Water safety in healthcare environments is a critical concern, especially when dealing with waterborne
pathogens like Legionella and Pseudomonas. To combat these risks, Challis MS Ltd has introduced a significant advancement to its Challis Ag+ anti-microbial showers by integrating a non-return valve. This new feature enhances bacterial control, improves operational efficiency, increases safety, and reduces costs, making it an ideal solution for healthcare facilities managers.
This blog will explore the technical benefits of this recent development and explain why integrating non-return valve technology is essential for healthcare water systems.
What is a Non-Return Valve and Why is Backflow Prevention Important?
In healthcare water systems, backflow prevention is critical to avoid contamination. Backflow occurs when water flows in the opposite direction from its intended course, introducing potentially harmful contaminants into the clean water supply. This can happen due to pressure changes, often caused by equipment or system failures.
The non-return valve, also known as a check valve, prevents this by allowing water to flow in only one direction. This mechanism can now integrated into the Challis Ag+ anti-microbial showers, offering superior protection against backflow contamination. These valves are key in maintaining water hygiene and safety.
Key Benefits of the Non-Return Valve Integration
The inclusion of a non-return valve into the Challis Ag+ anti-microbial showers offers four primary benefits, each critical to healthcare facilities:
1. Superior Control Over Legionella and Pseudomonas
Legionella and Pseudomonas are two of the most dangerous bacteria found in healthcare water 
systems. These pathogens can thrive in stagnant water or biofilms within pipes and outlets, posing a significant risk to vulnerable patients.
Legionella pneumophila, which causes Legionnaires’ disease, is especially dangerous in healthcare settings where patients may have weakened immune systems. Pseudomonas aeruginosa can lead to severe infections, particularly in intensive care units.
How the Non-Return Valve Helps: The integrated non-return valve ensures that contaminated water does not re-enter the system, drastically reducing the risk of Legionella and Pseudomonas spreading. By preventing backflow, the valve complements the antimicrobial silver-ion (Ag+) coating on the shower head, providing a dual defence against these pathogens.
By ensuring water only flows in one direction, the risk of contamination is minimised, making Challis Ag+ showers ideal for environments where pathogen control is critical.
2. Enhanced Safety and Compliance for Healthcare Facilities
Safety is the top priority in healthcare environments, and facilities managers must ensure that water systems comply with Health and Safety Executive (HSE) regulations. One of the key aspects of water safety compliance is backflow prevention, as stipulated in BS EN 1717:2000, which sets standards for the protection of drinking water.
Automatic Safeguarding Against Backflow: Unlike manual flushing or disinfection procedures, the non-return valve operates passively, constantly protecting the water system from contamination without the need for human intervention. This significantly reduces the risk of human error and ensures that healthcare facilities remain compliant with water safety regulations.
3. Increased Operational Efficiency and Reduced Maintenance
For facilities managers, balancing safety with operational efficiency is a key concern. With the integration
of non-return valves in Challis Ag+ showers, healthcare facilities can streamline their water system management:
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Fewer Maintenance Interventions: Non-return valves can reduce the need for frequent flushing or cleaning of water systems by preventing contamination from the outset. This allows facilities teams to focus on other tasks, improving overall productivity.
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Lower Risk of System Shutdowns: With reduced contamination risk, the chances of having to shut down parts of the water system for maintenance are minimised, leading to fewer disruptions in service.
4. Cost Reduction Through Long-Term Savings
The cost of a Legionella or Pseudomonas outbreak can be enormous, not only in terms of penalties and legal issues but also in reputational damage. By incorporating a non-return valve into the Challis Ag+ shower, facilities can reduce these risks and achieve substantial cost savings:
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Lower Maintenance Costs: By preventing contamination at the source, the non-return valve reduces the frequency and intensity of required maintenance. This leads to fewer system flushes, part replacements, and cleaning procedures, saving labour and material costs.
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Energy Efficiency: The non-return valve optimises water flow, reducing water wastage and lowering energy consumption for water heating and pumping, contributing to sustainability and financial savings over time.
Why Challis Ag+ Showers Are the Best Choice for Healthcare Water Systems
The integrated non-return valve makes Challis Ag+ anti-microbial showers a market leader in water
safety technology. Unlike traditional shower units, which often rely on external backflow prevention measures, this all-in-one solution provides superior protection, efficiency, and ease of use.
Key advantages of Challis Ag+ showers include:
- Built-in backflow prevention, eliminating the need for external devices.
- Antimicrobial properties that inhibit bacterial growth.
- Full compliance with healthcare water safety standards.
- Significant savings on maintenance, operational, and energy costs.
Conclusion: A Future-Proof Solution for Healthcare Facilities
The integration of the non-return valve into the Challis Ag+ anti-microbial showers represents a significant innovation for healthcare water safety. By providing robust protection against Legionella, Pseudomonas, and other waterborne pathogens, this system offers enhanced safety, greater efficiency, and cost-effective operations for healthcare facilities managers.
If you’re looking to upgrade your facility’s water systems with a solution that guarantees safety, compliance, and long-term savings, the Challis Ag+ anti-microbial shower with integrated non-return valve is the optimal choice.
Call to Action
For more information on how Challis Ag+ showers can transform water safety in your facility, and how to Up Grade to our new Improved Ag+ units or to request a demo and consultation, contact us today. Email info@challisms.com or call us at 01628 529024 to speak directly with our experts and explore customised solutions tailored to your healthcare facility’s needs.