For those managing construction sites, it’s a legal obligation to provide readily available, clean drinking water for staff. Deciding on the best storage option for drinking water, also known as potable water, for your site depends on a few factors including site location, duration of the project and the number of workers.
What uses does potable water have on a construction site?
Potable water is needed across a construction site for a range of purposes beyond drinking. Welfare facilities, including handwashing stations, toilets and showers, all require a reliable supply to meet hygiene standards set out by UK regulations. Canteens and break areas also need access to clean water for food preparation, dishwashing and hot drinks. On some sites, potable water may be used for mixing certain materials where a higher level of water purity is required.
What are a construction manager’s responsibilities for supplying drinking water?
Construction managers have a legal duty to provide free, readily available drinking water to all workers on-site, as outlined in the Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974 and the Workplace (Health, Safety and Welfare) Regulations 1992. These regulations require that potable water is accessible, clearly labelled and maintained in a hygienic condition. The Construction (Design and Management) Regulations 2015 (CDM 2015) further reinforce this responsibility by requiring site managers to arrange appropriate welfare facilities, including drinking water stations, for the duration of the project.
A mains water connection that is connected to the public water supply should be used where possible. However, if a mains supply cannot be used due to remote location or some other factor, alternative water solutions should be provided. By organising a regular drinking water delivery based on periodical usage, site managers can help keep a full supply readily available.
Storage facilities must be regularly cleaned and refilled to prevent contamination. Water should also be supplied in sufficient quantities to meet hydration needs and allow for hygiene purposes in welfare units, including handwashing and food preparation.
Failure to comply with these regulations can result in enforcement action from the HSE, including improvement notices, fines or site shutdowns.
What drinking water options are there for construction sites?
Depending on factors such as team size, project duration and site location, site managers can decide on the best drinking water solution for their needs.
Standalone drinking water storage units
For sites without direct mains access, standalone drinking water storage units provide a practical way to keep a safe and accessible supply on-site. These portable units are available in a range of sizes, from smaller containers for compact sites to larger tanks that can supply a full workforce. They can be positioned in welfare areas, break zones or near high-traffic work areas, allowing workers to access drinking water throughout the day.
To maintain hygiene, these units are typically made from food-grade materials with sealed lids to prevent contamination. Some feature built-in filtration or UV treatment to keep water fresh, while insulated units help maintain a cool temperature in warmer conditions. Regular refilling and cleaning are necessary to keep drinking water safe, particularly on sites where high consumption levels require frequent replenishment.
Connected to welfare facilities
Welfare facilities must include a reliable drinking water supply, ensuring workers have access to hydration in break areas and welfare cabins. Where a mains connection is unavailable, portable water tanks can be connected to taps, sinks or dispensers within welfare units, providing a continuous source of clean drinking water. These setups are common on long-term sites where maintaining a larger supply is more efficient than relying on bottled water.
For hygiene, drinking water tanks should be fitted with secure lids and food-safe linings to prevent contamination. Some welfare units come with integrated water systems, reducing the need for external connections and making them easier to manage. Regular refills and checks help keep the supply consistent, ensuring workers always have access to safe drinking water.
Dedicated drinking water stations
Construction sites must provide drinking water in locations that are convenient and accessible to all workers. Dedicated drinking water stations help by offering a centralised supply in welfare areas, near work zones or along high-traffic routes. These stations can be as simple as a water bowser fitted with taps, or a more advanced setup using insulated dispensers or filtration units.
For remote sites, drinking water stations often rely on refillable storage tanks, which need regular maintenance to keep water fresh. Some units are designed with cooling systems, making them particularly useful in warm weather. Site managers should place stations where workers can access them easily without disrupting work, helping maintain hydration throughout the day.
Bottled water
For construction sites that need a flexible and low-maintenance drinking water solution, bottled water offers a convenient option. It is particularly useful for smaller sites, short-term projects, or locations where installing water storage units or dispensers is impractical. Workers can access individual bottles as needed, reducing the risk of contamination that can occur with shared water sources.
Bottled water deliveries can be arranged to match site demand, with bulk orders ensuring a steady supply. However, this option can generate plastic waste, so proper recycling facilities should be provided to manage disposal responsibly. While effective for temporary hydration needs, bottled water is often combined with larger storage solutions on sites with a high workforce or long project durations.
Construction site managers must provide a dependable drinking water supply, regardless of location. Whether using bottled water, bowsers or storage tanks connected to welfare facilities, the right solution will keep workers hydrated while meeting legal requirements. Planning ahead and selecting the most practical option for the site ensures water remains accessible throughout the project.
