Why Emergency Water Planning for Livestock Drinking Water Is Important

Farming and equine operations face higher exposure to water supply disruption than most other sectors. Rural sites often rely on boreholes, private wells, or limited mains infrastructure, which makes them more vulnerable to environmental conditions and mechanical failure. When water becomes unavailable, the impact on livestock, crops, and welfare compliance can be immediate. Many farmers aren't aware of the ways that the flow rate (measured in litres of water per animal) varies by animal, their weight and time of year. This can make it difficult to account for supply disruptions, but a lack of sufficient contingency planning can result in serious issues.

Common risks include:

• Drought and heatwaves which reduce natural water sources and place additional strain on existing systems. In addition to the animal's health, dehydration can result in reduced feed intake, which can cause less milk to be produced or minimise weight gain.
• Borehole or pump failure, or any other mechanical fault or electrical issue can instantly cut off a farm’s main water source. Without a backup system in place, animals can be left without access to drinking water, putting welfare and productivity at immediate risk.
• Contamination events such as agricultural runoff, chemical leaks or bacterial outbreaks can render water supplies unsafe. When this happens, normal systems must be suspended without delay and replaced with a certified potable supply to prevent harm to animals and protect food safety standards.
• Infrastructure damage caused by storms, flooding or freezing temperatures. These incidents can damage pipework, valves or storage tanks, interrupting water access with little or no warning. Recovery and repair can take time and without an interim supply, livestock may be left exposed.

Without an emergency water plan in place, these disruptions can lead to dehydration, livestock stress, crop deterioration and breaches of animal welfare standards.

Emergency Water Support for Rural Operations

At Universal Tankers, we offer a comprehensive range of emergency water services designed specifically for agricultural and equine environments.

Bulk potable water delivery

Universal Tankers supplies drinking water in bulk, delivered directly to your site using our modern fleet of tankers. All water is fit for human consumption, sourced from regulated UK mains supplies and meets the livestock drinking water standards set out in the Agriculture and Horticulture Development Board (AHDB), The Welfare of Farmed Animals (England) Regulations 2007 and the Animal Welfare Act 2006.

Our potable water delivery service supports a wide range of agricultural and equine applications, including:

• Livestock and equine hydration: continuous access to regulated, fresh drinking water delivered where mains or borehole supply is unavailable or disrupted.
• Crop irrigation: for high-value produce or controlled environments where potable water is required to meet quality or regulatory standards.
• Cleaning and sanitation: supplying water for pressure washing, disinfecting and maintaining hygiene in stables, barns, milking parlours and equipment stores.

Deliveries can be scheduled in advance or requested at short notice, with flexible volumes to suit day-to-day operations or emergency supply needs.

Static tanks and temporary storage

Universal Tankers supplies and installs temporary water storage solutions to maintain a consistent supply during planned works, infrastructure failure, or environmental disruption. Our static tanks and bowsers are available in a range of sizes and can be positioned to suit your site layout and access requirements.

We install temporary storage for:

• Animal troughs and paddocks
• Yard and stable access where mains supply is limited or offline.
• Remote field locations including seasonal grazing or isolated holding areas.

All tanks are installed by trained personnel and can be refilled on a schedule or as needed, with full support from our potable water delivery team.

Rapid response and 24/7 support

Universal Tankers provides round-the-clock emergency support for rural and agricultural sites experiencing unexpected water supply issues. Our dedicated response team is on standby 24/7 to deliver potable water, assess site requirements, and install temporary infrastructure without delay.

We understand that a sudden water failure can have immediate consequences for livestock welfare and farm operations. That’s why we act fast in deploying tankers, technicians, and storage solutions to minimise downtime, maintain compliance and protect your crops and animals. From the initial call to delivery on site, every response is managed with speed, precision, and sector-specific expertise.

Contingency planning and risk assessment

Universal Tankers works with farms, studs and stables to develop tailored water contingency plans that minimise disruption and protect animal welfare. Our service includes:

• Site-specific risk assessments: identifying vulnerabilities in your current water supply and storage systems.
• Backup supply strategies: planning for alternative sources, including static storage and rapid response tanker delivery.
• Infrastructure mapping and access planning: making sure all areas of your site can be reached quickly and safely during an emergency.
• Compliance with DEFRA and animal welfare standards: supporting your legal responsibilities by maintaining safe access to drinking water at all times.

These plans protect livestock health, reduce operational downtime and maintain compliance during periods of supply interruption.

Why Choose Universal Tankers for Livestock Drinking Water?

Universal Tankers provides reliable, regulated water supply services to farms, equine centres and agricultural estates across the UK. With over 30 years’ experience in the water industry, we understand the operational demands of rural sites and offer practical solutions that maintain animal welfare and site compliance.

• Nationwide coverage: rapid deployment from 20 depots across England and Scotland, with efficient route planning for rural and off-grid sites.
• Fully compliant supply: every delivery meets all livestock drinking water guidelines and regulations, using hygienic, food-grade equipment.
• Trusted by the sector: agricultural clients rely on our punctuality, service standards, and ability to respond to changing conditions on the ground.
• Next-day delivery guarantee: reliable bulk water supply delivered anywhere in England and Scotland within 24 hours.
• Non-potable water deliveries: we also supply non-potable deliveries for purposes such as irrigation, dust suppression and vehicle washing helping you meet your environmental obligations in The Reduction and Prevention of Agricultural Diffuse Pollution (England) Regulations 2018.