Hospitals go through a tremendous amount of water during the course of operations. NYU Langone Hospital in Brooklyn, for example, uses 177,000 cubic meters (more than 46 million gallons) of water per year. This water is used for everything from plumbing to handwashing — it’s vital to hospitals and their functions. Without it, many basic needs could not be met, which could lead to negative health outcomes for patients.
Unfortunately, situations arise where hospital water supplies are interrupted or cut off entirely. Sometimes, these are due to mechanical malfunctions. Other times, they are the result of natural disasters or other emergency situations. Whatever the cause, hospitals need access to clean, usable water for the well-being of their patients.
Bulk water reserves fill the gap in emergency situations and keep things running, which is especially vital in disaster scenarios. To better understand the importance of bulk water in hospital settings, let’s examine some of its benefits.
When Is Bulk Water for Hospitals Needed?
Hospitals have bulk water reserves in place for scenarios where water is needed but inaccessible. These emergency scenarios include the following:
- Burst water mains
- Weather events, such as hurricanes and blizzards
- Construction accidents
- An act of terrorism
- Power outages
In situations like these, existing water systems may become contaminated or inaccessible. Emergency water storage can fill that gap until normal water services are back up and running.
The Benefits of Emergency Water Storage for Hospitals
Different types of water are used throughout a hospital, and each has unique applications that help a hospital run smoothly. Explore the benefits of bulk water for hospitals in ensuring these types of water remain accessible.
1. Providing Potable Water During Crisis Scenarios
Potable water is the workhorse of the hospital world. The term “potable” means the water has been treated to ensure humans can drink it safely. Potable water is used in the following:
- Ice machines
- Cafeterias
- Handwashing sinks
- Showers
- Sprinkler systems
Hospitals must have easy, reliable access to potable water, especially in a crisis scenario. Here’s why:
- Preparing food: Potable water is used for food preparation in hospital cafeterias. Without it, patients may not be able to get the nutrients they need to recover.
- Reducing dehydration risk: Illness and infections can increase the risk of dehydration, and that risk increases further without access to clean drinking water.
- Maintaining hygiene standards: Hospitals have strict rules to prevent the spread of diseases. Without potable water for handwashing and bathing, infections could spread.
Bulk water providers that deliver potable water should use products certified by the National Sanitation Foundation (NSF) to keep their trailers clean.
2. Keeping Facilities Running With Non-Potable Water
While it is used less often, non-potable water still plays many important roles in a hospital. It can be used in the following:
- Plumbing systems
- Laundry
- Cleaning
- HVAC cooling towers
A bulk supply of non-potable water ensures the hospital’s background applications can run smoothly in case of natural disasters or other disruptions.
With a bulk supply of non-potable water, hospital facilities can:
- Reduce their reliance on potable water.
- Keep the hospital environment comfortable by maintaining cooling systems.
- Maintain sanitation standards by using the water for general cleaning purposes.
- Ensure toilets continue functioning properly.
- Clean noncritical items, such as uniforms and linens.
3. Protecting Facilities With Fire Protection Water
Some hospitals have water tanks dedicated specifically to fighting fires. These tanks can work in tandem with the sprinkler system or water mist system and the firefighters who arrive on the scene. Each of these methods uses gallons of water a minute. By keeping these tanks separate from the rest of the water supply, the hospital ensures that there will be water available in case of a fire, which is especially important in situations where the traditional water supply systems are not working properly.
Developing an Emergency Water Supply Plan (EWSP)
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends facilities prepare for water supply system failure with emergency water supply plans for hospitals. EWSPs offer guidelines and procedures for utilizing bulk water reserves. In creating these plans, hospitals must assess their water needs and the alternatives available to them so that they can be prepared for critical events. When emergencies happen, they can act based on facts rather than guesswork.
To develop an EWSP, follow these steps provided by the CDC:
- Assemble a team and gather documents about the facility and its water use.
- Conduct a water use audit to determine critical emergency water needs.
- Analyze your emergency supply options, such as bottled water or bulk water deliveries.
- Develop an EWSP for the facility and make adjustments as necessary.
This preparation often involves coordinating with resources outside the hospital, including repair crews and local authorities. As you form your EWSP team, consider consulting plumbing supervisors, infection control directors, chiefs of surgery, emergency preparedness coordinators, local fire departments, local drinking water facilities and the public health department. These relationships can quicken the hospital’s recovery and protect the health and safety of both patients and staff inside, especially those who are ill and vulnerable.
Why Hospitals Should Rely on Bulk Water Providers When Creating EWSPs
Bulk water providers can ensure your facility has a reliable source of potable and non-potable water. They have the equipment and personnel to respond quickly to situations, ensuring you get the water you need when it matters most.
Additional benefits over other emergency water supply solutions, such as bottled water, include:
- Faster delivery of large quantities of water.
- Reduced packaging waste.
- Strict quality control measures.
- Scalable service options.
- Specialized knowledge.
To form your emergency response plan, partner with Foster Fuels.
Keep Your Hospital Hydrated With Foster Fuels Water Delivery Services
In many ways, water is the lifeblood of the hospital. At Foster Fuels, we understand the needs of hospitals and want to connect you with the potable and non-potable water you need to care for patients and each other. We’ve been delivering water, propane and gasoline for decades, and we do it with professionalism, punctuality and efficiency.
When your water supply systems are in crisis, you need a partner who can respond quickly. Our Mission Critical division offers emergency water delivery services 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year, so we can be there for your hospital any time of the day or night. Our expert teams have responded to wide-scale emergencies like Superstorm Hurricane Sandy and Winter Storm Nemo, so you can count on us to be there for you when disaster strikes.
Explore our bulk water delivery services, or reach out through our contact form for Mission Critical services. You can also call us at 800-344-6457.
