Poland introduces new water safety obligations for priority buildings

New regulations regarding water quality management are being implemented to comply with EU directives. Owners and managers of priority buildings—non-residential facilities where more than 50 people are exposed to water daily—must conduct risk assessments for water installations.

Key requirements include testing warm water for Legionella bacteria and, in specific cases, monitoring lead concentrations. Documentation must be maintained for at least 12 years and submitted to Sanepid. Priority facilities include hospitals, hotels, nursing homes, and public buildings that generate water aerosols, such as those with showers. Failure to comply with these duties may result in fines ranging from 100 to 10,000 PLN. Single-family homes are exempt from these specific rules.