Why Water Management is Among Construction's Most Pressing Issues
Water management involves the strategic planning, development, and administration of water resources to optimise their use in different stages of the construction process. Effective water management is essential to the financial efficiency and environmental responsibility of construction projects, because several stages in the process require significant amounts of water. Construction firms often face the challenge of managing their projects while optimising water efficiency and ensuring compliance with environmental regulations.
What Are the Challenges of Water Use in Construction?
One of the biggest challenges in managing the water needed for a construction project is the scale. Water usage in construction varies depending on the type and size of the project, but large volumes of water are used in almost every case. For the construction of a standard single-family home, the amount of water used can range from 15,000 to 30,000 litres. This includes water for concrete mixing, dust suppression, and other construction processes.
For larger projects, such as commercial buildings or infrastructure developments, water consumption can reach much higher volumes. For example, it is estimated that construction sites without canteen facilities might use around 50 litres of water per person per day. Additional specific uses, such as toilet blocks and showers on site, require about 40 litres per person per visit and per use, respectively. Overall, large projects can consume millions of litres of water throughout their duration.
With strict environmental regulations to follow, another challenge is disposing of water in compliance with the law. As such, implementing efficient water management practices is essential for all stakeholders in the construction industry. Effective management can also conserve water and reduce costs.
Strategies like recycling and reusing water on-site, monitoring water usage against benchmarks, and setting reduction targets can significantly enhance sustainability and operational efficiency. Not only do these practices help in environmental conservation, but they also support compliance with regulations and improve the overall project delivery.
At Universal Tankers, our services include wastewater disposal and deliveries of non-potable water for use at your construction sites, providing a more sustainable alternative to using potable water. This not only helps conserve valuable drinking water resources but can also support your sustainability goals and reduce operational costs.
How Can You Manage Water During Construction?
A thorough approach to water management on construction sites is the best way to avoid unexpected delays or problems arising. Below, we have provided a step-by-step guide to help you account for every eventuality and maximise the efficiency of your water usage on-site.
Know your worksite
By fully understanding the land you are working with and its history, you are best positioned to minimise the risks of water management issues. Here are some steps to take:
- Contact your local planning authorities to access any available information about the land's historical use.
- Map out water courses, groundwater, high water tables, and perched water to address potential waterlogging.
- Evaluate ground conditions, topography, and existing drainage to design effective systems.
- Identify flood zones and plan accordingly to mitigate water damage.
- Protect Sites of Special Scientific Interest and Special Areas of Conservation by establishing buffer zones and controlling water discharge.
Considering these factors can help you to maintain regulatory compliance, reduce environmental impact, and enhance project efficiency.
Be aware of water treatment and discharge regulations
Key steps to complying with water management regulations include identifying relevant legislation, such as the Water Resources Act 1991 and the Environmental Permitting Regulations 2016 in the UK, and obtaining any necessary permits from the Environment Agency or other regulatory bodies. Implementing best practices by following guidelines from the Drinking Water Inspectorate and the European Water Framework Directive is essential. Utilising non-potable water for construction functions is the optimal solution for meeting these requirements. Universal Tankers provides nationwide next-day delivery of non-potable water for use in building processes.
Regular monitoring and reporting of water quality and discharge levels ensure adherence to standards, while using approved treatment methods like sedimentation, filtration, and chemical treatment safeguards water from harmful pollutants. Additionally, protecting sensitive areas near construction sites and staying informed about legislative changes and best practices will support sustainable construction practices and environmental protection.
Identify site activities
Construction companies must identify and manage site activities that significantly impact water usage and quality. Key activities include excavations, which can expose groundwater and require dewatering; concrete works, which demand large volumes of water for mixing and curing; and stockpiles, which can generate dust and runoff if not properly managed.
The storage and handling of chemicals and fuels pose a risk of contamination to both groundwater and surface water if spills occur. Additionally, managing surface water runoff is crucial to prevent erosion and sedimentation in nearby water bodies. By recognising and addressing these risks, construction sites can mitigate their environmental impact and comply with water management regulations.
Assess the risk of contaminants/ pollutants
Understanding a work site's contaminants and pollutants helps to mitigate the risk of pollution incidents during construction. Here are the actions you should take:
- Identify potential contamination sources, such as industrial chemicals or petroleum products.
- Follow best practices during excavations, which can decrease the likelihood of harmful substances being leached.
- Properly store and handle chemicals and fuels.
- Manage stockpiles and surface water runoff with sediment control measures to reduce the transport of pollutants.
- Assess and mitigate risks accordingly to ensure compliance with environmental regulations and safeguard local ecosystems.
Create a plan for containing water contamination
Having contingencies in place in case water pollution incidents occur will help you to avoid legal difficulties and project delays. Some potential steps are to:
- Conduct a thorough site assessment to identify potential sources of contamination.
- Implement containment measures such as bunding and sediment traps to prevent pollutants from spreading.
- Establish a robust system for treating contaminated water on-site, using technologies like sedimentation, filtration, or chemical treatment.
- Regularly monitor water quality to ensure compliance with environmental regulations.
- Train staff on best practices for water management and contamination prevention.
- Develop an emergency response plan to address accidental spills or leaks promptly.
Consult an expert in water management
Water-efficient practices can greatly benefit from consulting an experienced water management specialist such as Universal Tankers. We offer wastewater removal, delivery of non-potable water for construction purposes and potable water for staff to drink, and other services related to water management. Our specialists and services can help you to adhere to regulatory compliance and environmental sustainability. They can help to implement water efficient solutions for a construction project, reduce costs, and mitigate risks associated with water scarcity and contamination. By leveraging specialist knowledge, managers can focus on project execution, maintain high standards of water management, and ultimately enhance project outcomes and operational efficiency.
Universal Tankers' Water Management Solutions
No matter where you are in the country, Universal Tankers guarantees next-day service. Our fleet of modern tankers, operated by fully trained specialists, delivers efficient and reliable water management services across England, Scotland, and Wales.
Universal Tankers offers flexible scheduling to accommodate the demands of construction projects, and will handle your wastewater removal and potable water delivery needs at your convenience. Our emergency call-out services address urgent concerns promptly, reducing the risk of damage from contaminated water. We maintain digital records to support regulatory compliance and provide peace of mind.
Contact Us for Universal Tankers’ Water Management Services
For more information about our water delivery or for a quote, call our team on 0800 180 4474 (England and Wales) or 01236 444322 (Scotland). We will discuss your needs and can arrange for a delivery to your location within 24 hours. Alternatively, fill out an online contact form and we will call you back at a time suitable for you.
