Safe, potable water is essential for large events and projects such as construction sites, but providing it can be a logistical challenge. Where potable mains water isn’t available for big gatherings of people and events, bulk water suppliers are needed to help ensure the health, safety and well-being of everyone who attends or works on the site. Discover how bulk water suppliers keep attendees hydrated and happy.
What is bulk water supply delivery?
Bulk water supply delivery involves transporting large quantities of water via tankers, bowsers or Intermediate Bulk Containers (IBCs) to locations where mains water is unavailable or insufficient. This service is ideal for:
- Temporary events (festivals, weddings, sports matches)
- Remote sites (construction zones, rural areas)
- Emergency relief (droughts, pipe failures, water contamination)
Providers ensure water is clean, safe and Drinking Water Inspectorate-approved, delivering it on schedule to prevent disruptions.
Supporting equipment needed for safe water distribution
To support bulk water delivery, various equipment may be needed as well as the delivered water tank, bowser or IBC. This equipment includes:
- Water pumps – If the water isn’t being dispensed directly from a tap on the bulk container, then a water pump will be needed to distribute the water to sinks, wash stations and shower or toilet blocks. Water pumps can usually be rented from the bulk water supplier. At Tardis, we provide water pump rental options.
- Drinking water stations – For a complete drinking water solution, hiring drinking water stations are a fantastic option. These pieces of equipment are designed to speed up the distribution of drinking water to large crowds, drawing water from a bulk container such as a bowser or water tank.
- Hoses and fittings – To be able to distribute water to where it is needed on the site, various hoses and fittings are needed. WRAS-approved hoses and fittings should be used to distribute safe drinking water. At Tardis, our hoses and fittings are all WRAS-approved (our fittings are made from food grade stainless steel) so can be hired with peace of mind.
Top 5 situations for bulk water delivery
Construction sites
Construction projects often lack a permanent water connection. Bulk water delivery supports:
- Dust suppression to maintain air quality
- Mixing concrete, plaster and other materials
- Worker hydration and handwashing
Festivals and outdoor events
Large crowds at festivals require large amounts of water for:
- Drinking stations
- Food vendors and bars, including potwashing
- Toilet facilities and handwashing stations
Rural locations
Farms, agricultural sites and remote homes may not have consistent access to potable water. Bulk delivery ensures:
- Livestock hydration
- Crop irrigation
- Household use in off-grid areas
Remote campsites and caravan parks
Tourist spots without plumbing rely on bulk water for:
- Shower blocks
- Cooking and cleaning
- Refilling caravan and motorhome water tanks
Sports grass pitches
Maintaining grass sports fields requires regular watering, especially in hot, dry conditions. Bulk delivery helps:
- Keep grass healthy and playable
- Prevent dry, hazardous surfaces
Types of temporary water supply
We supply bulk drinking water in several different ways. Here are the pros and cons of each type of temporary water supply:
Type of water | Best for | Pros | Cons |
Bottled drinking water | Small events, emergency drinking water | Portable, easy to distribute | Plastic waste, higher costs for large quantities |
Towable water bowsers | Construction sites, festivals, agricultural uses | Mobile, large capacity (up to 10,000l) | Requires a vehicle to tow |
IBC containers | Medium scale storage | Stackable, reusable, cost-effective | Requires a pump for distribution |
Bulk water tanks | Long term projects, large events | Large capacity (10,000+ litres) | Needs space for large tanks |
Want to discuss your potable water delivery? Talk to one of our experts today to speak about your project and the options available to you.