BS8551:2015: The UK Standard for Temporary Water Supply Systems
What Is BS8551:2015?
BS8551:2015 provides detailed guidance on planning, designing, installing, and operating temporary water supply systems across the UK. This British Standard covers all aspects of temporary water provision including risk assessment, water quality protection, equipment selection, system design, installation procedures, and operational management during water supply interruptions.
The standard addresses both potable and non-potable temporary water supplies, establishing best practice for maintaining water quality, preventing contamination, and ensuring regulatory compliance throughout temporary water operations. BS8551:2015 incorporates requirements from DWI water regulations, WRAS approvals, and health and safety legislation into a unified framework for temporary water services.
Why Does BS8551:2015 Exist?
BS8551:2015 exists to protect public health and maintain water quality standards during temporary water supply operations. When mains water supplies are interrupted, temporary water systems must deliver the same safety and quality standards as permanent infrastructure. Without proper standards, temporary water provision could expose consumers to contamination risks, waterborne diseases, or non-compliant water quality.
The standard also protects water companies, facilities management organisations, and temporary water providers by establishing clear guidelines for compliant temporary water operations. BS8551:2015 reduces liability risks, demonstrates due diligence, and provides a recognised framework for professional temporary water supply services across the UK water industry.
Who Should Read and Use BS8551:2015?
BS8551:2015 is essential reading for water companies, temporary water supply providers, facilities management companies, and anyone responsible for maintaining water services during supply interruptions. Water utility engineers planning scheduled maintenance should reference this British Standard when arranging temporary water provisions for affected customers.
Facilities managers responsible for commercial buildings, healthcare facilities, industrial sites, and critical infrastructure should understand BS8551:2015 requirements when developing water contingency plans. Building services engineers, project managers overseeing water infrastructure works, and emergency response teams managing unplanned water outages all benefit from understanding this temporary water supply standard.
Contractors providing temporary water services must implement BS8551:2015 guidelines to ensure compliant operations that protect water quality and public health throughout temporary supply periods.
Benefits of BS8551:2015 Compliance
Following BS8551:2015 delivers significant benefits for organisations involved in temporary water provision. The standard ensures water quality compliance with DWI regulations, protecting consumers from contamination risks during supply interruptions. This protects both public health and organisational reputation.
BS8551:2015 compliance demonstrates professional competence and due diligence, reducing liability exposure for water companies and temporary water providers. Insurance requirements increasingly reference British Standards, making BS8551:2015 adherence valuable for risk management and insurance compliance.
The standard provides a consistent framework for temporary water operations, improving efficiency, reducing errors, and ensuring repeatable quality across different projects and locations. This standardised approach benefits the entire UK water industry.
How TWS Adheres to BS8551:2015
Comprehensive risk assessments
Temporary Water Solutions Limited fully adheres to BS8551:2015 throughout all temporary water supply operations. TWS conducts comprehensive risk assessments before every temporary water project, following BS8551:2015 guidelines to identify potential hazards and implement appropriate control measures for water quality protection.
Technician training on BS8551:2015
TWS maintains detailed operational procedures aligned with BS8551:2015 for water quality monitoring, system maintenance, and incident response during temporary supply operations. Our technicians receive training on BS8551:2015 requirements, ensuring compliant installation and operation of temporary water systems across all projects.
UK-manufactured to potable water specifications
All water storage tanks supplied by TWS are WRAS approved and UK-manufactured to potable water specifications, meeting BS8551:2015 equipment standards. TWS installs temporary water systems using approved components, proper connection procedures, and contamination prevention measures specified in the British Standard.
Ensuring regulatory compliance
By adhering to BS8551:2015, TWS delivers temporary water solutions that protect water quality, ensure regulatory compliance, and provide reliable water supply services during both planned outages and emergency situations throughout the UK.