National Water Hygiene Training (EUSR Blue Card)

National Water Hygiene Scheme – Protecting Drinking Water

The National Water Hygiene Scheme, often referred to as the “Blue Card”, plays a vital role in protecting public health and ensuring high standards of hygiene when working with clean drinking water.

Developed in collaboration with all UK water companies, the scheme ensures that anyone working on clean water sites or networks understands the importance of maintaining water hygiene and preventing contamination.

All individuals involved in “Restricted Operations” must hold a National Water Hygiene EUSR registration before carrying out work.

Who Needs a National Water Hygiene (Blue Card)?

The scheme applies to anyone working on clean water infrastructure, including:

Water treatment works
Water pumping stations
Service reservoirs
Wells, springs, and boreholes
Water mains and service pipe networks

It is not limited to water company employees.

If you are working on behalf of a contractor, subcontractor, or Self-Lay Organisation (SLO) involved in clean water operations, you are also required to hold a National Water Hygiene EUSR registration.

What Is Covered in the Course?

The National Water Hygiene course provides essential knowledge on protecting drinking water and preventing contamination.

The course consists of four key modules:

Module 1 – The Importance of Water

Understanding why clean drinking water is essential for public health and the role workers play in maintaining safe water supplies.

Module 2 – Water as a Carrier of Disease

Learning how water can transmit harmful bacteria and diseases if contamination occurs.

Module 3 – Potential Contamination and Its Consequences

Identifying contamination risks and understanding the impact contamination can have on water supplies and public health.

Module 4 – Preventing Contamination

Best practices and procedures to prevent contamination when working on clean water networks and sites.

National Water Hygiene Registration (EUSR)

Once you successfully complete the training and assessment, you will receive an EUSR National Water Hygiene registration.

Previously issued as a plastic card, the Blue Card is now provided as a digital virtual card.

Your virtual card can be accessed through the Vircarda app, meaning:

You cannot lose or forget your card
It can be accessed instantly on your smartphone, tablet, or device
Your registration details are always available when required

Training Routes Available

There are three routes to achieving National Water Hygiene registration.

Face-to-Face Training

Classroom-based training delivered by an approved instructor with practical industry experience.

Remote / e-Classroom Training

Live online training delivered by qualified instructors using video conferencing platforms.

e-Learning & e-Assessment

Flexible online training completed through the XAMS e-Learning portal, allowing delegates to complete the course at their own pace.

All trainers delivering National Water Hygiene training must be approved and demonstrate relevant water industry experience and competence, alongside recognised training qualifications.

Regular quality assurance monitoring and audits ensure the highest standards of training and learning experience.

Why National Water Hygiene Training Is Important

Maintaining clean drinking water is essential for protecting public health.

This training ensures workers understand:

The importance of water hygiene
Risks of contamination
Best practices when working on water networks
Their role in protecting the public water supply

By completing the course, individuals demonstrate they have the knowledge and awareness required to safely work on clean water infrastructure.

Book National Water Hygiene Training

If you require National Water Hygiene (Blue Card) training, our approved instructors provide professional training to ensure you gain the required EUSR registration and industry knowledge.

Water Hygiene Video

For further information