How Non-Potable Water Benefits Outdoor Events
Planning water reuse and usage efficiently is the best way that event organisers can reduce costs and optimise the comfort and enjoyment of their guests. Event water requirements will include a combination of potable water and non-potable water. Potable water is water that has been filtered and chemically treated to the water quality standards specified in the Water Supply (Water Quality) Regulations 2016 and the Drinking Water Inspectorate's (DWI) and can be classed as water fit for human consumption. On the other hand, non-potable water has potentially been treated to some extent, but not using the stringent measures that potable water treatment is held to, and so is not considered safe drinking water.
This blog post outlines how non-potable water benefits outdoor events across various operations and the ways event organisers will benefit by reducing their reliance on potable water supplies in favour of a non-potable alternative.
What are the benefits of non-potable water over potable water?
While potable water is necessary for some aspects of an event's processes such as drinking and food preparation, many event functions can be managed using non-potable sources. This can provide significant benefits for event organisers.
Availability
Non-potable water is a more readily available water resource than potable water as it can be sourced from rainwater collection, greywater recycling or nearby natural water bodies, reducing reliance on mains supplies. This increased availability makes maintaining a consistently sufficient supply of water easier through non-potable water deliveries.
Reduced costs
Potable water is more expensive because it undergoes extensive treatment to meet drinking water standards. Non-potable water, which does not require the same level of filtration and processing, offers a more cost-effective alternative for event operations that don't require sanitised water. By integrating non-potable water where drinking-quality water is unnecessary, organisers can reduce procurement costs, minimise waste and allocate resources more efficiently while maintaining a well-managed and compliant event.
Sustainability
Non-potable water helps reduce pressure on drinking water supplies, supporting environmental sustainability goals. Using non-potable sources is a practical way to meet water conservation commitments, safeguard potable water reserves and ensure drinking water remains available for essential uses without the risk of shortages.
Regulatory compliance
Many local authorities encourage or mandate water conservation measures at large events. By integrating non-potable water into event planning, organisers can demonstrate adherence to sustainability and environmental regulations. Proper management ensures that non-potable water is used safely and responsibly without causing hygiene or environmental risks.
The types of non-potable water and their uses
There are various types of non-potable water, many of which have multiple potential use cases that could help event organisers save their potable water supplies for necessary applications like guest and staff hydration, food preparation or welfare showers and sinks.
Recycled water
Recycled water is wastewater that has been treated and disinfected for non-drinking applications. At outdoor events, it can be used for flushing toilets, pressure washing walkways, misting systems for crowd cooling and irrigating temporary landscaped areas. It is particularly useful for multi-day festivals or sporting events where water demand is high, as it helps to reduce reliance on potable water without compromising hygiene or functionality.
Industrial wastewater
Treated industrial wastewater can be repurposed for event operations that require large volumes of water, such as cooling generators, suppressing dust on unpaved roads or cleaning large equipment. Events held near manufacturing facilities or industrial sites may be able to source treated wastewater locally, reducing transportation costs and supporting circular water management. Universal Tankers has many depots strategically located across the UK, making us a preferred water delivery service provider for events in even the remotest locations.
Greywater
Greywater from sinks, showers and washing stations contains generally low levels of contaminants and can be treated for reuse in toilet flushing, surface cleaning and cooling systems. Multi-day festivals, camping events and large-scale gatherings with temporary accommodation can implement greywater recycling to reduce water waste and extend available supplies.
Blackwater
Blackwater from toilets and urinals requires extensive treatment and is not suitable for direct reuse at events. However, it must be carefully managed to prevent contamination and comply with health regulations for contaminated water. Event organisers should work with licensed waste disposal providers such as Universal Tankers to handle blackwater safely, particularly at large festivals or remote locations where on-site sewage infrastructure is limited. Some events may also explore technologies like anaerobic digestion or other waste-to-energy solutions as part of their sustainability initiatives.
Non-potable water deliveries from Universal Tankers
With more than 30 years in the business, Universal Tankers understands the needs of event organisers and the importance of having non-potable water readily available for all your event functions. We have a modern fleet of tankers and over 20 locations across the UK, meaning we can guarantee next-day non-potable water deliveries to anywhere within England, Wales or Scotland.
Contact us today
Find out how we could help to reduce your event function costs and enable efficient operations today. Get in touch by calling 0800 180 4474 in England and Wales or 01236 444322 in Scotland, or use our online contact form.
