Construction site managers are responsible for the health and wellbeing of the staff who operate on their work sites. This includes providing safe, clean drinking water that complies with the UK standards that regulate drinking water on construction sites. Careful water management is key to fulfilling this obligation, as construction operations produce various types of wastewater that aren’t safe for human consumption. Site operators risk contaminating drinking water if waste is not properly handled.
This guide explains how construction site managers can understand the laws they’re expected to adhere to, assess their worksite’s water management needs and determine how to best keep wastewater separate from drinking water.
Understand Water Standards
Construction site managers must be familiar with UK drinking water regulations. The water provided to workers must meet the standards set out by the Water Supply (Water Quality) Regulations 2016 in England (or the equivalent regulations in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland). These laws cover microbiological, chemical and physical metrics that must be met to confirm that water is safe to drink.
Water supplied to site workers should be fresh, potable and stored or dispensed using clean, appropriate infrastructure such as mains-fed systems or properly maintained water containers. Managers should routinely check water sources, particularly on long-term sites, to confirm that they continue to meet safety standards.
Wastewater generated during construction activities must be managed in line with the Environmental Permitting (England and Wales) Regulations 2016, as well as the relevant Water Industry Act 1991 provisions. These regulations prohibit unauthorised discharges into watercourses, public sewers or the ground, and require permits or consent for disposal in most cases. Wastewater systems must be properly designed, monitored and maintained to prevent contamination of drinking water supplies and minimise environmental harm. Keeping drinking water infrastructure physically separate from wastewater collection points is a basic legal and practical requirement.
Assess Your Construction Site
Before selecting water supply solutions, assess the layout and demands of your site. Consider the number of workers, the location of welfare facilities and how often the water will be used. Sites without access to mains water may need bowsers or tanks, each of which comes with maintenance and monitoring obligations.
The topography and proximity of contaminated areas such as concrete washout pits or fuel storage zones should also be evaluated. These assessments help prevent cross-contamination and allow you to plan water points that are accessible, safe and practical.
Plan How You Will Manage Wastewater
Wastewater from construction activities must be managed to avoid polluting the drinking water supply or the surrounding environment. This includes grey water from welfare units, water contaminated by materials such as concrete or plaster and runoff from rain falling on contaminated surfaces.
Managers should identify where wastewater will be generated and how it will be collected, stored and removed. Proper segregation and clear discharge points help prevent wastewater from entering drinking water systems.
Contracts with licenced waste carriers should be arranged to collect and treat wastewater off-site when on-site treatment is not an option.
Provide Consistent Drinking Water Supplies
Providing continuous access to clean drinking water means anticipating demand and putting systems in place to prevent supply interruptions. Water tanks and bowsers must be regularly refilled and cleaned.
For remote or temporary sites, bladder tanks offer a flexible solution. These collapsible, portable tanks can store large volumes of drinking water and are designed for easy transport and secure deployment. They must be positioned on stable ground, protected from damage and kept well away from potential contaminants.
For mains-fed sites, backflow prevention devices may be required to protect the public water supply. The drinking water supply should be clearly marked and located away from any wastewater or hazardous materials to reduce contamination risk. Regular maintenance, record-keeping, and staff awareness are all part of providing a dependable supply.
By following these best practices for managing construction site water supplies and wastewater, construction managers can remain compliant with UK water standards and safeguard their staff’s wellbeing.
