Altecnic has helped improve water safety and hygiene at Dalesdown Residential Conference and Activity Centre in Horsham, West Sussex, delivering a complete thermostatic mixing valve (TMV) solution to help safeguard vulnerable visitors.

Operated by the Family Foundations Trust (FFT), Dalesdown provides residential, educational and recreational facilities for a wide range of vulnerable groups, including children, families, people with disabilities and those from challenging backgrounds. With many visitors at increased risk, maintaining safe water temperatures and excellent water hygiene is essential throughout the site's facilities.

Originally approached to provide support with an upgrade to the centre's heating system, Altecnic's technical team identified a more immediate opportunity to improve water safety during a site survey. Six locations, including dormitory wash facilities, disabled toilets and kitchen hand wash basins, had no thermostatic mixing valves installed, while a further four existing TMVs had not been commissioned or serviced, meaning their performance and safety could not be guaranteed.

Meeting the Challenge of Protecting Vulnerable Users

Recognising the importance of protecting vulnerable users, all six Mixcal Careflo Plus® TMV3 and WRAS-approved thermostatic mixing valves were specified and installed across key washroom facilities.

Designed for high-risk healthcare and residential environments, the valves were selected for their ability to provide safe mixed water temperatures while complying with the NHS D08 performance specification, helping protect vulnerable users from the risk of scalding. Their thermal override capability also enables thermal purging, helping reduce the risk of harmful bacteria, including Legionella and Pseudomonas aeruginosa, developing within the water system. This was particularly important in a facility such as Dalesdown, where maintaining excellent water hygiene is just as important as controlling outlet temperatures.

Delivering Safer Water Systems

Alongside installing the new TMVs, each valve was fully commissioned to verify safe outlet temperatures and correct failsafe operation, while thermal purging was carried out through the valves to improve water hygiene throughout the system.

The team also serviced and recommissioned four existing TMVs located within the site's public toilet facilities, improving the overall reliability, performance and safety of the site's water systems.

As a result, Dalesdown now benefits from enhanced safeguarding for its visitors, improved water hygiene and greater confidence that its facilities continue to provide a safe and welcoming environment for everyone who uses them.

Matthew Pye, Maintenance Officer at Dalesdown Residential Conference and Activity Centre, commented:

"Altecnic went above and beyond. They efficiently organised a site visit, quickly identified areas for improvement, and put the right solution in place without hesitation. The team was incredibly supportive throughout the process. Knowing that our water systems are now safer and healthier for our visitors gives us real peace of mind."

The project demonstrates Altecnic's commitment to using its technical expertise to support organisations that provide essential care within their communities. By identifying a hidden water safety risk and delivering a complete solution, Altecnic has helped Dalesdown create a safer environment for the vulnerable people who rely on its facilities every day.

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