Monitoring apparatus

Abstract

A temperature monitoring apparatus 100 for a water supply system. The temperature monitoring apparatus receives multiple temperature measurements from an outlet at different time points, possibly at r

Description

TECHNOLOGICAL FIELD Examples of the disclosure relate to a temperature monitoring apparatus. Some relate to a temperature monitoring apparatus for a water supply system. Some relate to a valve in a water supply system. BACKGROUND Water supply systems of buildings such as homes, businesses, care homes, and hospitals can be affected by biological contaminants. Biological contaminants are a health concern, especially if they are left to grow and multiply. A common bacterium which can grow in water supply systems is Legionella bacteria. Legionellosis is a collective term for diseases caused by Legionella bacteria including the most serious Legionnaires' disease, as well as the similar but less serious conditions of Pontiac fever and Lochgoilhead fever. An individual can contract Legionnaires' disease from inhaling small droplets of water containing Legionella bacteria. Pseudomonas (e.g., Pseudomonas aeruginosa) is another bacterium that can be found in water which causes a wide range of infections. BRIEF SUMMARY According to various, but not necessarily all, examples there is provided a temperature monitoring apparatus for a water supply system, the temperature monitoring apparatus comprising means for: receiving multiple temperature measurements from an outlet of the water supply system, wherein the temperature measurements are made at different time points; determining that a change in the temperature measurements above a threshold amount has occurred within a defined time interval; and transmitting the multiple temperature measurements to a remote database in response to the determined change. The means may be for monitoring the temperature measurements at regular intervals. The threshold amount may be in the range between 0.5 degrees Celsius and 5.0 degrees Celsius. The threshold amount may be one of: 0.5 degrees Celsius; 1.0 degrees Celsius; or 2 degrees Celsius. The defined time interval may be in the range between 0.5 seconds and 5 seconds. The defined time interval may be one of: 0.5 seconds; 1.0 second; or 2 seconds. The outlet may be a sentinel outlet. According to various, but not necessarily all, examples there is provided a method for monitoring temperature in a water supply system, the method comprising: receiving multiple temperature measurements from an outlet of the water supply system, wherein the temperature measurements are made at different time points; determining that a change in the temperature measurements above a threshold amount has occurred within a defined time interval; and transmitting the multiple temperature measurements to a remote database in response to the determined change. According to various, but not necessarily all, examples there is provided a temperature monitoring system for a water supply system, the temperature monitoring system comprising a temperature monitoring apparatus and a remote database: the temperature monitoring apparatus comprising means for: receiving multiple temperature measurements from an outlet of the water supply system, wherein the temperature measurements are made at different time points; determining that a change in the temperature measurements above a threshold amount has occurred within a defined time interval; and transmitting the multiple temperature measurements to the remote database in response to the determined change; and the remote database comprising means for determining whether the temperature measurements are within a defined temperature range. The temperature monitoring system may further comprise one or more temperature sensors configured to record the multiple temperature measurements at different time points. The defined temperature range may be a temperature range in which Legionella bacteria can survive and grow. The remote database may comprise a controller apparatus. The controller apparatus may be configured to send an output signal. In response to determining that at least one of the temperature measurements are within the predefined temperature range the output signal may be configured to cause at least one of: an alert indicating a risk of legionnaires disease; a signal instructing one or more valves in connection with the outlet to open; a signal instructing one or more valves in connection with the outlet to close or remain closed. In response to determining that each of the temperature measurements are outside the predefined temperature range the output signal may be configured to cause at least one of: an alert indicating a low risk of legionnaires disease; an alert indicating that the outlet is safe for use. According to various, but not necessarily all, examples there is provided a method for monitoring temperature in a water supply system, the method comprising: receiving multiple temperature measurements from an outlet of the water supply system, wherein the temperature measurements are made at different time points; determining that a change in the temperature measurements above a threshold amount has occurred within a defined time interval; transmitting the multiple temperature measurements to a remote database in response to the determined change; and determining whether the temperature measurements are within a defined temperature range. According to various, but not necessarily all, examples there is provided a valve in a water supply system, the valve comprising means for: receiving a signal from a remote database indicating risk of biological contaminants in the water supply system; 4 configuring, in response to receiving the signal, the valve to enable flushing of the water supply system to remove potential biological contaminants. According to various, but not necessarily all, examples there is provided examples as claimed in the appended claims. While the above examples of the disclosure and optional features are described separately, it is to be understood that their provision in all possible combinations and permutations is contained within the disclosure. It is to be understood that various examples of the disclosure can comprise any or all the features described in respect of other examples of the disclosure, and vice versa. Also, it is to be appreciated that any one or more or all the features, in any combination, may be implemented by / comprised in / performable by an apparatus, a method, and / or computer program instructions as desired, and as appropriate. The description of a function should additionally be considered to also disclose any means suitable for performing that function. BRIEF DESCRIPTION Some examples will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings in which: FIG. 1 shows an example temperature monitoring apparatus described herein; FIG. 2 shows an example method for monitoring temperature in a water supply system described herein; FIG. 3 shows an example temperature monitoring system for a water supply system described therein; FIG. 4 shows an example method for monitoring temperature in a water supply system described herein; FIG. 5 shows an example controller described herein. The figures are not necessarily to scale. Certain features and views of the figures can be shown schematically or exaggerated in scale in the interest of clarity and conciseness. For example, the dimensions of some elements in the figures can be exaggerated relative to other elements to aid explication. Similar reference numerals are used in the figures to designate similar features. For clarity, all reference numerals are not necessarily displayed in all figures. DETAILED DESCRIPTION Properly maintaining the environment of water supply systems helps to reduce the presence of biological contaminants (e.g., Legionella bacteria, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, hepatitis) which might put the health of users of the water supply system at risk. The environment of a water supply system can be maintained by controlling the temperature of water in the water supply system and / or how often the water supply system is flushed in order to reduce the likelihood that biological contaminants can live or grow within the water supply system. According to the British Health and Safety Executive, a water supply system which has a water temperature, in all or parts of the system, between 20 to 45 degrees Celsius is suitable for legionella (i.e., Legionella bacteria) growth. Therefore, it is beneficial to keep the water temperature in water supply systems outside the range of 20 to 45 degrees Celsius, and thus reduce the risk of Legionella in the water system. For example, it is beneficial to keep the temperature of water at a cold-water outlet in a water supply system below 20 degrees Celsius and to keep the temperature of water at a hot-water outlet in a water supply system above 45 degrees Celsius. This requires monitoring of the water temperature in water supply systems. A biofilm can develop if a water supply system is not flushed (i.e., used) regularly. Pseudomonas aeruginosa is an example biological contaminant that can cause the formation of a biofilm in a water supply system. Accordingly, water supply systems should be flushed regularly to reduce stagnation and the potential for microbial growth. This requires monitoring the use of water supply systems and providing a means for flushing water supply systems. FIG. 1 schematically illustrates a temperature monitoring apparatus 100 for a water supply system. The temperature monitoring apparatus 100 can be used to monitor the water temperature of a water supply system such as a hotel water supply system, a residential accommodation water supply system, a healthcare water supply system, a spa water supply system The temperature monitoring apparatus 100 may be for use in man-made water systems including cooling tower and evaporative condensers, hot and cold water systems, spa pools. The temperature monitoring apparatus 100 can be used in hotels, healthcare establishments (e.g., hospitals), residential accommodation (e.g., care homes, university accommodation, domestic households), commercial businesses (e.g., manufacturing units, supply chain units). The temperature monitoring apparatus 100 comprises a receiver 110, a processor 120 and a transmitter 130. Only components referred to in the following description are shown in FIG. 1. The temperature monitoring apparatus 100 can comprise other components that are not shown in FIG. 1, for example, the temperature monitoring apparatus 100 can comprise a power source or any other suitable components. The receiver 110 is configured to receive multiple temperature measurements from an outlet of the water supply system. The receiver can be configured to receive the temperature measurements from one or more temperature sensors 140. The one or more temperature sensors 140 can be positioned at an outlet of a water supply system. The outlet can be a cold-water outlet, a hot-water outlet. The outlet can be a sentinel outlet. Sentinel outlets are the nearest and farthest outlets from hot and / or cold water cylinders and tanks in a water supply system (e.g., water storage cylinders and water storage tanks). The hot water cylinders and tanks can be a water boiler or a calorifier. The one or more temperature sensors 140 can be provided separately to the temperature monitoring apparatus 100. The one or more temperature sensors 140 can be provided within temperature monitoring apparatus 100 such that the one or more temperature sensors 140 form part of the temperature monitoring apparatus 100. The receiver 110 can receive the multiple temperature measurements from the one or more temperature sensors 140 using a wireless or wired communication link. The one or more temperature sensors 140 can be configured to obtain temperature measurements of the outlet when the outlet is in use and the temperature of the outlet when the outlet not in use. The outlet can be considered to be in use if water is flowing through the outlet (e.g., a valve in connection with the outlet is open). The outlet can be considered not to be in use if there is no water flowing through the outlet (e.g., a valve in connection with the outlet is closed). That is, the outlet might not be in use if fluid within the outlet comprises air or stagnant water. The one or more temperature sensors 140 can be configured so that the multiple temperature measurements comprise the temperature of flowing water at the outlet (e.g., when the outlet is in use) and the temperature of air or stagnant water at the outlet (e.g., when the outlet is not in use). The temperature measurements are made at different time points. The receiver 110 is configured to provide an input signal to the processor 120. The input signal provided from the receiver 110 can comprise the multiple temperature measurements. The processor 120 is configured to process the input signal received from the receiver 110. An example processor 120 is shown in FIG. 5. The processor 120 can be configured to determine that a change in the temperature measurements above a threshold amount has occurred within a defined time interval. The processor 120 is configured to provide an input signal to the transmitter 130. The input signal provided from the processor 120 can comprise information that is to be transmitted by the transmitter 130. The input signal to the transmitter 130 can be provided in response to the determined change. The transmitter 130 can comprise any suitable means for transmitting signals. The signals can be transmitted wirelessly using any suitable communications network. The transmitter 130 can be configured to transmit signals to a remote database. The communications network used by the transmitter 130 can comprise a Personal Area Network (PAN), Wireless Local Area Network (WLAN), Wide Area Network (WAN), Private Virtual Network (PVN) or any other suitable type of network. The network that is used can depend on the relative locations of the temperature monitoring apparatus 100 and the remote database, and / or any other suitable factors. FIG. 2 illustrates a method 200 for monitoring temperature in a water supply system. The method could be implemented using the temperature monitoring apparatus 100 of FIG. 1 and / or any other suitable apparatus. The method comprises, at block 210 receiving multiple temperature measurements from an outlet of the water supply system. The temperature measurements are made at different time points. The temperature measurements can comprise: the temperature of the water and / or the temperature of the air at or substantially within the outlet. The temperature measurements can comprise the temperature of the outlet which will be substantially at the same temperature as the water or air at or within the outlet. The multiple temperature measurements can be recorded by and / or received from one or more temperature sensors 140. The one or more temperature sensors 140 can be located at the outlet (e.g., within or outside the outlet). The temperature measurements are made at different time points. The temperature measurements can be made at multiple time points so as to enable monitoring of the temperature of the water supply system. In some but not necessarily all examples, the temperature measurements are made at regular intervals. Regular intervals can be intervals in the range of: every 1 to 10 seconds; every 1 to 5 seconds. Regular intervals can be every 2 seconds, every second, or every 0.5 seconds. Other ranges for the regular intervals can be used in other examples. The time intervals used between the respective temperature measurements can depend on any relevant factors such as the time that has elapsed between two separate uses of the outlet (i.e., how frequently the outlet is used or is expected to be used); the time that has elapsed whilst the outlet is in use (i.e., the time or expected time between water initially flowing through the outlet and no longer flowing through the outlet during a single use). The method comprises, at block 220, determining that a change in the temperature measurements above a threshold amount has occurred within a defined time interval 220. If it is determined that a change in the temperature measurements above a threshold amount has occurred within a defined time interval this indicates that water has either started flowing through the outlet or has stopped flowing through the outlet. This can be caused by a valve coupled to or in connection with the outlet being opened or closed. The threshold amount of the temperature change can be configured so that the determination of the change provides an indication of the change in the flow of water through the system. The threshold amount can be in the range between 0.1 degrees Celsius and 10 degrees Celsius. Preferably, the threshold amount can be in the range between 0.5 degrees Celsius and 5 degrees Celsius. More preferably, the threshold amount can be one of: 0.5 degrees Celsius; 1.0 degree Celsius; 2 degrees Celsius. Other temperatures can be used in other examples. The defined time interval in which the change of temperature can be determined can be in the range between 0.1 seconds and 1 minute. Preferably, the defined time interval can be in the range between 0.5 seconds and 5 seconds. More preferably, the defined time interval can be one of: 0.5 seconds; 1.0 second; or 2 seconds. Other time intervals can be used in other examples. In some examples, the change in the temperature measurements above a threshold can be a change in two consecutive temperature measurements. In other examples the change above the threshold can be between non-consecutive temperature measurements. In some examples, the change in the temperature measurements can be a change in the mean (i.e., average) of the temperature measurements. At block 230 the method comprises transmitting the multiple temperature measurements to a remote database in response to the determined change. The remote database allows the multiple temperature measurements to be stored and accessed remotely. Accordingly, the remote database can be used as a record to show that the water supply system is being monitored for a risk of Legionella. In examples of the disclosure the multiple temperature measurements are only transmitted in response to the change in temperature being above a determined threshold. This reduces the volume of transmissions by the transmitter 130 and helps to prevent resources (e.g., power, data storage, time) from being used unnecessarily. The conservation of power at the temperature monitoring apparatus 100 can enable the temperature monitoring apparatus 100 to continue monitoring for longer periods without draining resources of the temperature monitoring apparatus 100. FIG. 3 illustrates a temperature monitoring system 300 for a water supply system. The temperature monitoring system 300 comprises a temperature monitoring apparatus 100 and a remote database 310. The temperature monitoring system 300 can comprise other components that are not shown in FIG. 3. The temperature monitoring apparatus 100 can be as shown in FIG. 1. Corresponding reference numerals are used for corresponding features. The remote database 310 can comprise a controller 314, a processor 312, a receiver 318 and storage 316. The controller 316 and processor 312 can be as shown in FIG. 5 or can be arranged in any other suitable configuration. The receiver 318 is configured to receive the signals from the temperature monitoring apparatus 100. These signals can comprise the multiple temperature measurements that have been collected by the temperature monitoring apparatus 100. The multiple temperature measurements can be stored in the storage 316. This can enable a record of the multiple temperature measurements to be established and maintained. The processor 312 can be configured to process the multiple temperature measurements to determine whether the temperature measurements are within a defined temperature range. The defined temperature range is a range relevant to the maintenance of the water supply system. For example, the range can be based on the temperature ranges within which harmful biological contaminants can or cannot grow. For example, the temperature range can be a temperature range in which Legionella bacteria can survive and grow. The temperature range can be one of: 20 to 45 degrees Celsius; 20 to 50 degrees Celsius; 20 to 55 degrees Celsius; 15 to 60 degrees Celsius or any other suitable temperature range. The temperature range can depend on numerous factors such as the type of water supply system the temperature monitoring apparatus is being used in and how vulnerable users of the water supply system are to biological contaminants. For example, in settings where users of a water supply system are more vulnerable to biological contaminants (e.g., users of a healthcare water supply system), the temperature range can be 20 to 55 degrees Celsius. The controller 312 can be configured to provide an output signal based on whether the temperature measurements are within a defined temperature range. For example, if it is determined that the temperature measurements are within a range such that there is no growth, or low growth, of harmful biological contaminants then the output signal would not cause any change to the water supply system. Conversely, if is determined that the temperature measurements are within a range such that there could be growth of harmful biological contaminants then the output signal would cause a change to the water supply system. The change caused by the output signal would be configured to reduce the growth of the harmful biological contaminants. In some examples, the temperature monitoring system 300 can comprise one or more valves (not shown) that can be in connection with (i.e., coupled to) an outlet of the water supply system. This could be the outlet in which the temperature sensors 140 are located. The one or more valves can be any suitable valve for controlling the flow of water through the outlet such as a solenoid valve. In such example an output signal that is configured to reduce the growth of the harmful biological contaminants could be configured to open a valve to enable flow of water to remove any potential biological contaminants from the water supply system. Opening the one or more valves can cause flushing of the water supply system (e.g., flushing of the pipes of the water supply system) with at least one of: water; biocide. In this way, the accumulation of dangerous levels of biological contaminants can be avoided. In some but not necessarily all examples, the temperature of the water can be between 45 degrees Celsius and 60 degrees Celsius, 5 degrees Celsius to 20 degrees Celsius. For example, the temperature of the water can be 5 degrees Celsius, 10 degrees Celsius, 15 degrees Celsius, 20 degrees Celsius, 45 degrees Celsius, 50 degrees Celsius, 55 degrees Celsius, 60 degrees Celsius, or any other suitable temperature. The biocide can be at least one of: a substance that kills biological contaminants (e.g., microorganisms); chlorine dioxide, chlorine, silver ions, copper ions, silver stabilised hydrogen peroxide. In order to enable the valve to be controlled by the remote database 310 the valve can comprise a receiver for receiving one or more output signals from the remote database 310. This can enable the valve to be remotely controlled to open or close in response to receiving a signal. Accordingly, the valve can be configured to enable flushing of the water supply system to remove potential biological contaminants in response to receiving a signal from the remote database 310. The valve can be configured to open without a user physically interacting with the valve. In some but not necessary all examples, the valve comprises a transmitter for transmitting (e.g., to the remote database 310) information about the status of the valve. The status can include whether to valve is open, closed or therebetween (e.g., partially open). In other examples the system 300 can comprise other means or components for providing an output that can enable the water supply system to be controlled. For example, the system 300 could comprise an output device that can be configured to provide an alert or instructions to a user. The alert or instructions could be provided in response to a signal from the remote database 310. The alert could comprise an alert indicating that the temperature of the water supply system is such that there is a risk of growth of harmful biological contaminants. The instructions could indicate to a user that a valve should be opened or closed as appropriate. The alert that is provided by the output device can comprise: a visual alert, an audio alert, a haptic alert, a notification that is presented on a display or any other suitable type of alert. If it is determined that each of the temperature measurements are within a temperature range in which there is a low chance of growth of biological contaminants then the output could comprise an alert indicating that the water supply system has low risk of containing harmful biological contaminants. In some but not necessarily all examples, the temperature monitoring system 300 can further comprise means for determining that the water supply system has not been flushed within a defined time period. In this regard, the processor 312 of the remote database 310 can be configured to determine whether the water supply system has been flushed within a defined time period. In some but not necessarily all examples, the defined time period is between 1 to 7 days. Preferably, the defined time period is 7 days. In response to determining that the water supply system has not been flushed within a defined time period, the controller 314 or any other suitable means can be configured to provide an alert indicating the need to flush the water supply system; a signal instructing one or more valves in connection with the outlet to open; a signal instructing one or more valves in connection with the outlet to close or remain closed for any other suitable output. FIG. 4 illustrates a method 400 for monitoring temperature in a water supply system. The method can be implemented using a system 300 as shown in FIG. 3 and / or any other suitable system. The method comprises, at block 410, receiving multiple temperature measurements from an outlet of the water supply system. The temperature measurements are made at different time points. This can help to determine whether the water supply system is in use or not. At block 420 the method comprises determining that a change in the temperature measurements above a threshold amount has occurred within a defined time interval. At block 430 the method comprises transmitting the multiple temperature measurements to the remote database 310. The temperature measurements are transmitted in response to the determined change. At block 440 it is determined whether the temperature measurements are within a defined temperature range. This can help to determine whether there is a risk of growth of harmful biological contaminants. FIG. 5 illustrates an example of a controller 500 suitable for use in a temperature monitoring apparatus 100 or a remote database 310 or a valve, or any other suitable parts of the system 300. Implementation of a controller 500 may be as controller circuitry. The controller 500 may be implemented in hardware alone, have certain aspects in software including firmware alone or can be a combination of hardware and software (including firmware). As illustrated in FIG. 5 the controller 500 may be implemented using instructions that enable hardware functionality, for example, by using executable instructions 506 in a general-purpose or special-purpose processor 502 that may be stored on a machine readable storage medium (disk, memory etc.) to be executed by such a processor 502. The processor 502 is configured to read from and write to the memory 504. The processor 502 may also comprise an output interface via which data and / or commands are output by the processor 502 and an input interface via which data and / or commands are input to the processor 502. The memory 504 stores instructions, program, or code 506 that controls the operation of the apparatus 100 when loaded into the processor 502. The computer program instructions, program or code am 506, provide the logic and routines that enables the apparatus 100 to perform the methods illustrated in the accompanying FIGS. The processor 502 by reading the memory 504 is configured to load and execute the instructions, program, or code 506. The temperature monitoring apparatus 100 for a water supply system comprises: at least one processor 502; and at least one memory 504 storing instructions that, when executed by the at least one processor 502, cause the temperature monitoring apparatus 100 for a water supply system at least to: receive multiple temperature measurements from an outlet of the water supply system, wherein the temperature measurements are made at different time points; determine that a change in the temperature measurements above a threshold amount has occurred within a defined time interval; and transmit the multiple temperature measurements to a remote database in response to the determined change. As illustrated in FIG. 5, the instructions, program, or code 506 may arrive at the temperature monitoring apparatus 100 via any suitable delivery mechanism 508. The delivery mechanism 508 may be, for example, a machine readable medium, a computer-readable medium, a non-transitory computer-readable storage medium, a computer program product, a memory device, a record medium such as a Compact Disc Read-Only Memory (CD-ROM) or a Digital Versatile Disc (DVD) or a solid-state memory, an article of manufacture that comprises or tangibly embodies the computer program 506. The delivery mechanism may be a signal configured to reliably transfer the computer program 506. The apparatus 100 may propagate or transmit the computer program 506 as a computer data signal. The blocks illustrated in the accompanying FIGS may represent steps in a method and / or sections of code in the computer program 506. The illustration of a particular order to the blocks does not necessarily imply that there is a required or preferred order for the blocks and the order and arrangement of the block may be varied. Furthermore, it may be possible for some blocks to be omitted. Where a structural feature has been described, it may be replaced by means for performing one or more of the functions of the structural feature whether that function or those functions are explicitly or implicitly described. Although examples have been described in the preceding paragraphs with reference to various examples, it should be appreciated that modifications to the examples given can be made without departing from the scope of the claims. Features described in the preceding description may be used in combinations other than the combinations explicitly described above. Although functions have been described with reference to certain features, those functions may be performable by other features whether described or not. Although features have been described with reference to certain examples, those features may also be present in other examples whether described or not. The term ‘a’, ‘an’ or ‘the’ is used in this document with an inclusive not an exclusive meaning. That is any reference to X comprising a / an / the Y indicates that X may comprise only one Y or may comprise more than one Y unless the context clearly indicates the contrary. If it is intended to use ‘a’, ‘an’ or ‘the’ with an exclusive meaning then it will be made clear in the context. In some circumstances the use of ‘at least one’ or ‘one or more’ may be used to emphasis an inclusive meaning but the absence of these terms should not be taken to infer any exclusive meaning. The presence of a feature (or combination of features) in a claim is a reference to that feature or (combination of features) itself and to features that achieve substantially the same technical effect (equivalent features). The equivalent features include, for example, features that are variants and achieve substantially the same result in substantially the same way. The equivalent features include, for example, features that perform substantially the same function, in substantially the same way to achieve substantially the same result. In this description, reference has been made to various examples using adjectives or adjectival phrases to describe characteristics of the examples. Such a description of a characteristic in relation to an example indicates that the characteristic is present in some examples exactly as described and is present in other examples substantially as described. The above description describes some examples of the present disclosure however those of ordinary skill in the art will be aware of possible alternative structures and method features which offer equivalent functionality to the specific examples of such structures and features described herein above and which for the sake of brevity and clarity have been omitted from the above description. Nonetheless, the above description should be read as implicitly including reference to such alternative structures and method features which provide equivalent functionality unless such alternative structures or method features are explicitly excluded in the above description of the examples of the present disclosure. Whilst endeavoring in the foregoing specification to draw attention to those features believed to be of importance the Applicant may seek protection via the claims in respect of any patentable feature or combination of features hereinbefore referred to and / or shown in the drawings whether or not emphasis has been placed thereon. l / we claim:

Claims

1. A temperature monitoring apparatus for a water supply system, the temperature monitoring apparatus comprising means for:receiving multiple temperature measurements from an outlet of the water supply system, wherein the temperature measurements are made at different time points;determining that a change in the temperature measurements above a threshold amount has occurred within a defined time interval; and transmitting the multiple temperature measurements to a remote database in response to the determined change.

2. The temperature monitoring apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the means are for monitoring the temperature measurements at regular intervals.

3. The temperature monitoring apparatus according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the threshold amount is in the range between 0.5 degrees Celsius and 5.0 degrees Celsius.

4. The temperature monitoring apparatus according to claim 3, wherein the threshold amount is one of: 0.5 degrees Celsius; 1.0 degrees Celsius; or 2 degrees Celsius.

5. The temperature monitoring apparatus according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the defined time interval is in the range between 0.5 seconds and 5 seconds.

6. The temperature monitoring apparatus according to claim 5, wherein the defined time interval is one of: 0.5 seconds; 1.0 second; or 2 seconds.

7. The temperature monitoring apparatus according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the outlet is a sentinel outlet.

8. The temperature monitoring apparatus according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the water supply system is one of: a hotel water supply system; a residential accommodation water supply system; or a healthcare water supply system.

9. A method for monitoring temperature in a water supply system, the method comprising:receiving multiple temperature measurements from an outlet of the water supply system, wherein the temperature measurements are made at different time points;determining that a change in the temperature measurements above a threshold amount has occurred within a defined time interval; and transmitting the multiple temperature measurements to a remote database in response to the determined change.

10. A temperature monitoring system for a water supply system, the temperature monitoring system comprising a temperature monitoring apparatus and a remote database:the temperature monitoring apparatus comprising means for:receiving multiple temperature measurements from an outlet of the water supply system, wherein the temperature measurements are made at different time points;determining that a change in the temperature measurements above a threshold amount has occurred within a defined time interval; and transmitting the multiple temperature measurements to the remote database in response to the determined change; andthe remote database comprising means for determining whether the temperature measurements are within a defined temperature range.

11. A temperature monitoring system according to claim 10, the temperature monitoring system further comprising one or more temperature sensors configured to record the multiple temperature measurements at different time points.

12. A temperature monitoring system according to claim 10 or 11, wherein the defined temperature range is a temperature range in which Legionella bacteria can survive and grow.

13. A temperature monitoring system according to claim 10, 11 or 12, wherein the remote database comprises a controller apparatus.

14. A temperature monitoring system according to claim 13, wherein the controller apparatus is configured to send an output signal.

15. A temperature monitoring system according to claim 14, wherein in response to determining that at least one of the temperature measurements are within the predefined temperature range the output signal is configured to cause at least one of: an alert indicating a risk of legionnaires disease; a signal instructing one or more valves in connection with the outlet to open; a signal instructing one or more valves in connection with the outlet to close or remain closed.

16. A temperature monitoring system according to claim 14, wherein in response to determining that each of the temperature measurements are outside the predefined temperature range the output signal is configured to cause at least one of: an alert indicating a low risk of legionnaires disease; an alert indicating that the outlet is safe for use.

17. A method for monitoring temperature in a water supply system, the method comprising:receiving multiple temperature measurements from an outlet of the water supply system, wherein the temperature measurements are made at different time points;determining that a change in the temperature measurements above a threshold amount has occurred within a defined time interval;transmitting the multiple temperature measurements to a remote database in response to the determined change; anddetermining whether the temperature measurements are within a defined temperature range.

18. A valve in a water supply system, the valve comprising means for: receiving a signal from a remote database indicating risk of biological contaminants in the water supply system;configuring, in response to receiving the signal, the valve to enable flushing of the water supply system to remove potential biological contaminants.

Images