Safe, high quality water is fundamental to the delivery of haemodialysis care. This resource supports clinicians, technicians and service planners across NSW to safely design, manage and maintain water systems for dialysis.
Water for dialysis: A technical guide for in-centre, satellite and home haemodialysis in NSW provides comprehensive standards and practical guidance for the safe provision of water used in haemodialysis across NSW Health settings.
Haemodialysis water systems are complex. Equipment failure and/or human error can result in serious adverse events, including morbidity and mortality.
The guide outlines minimum requirements and best practice for water treatment systems, including design, installation, maintenance, testing and governance. It provides specific guidance on water quality standards, monitoring protocols, risk management processes and contingency planning to ensure patient safety across all settings.
It applies to in-centre and satellite dialysis units, intensive care units, selected wards, mobile dialysis buses and home environments.
Key components:
- Performance requirements for water purification and contaminant removal
- Roles and responsibilities of clinical, technical and planning staff
- Protocols for water testing, quality control, and incident response
- Guidance on infrastructure planning, including reverse osmosis systems, carbon filtration and drainage
- Standards for home dialysis water systems, including rural and non-reticulated supply considerations
The technical guide is available for Renal Network members on the Network SharePoint site. Join the Renal Network to gain access.