What Is Potable Water?

Potable water is water that is safe for drinking and human consumption, this water has been properly treated and tested to meet drinking water standards.

In the UK, potable water must comply with the Water Supply (Water Quality) Regulations 2016 and guidance issued by the Drinking Water Inspectorate. These standards apply whether the water comes from tap water, a temporary supply, or delivered potable water tanks.

Potable water is considered potable only when it is free from harmful contaminants and suitable for direct human contact. This includes use for drinking, food preparation, personal hygiene and storing drinking water on site. Where potable water is stored, the storage tank, water tank fittings and handling procedures must prevent contamination and protect water quality.

Typical uses of potable water include:

• Drinking water supplies on construction sites.
• Welfare units and portable accommodation.
• Handwashing and personal hygiene facilities.
• Cleaning food preparation areas.

What Is Non-Potable Water?

Non-potable water is water that is not suitable for drinking. It has not been treated to drinking water standards and is not considered safe for human consumption. Non-potable water may come from surface water, harvested rainwater, reclaimed water or other untreated sources.

Although non-potable water cannot be used for drinking, it is clean and remains suitable for a wide range of commercial and industrial purposes. When used correctly, non-potable water provides a cost-effective solution for operations that do not require drinking water quality.

Common uses of non-potable water include:

• Toilet flushing systems.
• Dust control during construction activities.
• Cooling systems and industrial processes.
• Washing cars and plant equipment.
• Watering gardens and agricultural settings.
• Washing machine water.

Non-potable tanks should be clearly labelled to prevent the accidental consumption of non-potable water. These tanks may include plastic water tanks or larger storage tank systems, depending on site requirements. Non-potable water tanks are intended for liquid stored for operational use only.

Potable versus Non-Potable Water

The distinction between potable and non-potable water sits primarily in treatment standards, permitted uses, and health considerations. These two water types are not interchangeable, and selecting the incorrect supply can lead to health risks, regulatory issues, and operational disruption.

The difference between potable water and non-potable water includes:

• Treatment: potable water is treated and tested in line with UK drinking water standards. Non-potable water is not treated to meet drinking water quality requirements.
• Intended use: potable water is used for drinking, food preparation, and personal hygiene. Non-potable water supports activities such as industrial processes, toilet flushing, washdown tasks, and dust suppression.
• Health considerations: consuming non-potable water may present health risks due to the presence of bacteria, contaminants, or other impurities not removed through treatment.
• Compliance: potable water must meet defined regulatory standards. Non-potable water must be clearly identified, segregated from drinking water systems, and used only for its intended applications.

Understanding the difference between potable and non-potable water allows businesses to manage water systems responsibly, reduce the risk of cross-contamination, and support compliance with applicable water and environmental frameworks.

Is Potable Water Safe to Drink?

Water supplied through potable water tanks is treated, tested, and verified as suitable for human consumption, making it appropriate for drinking, food preparation, and everyday contact. When delivered by a licensed provider using clean tankers, hoses, and fittings, potable water offers a dependable alternative where a mains connection is unavailable or temporarily disrupted.

Potable water is suitable for:

• Drinking and cooking in residential, commercial, and site-based environments.
• Personal hygiene activities, including handwashing, washing facilities, and showering.
• Use in residential and commercial buildings requiring a temporary or emergency water supply, such as construction sites, events, welfare units, and portable accommodation.

Where potable water is stored on site, businesses are expected to follow legally recognised water storage practices. This includes using clean, designated tanks, protecting stored water from contamination, and managing turnover to maintain quality throughout the period of use.

What Is Considered Non-Potable Water?

Non-potable water refers to water that has not been treated to meet drinking water standards. It is suitable for industrial and commercial applications where drinking water quality is not required, including dust suppression, irrigation and vehicle cleaning. This category can include rainwater, harvested rainwater, reclaimed water and certain surface water supplies. It may also comprise water abstracted or stored specifically for operational purposes where treatment to potable standards is unnecessary, providing a cost-effective alternative for high-volume, non-consumptive use.

Because non-potable water has not undergone the treatment processes required for human consumption, its use is limited to applications where contact with people or food does not occur. When supplied and managed correctly, it provides a practical and cost-effective option for businesses that require large volumes of water while reducing demand on treated drinking water supplies.

Non-potable water is commonly used in:

• Commercial buildings for toilet flushing and washdown activities.
• Construction sites for dust suppression, equipment cleaning, and concrete works.
• Agricultural settings for irrigating gardens, crops, and non-food-contact areas.
• Cooling systems and controlled industrial processes.
• Vehicle, plant, and equipment washing.

Universal Tankers offers regular non-potable water deliveries at any scale, supporting projects that require consistent supply for industrial, agricultural, construction or commercial use. Deliveries can be scheduled to align with operational demand, whether for short-term works or ongoing site activity, using a modern fleet capable of supplying large volumes efficiently across England and Scotland.

Can Non-Potable Water Be Used for Washing or Showering?

In most cases, non-potable water is not suitable for washing or personal hygiene due to potential health risks. Activities such as showering and handwashing involve direct contact with skin, eyes, and sometimes the mouth. For this reason, only potable water should be used where personal hygiene facilities are provided.

Using non-potable water for washing or showering can present health concerns, particularly if bacteria or other contaminants are present. The likelihood of risk increases where water quality is not monitored or where supplies are not clearly identified and kept separate. Businesses should assess their water supply and intended use carefully, taking into account how the water will be used and who may come into contact with it, before allocating non-potable water to any hygiene-related application.

Universal Tankers' Potable and Non-Potable Water Deliveries

Universal Tankers delivers potable and non-potable water services across England and Scotland to support a broad range of operational requirements, from construction projects and outdoor events to remote sites where access to mains supplies is unavailable. Our wholesome drinking water delivery service supplies treated water for welfare facilities, hydration stations, and sanitation requirements, with flexible scheduling and rapid response options available.

For applications that do not require treated potable water, Universal Tankers provides non-potable water deliveries in configurable volumes from small bowser refills to large bulk supplies, supporting activities such as concrete mixing, equipment cleaning, site wash-down and dust suppression. All non-potable water deliveries are carried out using clean hoses and fittings by trained operatives, enabling continuous supply and operational continuity without unnecessary use of potable resources.

Our network of strategically located depots and modern fleet of tankers enables nationwide coverage and dependable next-day service, including to remote or logistically challenging locations. Whether you require a one-off delivery, a scheduled supply plan, or rapid response support, Universal Tankers applies professional expertise and operational excellence to meet your water delivery needs.