The Universal Tankers Blog

Latest News Views and Insights

Welcome to the Universal Tankers Blog, your hub for news, insights, and industry updates. Whether you're an industry pro or just curious, our blog provides valuable perspectives, expert commentary, and allows you to stay up to date with all things Universal.

pipes on a construction site
Jul 2, 2025

The Uses of Non-Potable Water in Construction

Construction sites have a legal obligation to provide potable water (or drinking water) at locations throughout the site. Because of its accessibility, this water is often used for a range of applications, despite the fact that they do not demand water that meets the quality standards of drinking water. The use of potable water for these applications can increase operational costs without any specific benefits.

commercial septic tank
Jul 1, 2025

Best Practices in Commercial Septic Tank Maintenance

Maintaining a commercial septic tank effectively is fundamental to keeping your business running smoothly and within environmental regulations. While it is sometimes tempting to ignore a septic system until a problem arises, proactive maintenance services and inspections are vital, both to compliance and to the functioning of the system. A well-maintained system supports daily operations, protects the surrounding environment and extends the lifespan of your wastewater infrastructure, while failures can result in service disruptions, expensive repairs and even regulatory penalties in serious cases.

Overflowing kithcen sink
Jun 29, 2025

Emergency Septic Tank Services: What to Expect

When a septic tank emergency arises, the consequences can be extremely serious. Even if you rely on regular maintenance and frequent septic tank pumping, varying capacity or unforeseen breakdowns of a septic system can lead to environmental damage, health hazards and regulatory penalties for businesses, so it is vital to organise emergency drainage services or repairs when needed.

Man opening a septic tank
Jun 29, 2025

Septic Tank Construction Rules: What Builders Need to Know

Construction contractors planning to install a sewage system with an on-site treatment plant, or those designing systems for third-party transportation and disposal of septic tank foulwater, must meet specific regulatory standards throughout the planning and construction process. All works must comply with relevant legislation covering system design, siting, discharge, and waste handling.

Tanker disposing of waste
Jun 27, 2025

Planning for Remote Wastewater Treatment

Construction sites in remote locations must provide sanitary facilities that meet current health and environmental standards. Without access to mains drainage, it falls to construction managers to put reliable systems in place to collect, contain, and remove wastewater safely.

Builders on a construction site
Jun 19, 2025

What Is the Drinking Water Legislation in the UK for Construction Sites?

Construction sites must operate in line with environmental protection and public health-based standards that apply to water use, human safety and local ecosystems. These standards are designed to prevent contamination, safeguard drinking water supplies, and reduce the risk of harm to employees and the general public. If businesses fail to comply, this may result in formal investigations, financial penalties, and legal action under environmental and workplace safety legislation.

Ship in the ocean
Jun 16, 2025

Understanding Waste Management Regulations in the UK Maritime Sector

For maritime operations, compliance with waste management regulations helps to mitigate the risk of environmental damage to water bodies and aquatic animals. Failure to meet these obligations can result in financial penalties, legal action, and long-term reputational damage, particularly where non-compliance leads to contamination of coastal or marine environments.

Construction worker on site
Jun 15, 2025

What Is a Construction Site Waste Disposal Plan?

A site waste disposal plan, also known as a site waste management plan (SWMP), outlines how waste generated during construction should be managed to limit the volume produced. It sets out clear, practical steps for how building materials and any resulting waste will be reused, recycled or disposed of, helping contractors handle waste streams in line with environmental regulations and project requirements. This guide explains what construction waste management plans involve and how they could support the smooth running of your construction project.