The Importance of Potable Water Supplies at Summer Festivals

Outdoor events held during warmer months create complex logistical conditions for organisers, particularly when it comes to water supply. High footfall, elevated temperatures and restricted access to mains infrastructure all require proactive planning. Without adequate potable water provision, organisers may face penalties for compliance breaches, disruption to core services and increased health risks among attendees.

The reasons a potable water supply is required at summer festivals include:

• Health and safety obligations: Regulations including the Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974 require organisers to provide free access to drinking water for attendees, crew, and performers and access to sanitisation facilities. This is supported by Health and Safety Executive guidance and is non-negotiable in event licensing.
• Heat-related risk management: sustained exposure to high temperatures increases the likelihood of dehydration and heat-related illness. High quality water supply must be made available at a sufficient volume to maintain safe hydration levels throughout the site.
• Environmental planning targets: refill stations that draw on bulk potable water deliveries support sustainable event operations. They reduce reliance on single-use plastics and help festival organisers meet environmental standards without compromising attendee welfare.
• Infrastructure and continuity: potable water underpins the operation of catering, sanitation and first aid services. Tankered supply enables organisers to meet fluctuating demand across all zones of the event, including those not connected to mains water.

Universal Tankers: Your Trusted Partner for Festival Bulk Water Delivery

At Universal Tankers, we offer a full suite of services designed to meet the unique water needs of festivals and outdoor events, no matter the size or location.

Universal Tankers supplies WRAS-approved potable bulk water deliveries directly to sites using our fleet of modern, food-grade tankers. All water is sourced from regulated supplies and tested to meet the standards set out in the Water Supply (Water Quality) Regulations 2016 and the Drinking Water Inspectorate guidelines.

Our sealed delivery systems maintain hygiene from source to point of use, and every load is traceable for full compliance with UK water safety regulations. Whether you're supplying drinking water for staff and attendees or welfare facilities, our service supports reliable access to safe, clean water even in locations without mains connection.

• Nationwide delivery: next-day service available across England and Scotland, supported by 19 depots and a large-capacity fleet.
• Flexible scheduling: regular supply contracts, single deliveries and short-notice top-ups available to suit changing site requirements.
• Fully hygienic systems: delivered via sealed, food-grade tankers and pipework, with all handling carried out by trained personnel.

We supply bulk potable water for construction sites, festivals, agricultural operations, temporary accommodation and any location where clean drinking water is required.

Temporary water infrastructure

Universal Tankers designs and installs temporary water infrastructure to support safe, compliant water access across live sites. Each system is tailored to the site layout, duration, and expected footfall, whether for a short-term event, construction project or remote welfare facility.

We supply and manage a full range of temporary water solutions, including:

• Static water tanks and bowsers: high-capacity water storage tanks for maintaining a steady supply of potable or non-potable water.
• Refill stations and tap points: secure, accessible water dispensing points to support public use or staff hydration.
• Pipework and distribution systems: fully installed networks to transport water across site, including to catering, toilets, and medical areas.
• On-site water pressure management: systems configured to maintain safe and reliable flow across all distribution points.

Every temporary water supply installation is carried out by trained technicians, with full consideration for hygiene, flow requirements, and access routes. We work alongside your site teams to support uninterrupted operations throughout your schedule.

Quality-assured drinking water

All potable water supplied by Universal Tankers is sourced from regulated UK mains supplies and certified to meet all UK regulations.

We only transport water that has already been tested and approved at source. Our fleet of food-grade tankers and sealed delivery systems maintain water quality throughout transit, with strict hygiene protocols applied at every stage. Full documentation is available to support compliance with UK water safety standards.

24/7 support and emergency response

Universal Tankers provides continuous support throughout your event, with a dedicated team available 24 hours a day for technical assistance, emergency call-outs, and rapid deployment of additional tankers if demand increases or site conditions change.

We recognise that festivals and large-scale events are dynamic environments, where access, capacity, and safety requirements can shift with little notice. Our crews remain on standby to respond immediately and help you maintain an uninterrupted water supply and wastewater management at every stage.

Emergency water supply and contingency planning

Even the most carefully planned events can be affected by unforeseen circumstances, from extreme weather and infrastructure failure to sudden increases in demand. Universal Tankers works with event organisers to develop robust emergency water contingency plans that maintain site safety, compliance, and operational continuity throughout the event period.

Our contingency planning services include:

• Risk assessments and scenario planning: assessing potential risks to your water supply and developing site-specific response strategies to minimise disruption.
• Backup water tankers and static reserves: pre-positioned resources held on-site or at nearby depots, ready to be deployed without delay.
• Rapid response deployment teams: 24/7 availability of trained crews to deliver additional potable water in response to changing site conditions.
• On-site technicians and monitoring: continuous support during the event to manage flow, pressure and capacity in real time.

Planning ahead helps you maintain safe, regulated access to drinking water even when conditions change.

Why Choose Universal Tankers for Your Festival Water Supply?

When it comes to managing water and wastewater at large-scale outdoor events, reliability is non-negotiable. Universal Tankers works alongside some of the UK’s most prominent festivals to deliver a responsive, compliant, and fully scalable service that keeps operations running smoothly from build to breakdown.

With over 30 years’ experience in the water industry, Universal Tankers supports live environments with dependable potable water delivery and wastewater removal. From remote greenfield sites to busy urban venues, our team delivers regulated water where it’s needed and removes wastewater efficiently to keep your event or operation running without interruption.

• Proven expertise: we’ve supported hundreds of festivals and large-scale events across the UK, with a track record for punctuality, professionalism, and operational control.
• Fully compliant services: all potable water we deliver meets the Water Supply (Water Quality) Regulations 2016 and Drinking Water Inspectorate guidelines. Hygiene, traceability and documentation are prioritised at every stage.
• Nationwide reach: our 20 strategically located depots across England and Scotland allow us to guarantee next-day service throughout the country, including to remote or restricted-access sites.
• Modern, high-capacity fleet: we operate one of the UK’s most advanced water tanker fleets, designed to handle rough terrain and provide uninterrupted service in challenging locations.
• Waste water management: in addition to drinking water deliveries, we can support your event by managing wastewater in line with regulations. All waste is handled and removed using licensed tankers and compliant procedures to maintain hygiene and protect the surrounding environment.

From the first delivery to the final collection, Universal Tankers gives organisers the infrastructure and confidence to focus on delivering a safe and successful festival.