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The 'Blue Card'

In 2006 the Energy and Utility Skills Register (EUSR), working with the water industry, developed the National Water Hygiene Scheme (the 'Blue Card') as a national standard to replace the existing individually established hygiene standards and procedures developed and set by water companies.

Those enrolled on the EUSR scheme will be trained to a nationally agreed standard, and there is no longer a need to have multiple cards for different companies, as the EUSR card is accepted by all water companies in England, Wales, Scotland, and Northern Ireland.

Any individual working on areas of restricted operations – i.e., water pumping stations, wells, springs, boreholes, water treatment works, service reservoirs or working on the network of water mains and service pipes – must have a National Water Hygiene EUSR registration.

"The training and assessment on this scheme are the same for direct employees of water companies and individuals employed by contractors that work on the restricted operations sites – including self-lay organisations working on new developments." - EUSR

More information about Water Hygiene

Course dates and information

Water hygiene requirements and legislation

FAQs for Water Hygiene

The Energy and Utility Skills Register (EUSR) is the only governing body for Water Hygiene training. Working with the water industry, they developed the National Water Hygiene Scheme as a nationally recognised standard for which all individuals enrolled on a registered course will be trained. Waterlink have been a member of EUSR for many years now, and look forward to many more years of working together.

Anybody working with water should be suitably qualified; this includes everybody from the domestic plumber through to the water engineer who is installing water mains.


It is especially vital that anyone working on restricted operations or in restricted areas undertakes a Water Hygiene Course and holds a valid card. If you work in one of the following trades, you should strongly consider acquiring the relevant training:

  • Plumbing
  • Drainage and Sewage
  • Central Heating and Hot Water
  • Solar Water Heating
  • Air-Conditioning
  • Swimming Pools
  • Tankered Water
  • Bottled Water


(NB: Restricted areas are defined as locations where water is prepared for supply etc., and 'restricted operations' mean any work involving direct or potential contact with untreated or treated water, or any surface which could be in contact with potable water at any stage in the distribution process.)

The training session is expected to last no more than 3 ½ hours. For the exact time of the course – please check your booking details or Zoom link invitation.

EUSR no longer issue a card as standard, but instead charge for it additionally. Waterlink has chosen to continue to purchase these cards for those undertaking training with us at no additional charge to the trainee.

This scheme is the EUSR Nationally Recognised Water Hygiene course, and as such the card/registration will be valid for three years. Once you are nearing your renewal date, we recommend you book yourself onto another course with us to ensure you are not left uncovered. If your card/registration has expired, you will be refused access to sites. To ensure this doesn’t happen, we recommend that you use Waterlink’s reminder system for your renewal date; all that will be required for this is your name and personal email address (this can be found on the booking systems under the terms and conditions).

Cancellations made more than 3 working days before the course date will be refunded in full providing the cancellation is made by either emailing training@waterlink.co.uk (opens in a new tab)or by phoning 0333 000 0058 (opens in a new tab)(option 4) and speaking with a member of staff directly. Cancellations made within 3 working days of the course date will not be refunded and 100% of the fee will be retained by Waterlink.

Waterlink reserves the right to cancel a course at any time prior to its commencement. In this event a full refund will be made, or an offer of an alternative course date will be given.

Payment can be made by either:

As the course is carried out remotely via Zoom, we will require a photo prior to the course date and will send you the photograph requirements to refer to.

No. Your NI number is no longer required for completion of the National Water Hygiene Scheme.

If you cannot find a course date that works for you, please do contact us on 0333 000 0058(opens in a new tab) (option 4) or email training@waterlink.co.uk(opens in a new tab) and we will assist as best we can. You might be put on a waiting list for cancellations on the existing courses, but we will always try to come up with the best solution for all involved.

Places and information for the day will be confirmed via email once both the booking form and full payment have been received.

Your card will be posted to you within around 14 days of attending the course. If you haven’t had your card by this time, please do contact us on 0333 000 0058 (opens in a new tab)(option 4) or email training@waterlink.co.uk(opens in a new tab) and we will look into this for you.

Yes. The ‘Blue Card’ is another name for a Water Hygiene Card – they are the same.

If you would like to make an enquiry regarding a quote for in-house training, please email training@waterlink.co.uk(opens in a new tab)

This is subject to current government guidelines, course requirements, our trainer availability, and the location of your company.

The Water Hygiene Cards are now issued so quickly, that there is no longer a need for a cover note. On completion of the course, the individual will be registered within 24-48 hours on the EUSR system, and this can be used as proof of their training for site access whilst they await their official card. The cards will be posted directly to the person/company booking the individual on the course within approximately 2 weeks after the course, and will be valid for 3 years.