What are the HSE rules for drinking water?

Sanitary

Drinking water must be fit for human consumption and must meet the wide safety margins as specified within The Water Supply (Water Quality) Regulations 2016. These rules are designed to remove any risk posed to worker health from the water they drink while working. Fundamentally, water must be fit for use in domestic tasks such as cooking, drinking, food preparation and washing, as well as for food production purposes. These standards require wholesome drinking water to meet specific limits for nitrite, microorganisms, and bacteria, including both their presence and concentration.

Readily available

Drinking water must be easily accessible on site, with adequate volumes stored to meet the needs of all staff throughout the working day. Maintaining a steady supply of clean, wholesome drinking water supports worker health, particularly in environments where physical activity, heat or prolonged shifts increase demand. Storage options include standard tanks and bowsers for daily use, as well as bladder tanks and large static tanks for high-capacity or long-term requirements. These systems allow drinking water to remain readily available, even in remote locations or where mains access is not possible.

Clearly labelled

Drinking water must be clearly labelled to indicate that it is fit for human consumption. Equally, non-potable water – used for tasks such as dust suppression or equipment cleaning – must carry clear markings to confirm that it is not suitable for drinking. Labelling helps prevent the risk of confusion between potable and non-potable supplies, reducing the potential danger of exposure to substances that may compromise human health.

Regular risk assessments

Site managers must carry out regular risk assessments to maintain hygiene standards and meet the Health and Safety Executive’s regulations for drinking water. These assessments should confirm that drinking water remains protected from contamination by non-potable water, chemicals, or other potential risks present in the surrounding environment. Checks must confirm that water quality remains within acceptable limits and that storage and supply systems continue to operate safely. All findings should be documented and retained as part of the site’s compliance records. Regular reviews support strict adherence to safety protocols, and help to maintain the integrity of drinking water supplies on site while protecting public health and the surrounding environment.

Failure to uphold these standards can leave construction businesses liable for fines and legal repercussions.

How can Universal Tankers help with your drinking water requirements?

Universal Tankers provides reliable, scheduled deliveries of wholesome drinking water to construction sites across England and Scotland, with a next-day service guaranteed. With more than 30 years of experience and 20 depots strategically located across the country, we have the capacity and infrastructure to deliver consistent volumes wherever and whenever required.

Our modern fleet includes a range of tankers suited to different access conditions, including the Univore – a specialist vehicle built for challenging terrain, capable of reaching even the most remote or hard-to-access locations.

We are a trusted supplier to construction firms across the UK, known for delivering high standards of service and supporting compliance with drinking water quality regulations. We can supply water in any volume, build a delivery schedule to match your site’s demands, and respond quickly to emergency call-outs when unexpected requirements arise.