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.
Hospitals have bulk water reserves in place for scenarios where water is needed but inaccessible. These emergency scenarios include the following:
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.
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.
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:
Hospitals must have easy, reliable access to potable water, especially in a crisis scenario. Here’s why:
Bulk water providers that deliver potable water should use products certified by the National Sanitation Foundation (NSF) to keep their trailers clean.
While it is used less often, non-potable water still plays many important roles in a hospital. It can be used in the following:
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:
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.
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:
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.
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:
To form your emergency response plan, partner with Foster Fuels.
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.