What Is Potable Water and Why Is It Essential on Remote Job Sites?

May 14, 2025 | Clean Water

Potable? Don’t you mean portable? Nope…potable!

 

Potable water might just sound like a mispronunciation of a common word—but it’s much more than that. When you’re running a remote project, it’s one of the most critical resources on-site. So, what makes water “potable,” and why does it matter?

What is Potable Water?

Potable water is water that’s safe to drink. It’s been treated and tested to ensure it’s free from harmful bacteria, viruses, and chemicals. To meet this standard, water must comply with strict regulations like those from the EPA or WHO. This ensures that the water your crew drinks meets the same safety benchmarks you’d expect at home—no matter how far from civilization you are.

Crew member filling a reusable bottle with potable water from a WaterFleet rig at a remote job site.

Crew member enjoying clean water

Why It Matters in the Field

When crews are working long hours in extreme conditions, hydration isn’t optional—it’s essential. According to OSHA, workers should have access to cool, potable water every 15–20 minutes in hot environments. Bottled water can only go so far—plus, it’s expensive, wasteful, and logistically messy. A reliable on-site potable water source helps ensure:

  • Safety: Prevents waterborne illnesses and heat-related injuries
  • Sustainability: Reduces plastic waste and fuel emissions from bottled water transport
  • Efficiency: Cuts down on time and resources spent hauling or managing water supplies

How WaterFleet Helps

At WaterFleet, we bring verified potable water directly to remote locations—tested daily and monitored in real-time. Our mobile rigs ensure your workforce stays hydrated, healthy, and in compliance with safety standards, even in the most off-grid environments. And because we do the treating, testing, and servicing ourselves, your team can focus on the job, not the logistics.

Let’s Talk Water

Don’t let potable water be an afterthought. On remote job sites, it’s not just a convenience—it’s a necessity. Let’s improve your crew’s working conditions together. Click the link below.