Water Quality and Treatment in Building Hydronic System

Water quality is a critical yet often overlooked factor in maintaining the efficiency, reliability, and longevity of hydronic systems. Poor water quality can lead to premature degradation through corrosion (galvanic, biological, and other forms), scaling, and related operational challenges.

This webinar, held in collaboration with the ASHRAE Birmingham Chapter, brings together international experts to share the latest insights, research, and policy developments in water treatment and quality management. Attendees will gain a deeper understanding of how effective water quality control can enhance system performance, extend equipment lifespan, and improve overall energy efficiency.

Join us to explore cutting-edge practices and real-world strategies that support sustainable, high-performing hydronic systems and contribute to the advancement of industry standards worldwide.

Talks and Speakers:

Talk 1: The Hidden Enemy in Every Loop
Speak: Darren Wilkinson, MASHRAE, CIBSE CPD Course Provider

Talk abstract: Every hydronic system conceals a silent threat: the water itself. Oxygen ingress, biofilm, and chemical imbalance quietly degrade performance, increasing energy use and driving premature failures.

The Hidden Enemy in Every Loop reveals how corrosion mechanisms — from pitting and under-deposit attack to microbial and chemical corrosion — undermine reliability and efficiency.

Drawing on real-world diagnostics and field experience, João Marques translates complex fluid chemistry into actionable engineering insight. Attendees will learn to identify corrosion “fingerprints,” stabilise systems through proper design and filtration, and quantify the true cost of poor water quality.

By the end, participants will recognise that clean, stable hydronic water isn’t just maintenance — it’s engineering discipline. Control the chemistry, and you control performance.

Talk 2: In a nutshell: Mechanism of (bio-)corrosion and corrosion protection
Speaker: Prof. Oliver Opel

Talk Abstract: Although corrosion is regarded a rather well-known topic that underwent substantial research during centuries, still mechanisms of microbially induced corrosion, pitting corrosion and even fundamentals of corrosion protection are not known widely and still discussed in science. In my talk, I will provide insights from my own research covering 20 years in water chemistry, microbiology and corrosion, boiled down to comprehensive mechanisms addressing corrosion experts and talents.

Talk 3: Heat Network Optimisation Guide: Water Treatment Essentials.
Speaker: Jon Cohen

Talk Abstract: This session focuses on the intersection of water treatment, hydraulic performance, and energy efficiency within utility and hydronic systems. The Heat Network Optimisation Guide (DESNZ, FairHeat, Anthesis, 2024) provides a phased, data-driven approach to improving system performance and reducing both energy and water footprint. The presenter highlights how proper water treatment and hydraulic optimisation can enhance efficiency, reduce return temperatures, and prepare systems for low-carbon operation.

Talk 4: Setting Standards for Water Quality in UK Heat Networks
Speaker: Charlie Davies

Talk Abstract: As part of the UK Government’s plan to achieve net zero emissions by 2050, heat networks are becoming a regulated utility. This includes mandating technical standards for heat networks through regulations through a Heat Network Technical Assurance Scheme (HNTAS).

One of the most common causes of failure in heat networks is corrosion due to poor water quality. This can be detrimental to the reliable supply of heat from heat networks, making it key that this risk is mitigated throughout all phases of the development and operation of heat networks.

While guidance exists on how these issues can be prevented, it is spread across a range of documents and is not always followed correctly, and further requirements are needed across all stages of the development of heat networks to sufficiently de-risk against poor water quality and the negative outcomes it can lead to.

Standards have hence been developed for Chemically Treated systems and Depleted Water systems to ensure that water quality is adequately considered in the planning, design, installation, and commissioning of heat networks; this includes ensuring that water quality is sufficiently captured in operation through the use of water quality KPIs.
This work aims to improve the standard of water quality in heat networks, and ensure that water quality is maintained in the operation of heat networks as they become a regulated utility.