the ability for "drip detection" in the software which makes the alerts much more sensitive to minuscule events but should not be relied upon as it takes much longer to detect because of the tiny volumes.
To maximise physical detection of very small leaks, follow the installation guidelines in our manual for optimal sensor placement. For the most sensitive drip detection, we recommend leak cable or our wireless splash sensors.
Yes, there is a subscription charge to access the FlowReporter premium features.
While the basic functionalities of automatic shut-off, leak alerts, and remote valve control are available without a subscription, the premium features are designed to offer a more comprehensive and proactive approach to water management.
Without a free subscription, you'll still get:
With a premium subscription, you'll also get access to:
The wireless water sensor alerts, with their real-time alerts and full water contact alert history, are also part of the premium subscription.
If you're looking for a comprehensive solution to monitor, manage, and protect your water supply, the premium subscription provides the most value. However, if you're primarily interested in basic leak detection and shut-off functionality, the free version may suffice.
Full details at: https://www.quensus.com/discover-flowreporter
Your data's security and privacy are our top priorities. We use a multi-layered approach to protect your information:
As the data controller, we strictly adhere to GDPR regulations. You own your data, and we'll never sell it. You can request to export or delete your data at any time. We're committed to providing transparent and secure data management for your peace of mind.
Data can be exported, either within the FlowReporter software (in different formats such as straight into Excel), or using our API.
Offline mode means that devices can continue to provide many functions even when not connected to the internet. This might happen intermittently when the WiFi connection drops, or intentionally if remote functionality isn’t required.
Time is maintained inside the device (including daylight savings changes) and alert thresholds are stored so that the following functionality is maintained offline:
· Opening and closing the valve using the physical buttons
· Shutting the valve when there is a major alert (due to permanent, dynamic, and holiday thresholds)
· Purging regimes for Legionella control
· Recording flow and consumption (and bulk sends it next time it connects, storing up to a few days of usage before applying First In First Out principal)
· Opening and closing the valve as indicated in Shutoff Zones
Functionality which is lost when operating offline includes:
· Email and SMS leak alerts
· Realtime monitoring of flow
· Remote valve operation
· Up-to-date graphs and analysis (e.g. learning modes)
· Over-The-Air updates
Yes; To create a self-contained network, cellular 3G/4G will be used. An external 3G/4G antenna will be placed in the best possible position (usually on the roof) and relay internet for each area inside the building via WiFi routers.
To Open or Close a valve from FlowReporter:
1. Click on the selected device from your dashboard or click the link directly from the alert.
2. At the bottom of the page will show the last known status of the valve (open/closed).
3. Click on the Open/Close button to activate the valve – if the device is online, this should start within 1 second, otherwise it will wait until the device is back online.
You can also open and close the valve manually by pushing the buttons physically on the Base unit itself. Please push the relevant button in for 1 second to force the valve fully open or fully closed. Motorised valves will continue turning until they reach the end.
Alerts for devices monitoring multiple areas are set based on learned consumption patterns, just like individual dwellings. However, there are a few key differences to keep in mind:
If you have further questions or would like assistance selecting the right sensor for your needs, please don't hesitate to contact our support team.
Yes, you can easily share access to your online device with multiple users! We offer a flexible permission system that allows you to control what each user can do:
This way, you can give the building manager full control, allow tenants to view their water usage, and grant maintenance staff access only to shut off the water in emergencies.
Regarding ownership transfer: To maintain security, device ownership cannot be transferred remotely. It requires physical access to the device to re-register it under a new owner. This prevents unauthorised access and ensures that only authorised individuals can control the device and your water supply.
Machine learning is used by our software to profile the tenant using their historic data in a typical weekday or weekend. The learning algorithm recognises events using time and volume within certain time periods in a day. This apparent simplicity brings the optimum balance of sophistication and ease of use.
From millions of points of data, we discovered early on that in the majority of cases, people conformed to habitual cycles of flow which could be extrapolated to predict future consumption and therefore used as a measure to set alarm thresholds. By splitting weekdays from weekends, and then further splitting those days by time, the algorithm sets alarm thresholds based on the maximum consumption events which have been seen in the past.
The user or concierge can run the learning algorithm whenever they feel it is required - after installation, when a new tenant moves in, or after a fault is fixed. The ability to view and manually override these thresholds within the software is intentional, so that users feel in control and can easily understand why any alerts have occurred. The algorithm can also learn on-the-fly if the user reacts to any false alarms by telling the software not to shut off the water supply when prompted.
A holiday alarm should be set when the water use will be abnormal for a period of time, for example if you are away on holiday (lower than normal water consumption), or if you know you’ll be filling up a swimming pool on a certain day (higher than normal water consumption).
The holiday alarms will override any others set, and only be active within a chosen time range.
To set a holiday alarm:
1. Click the “Holiday Mode” button in the alarms section of the settings page of your device. This takes you to the “Holiday Alarms” page.
2. In the “Create New Alarm” section, set the “Start Time“, “From” date, “To” date, “End Time“, Alert and Shut off values.
3. Click “save“.
You will now see the newly created alarm details in the displayed table. Up to 15 holidays can be stacked up, which will be stored in the device’s memory offline too.
At any point, you can adjust the values more precisely – just click “edit”.
Alarms can be deleted by checking the box next to each alarm and then clicking the “Delete” button.
There are 3 alert categories: · Permanent – active 24/7. · Dynamic – changes based on the time of day and day of the week, learnt from your consumption history. · Holiday – exceptions which override any other setting and can be used to force a low threshold (if you are away), or force a high threshold (if you predict a spike).
Each alarm category has a 2 stage process: ‘Alert’ and ‘Shut off’ which is specified using a time and volume of water to be consumed before an alarm is raised. Both alarms will send a notification by email and/or SMS (based on your preferences in user settings).
· Exceeding the ‘Alert’ threshold triggers a Minor Alert which sends a notification.
· Exceeding the ‘Shut Off’ threshold triggers a Major Alert which sends another notification, and (optionally) turns the water off.
As an example of a simple alarm, here is a situation where the flow of water begins at 17:30 and the thresholds are
· Alert threshold = 30 minutes or 60 litres
· Shut off threshold = 2 hours or 240 litres
Note that no alarm is set by default when a device is first installed, to give time for history to be built up and learnt. However, alarms can be created and modified remotely at any time.
After 1 week, “dynamic thresholds” can learn from your past water consumption, which will record your unique water profile for any area of the building you monitor.
FlowReporter will alert you twice after a large amount of water has been used, either via email or text.
In the first alert, you are able to respond and confirm normal usage to prevent the water supply from being shut off for that event.
If you do not respond, the second alert (some time later) will notify you that the water supply has been turned off to prevent water damage.
When you register for an account, you will supply an email and (optionally) a phone number. Once your email is confirmed, you will receive alerts via email by default. Once your phone number is confirmed, in user settings, you have the option to receive alerts by SMS too (or instead).
You can set customisable thresholds for time and volume of water expected, at any time within the online app. If FlowReporter finds your water consumption has exceeded any of the threshold levels, you will get a warning. If the consumption persists without intervention, then a second threshold exists which will automatically turn the valve off. You can adjust the thresholds as often as you’d like until they suit your individual needs.
The dynamic learning mode can be used after just one week of normal usage, which will set much more detailed thresholds suited to your unique consumption profile.
I can see that you have registered but you will have to tell the device to connect to your account. You can do this in one of two ways:
· Log in to FlowReporter and register the device directly from your account. This will make you the device owner, or
· Ask the device owner to send you access by sending to your email.
You will only need to provide your email, in order to log in and receive any alerts from FlowReporter. You may also add your mobile number in order to receive text message (SMS) alerts.
Anyone can use FlowReporter! The user interface is intuitive and very easy to use.
Even if you don’t use the graphs or ever login to the online app again, our algorithms will constantly be at work in the background to make sure you only get notified if there is a problem.
The user who first configures the FlowReporter device will be named the “owner”. However, they may also grant other users access to it. They may limit other user’s permissions such as setting the valve or adding more users under the device “settings”
Clicking the Question mark Help button within the app is the best place to find help. The software is constantly being updated with new and better features so static documentation (like this) may be out of date.
Download the android / iOS app by searching for FlowReporter.
Or from the browser in your phone, go to www.flowreporter.com
Then in your browser options/settings, there should be the option to "Add to home screen". The method changes slightly depending on apple or android version.
Clicking this will then add the app to your phone, in essence, it is more of a bookmark since the app is all web-based.
This means that the software can be used from a PC, laptop, tablet, or phone, without installing anything