Ensuring Fast, Reliable Water Supply via the Nationwide Bottled Water Bank

When water supply fails, bottled water is often the fastest way to get safe drinking water to customers — whether for drinking, hand washing, boiling kettles or even flushing toilets. But relying on reactive sourcing can create delays, shortages and waste.

That’s exactly why Water Direct created the Nationwide Bottled Water Bank (NBWB).

Here we talk to our Utility Contracts Manager, Olivia McKay to understand the value that the Nationwide Bottled Water Bank (NBWB) brings to customers nationwide.

Q. So, Olivia, let’s start with the basics, what is the Nationwide Bottled Water Bank?

The Nationwide Bottled Water Bank – NBWB – is a national reserve of over 4 million litres of bottled water, stored across more than 26 strategic sites around the UK. It’s designed specifically to support our utility partners during supply interruptions — whether planned or unplanned.

By centralising this stock and managing it on behalf of multiple partners, we can guarantee rapid delivery of safe, quality-assured drinking water whenever and wherever it’s needed. It’s fully compliant with regulatory standards, meaning we’re able to provide wholesome, regulated drinking water during incidents.

Q. Why was it created – and why is it so important?

When there’s a water supply failure, bottled water is often the fastest way to get safe drinking water to customers. But sourcing bottled water reactively can lead to big challenges: delays, limited supply, and unnecessary waste from stock expiry.

The NBWB solves these issues by offering a fully managed, scalable, and highly resilient alternative supply model. We maintain regulatory compliance while simplifying emergency response planning for utilities.

For example, in just one weekend during a recent incident, we mobilised 300 pallets — that’s 300,000 litres — to a remote location. And over the last year alone, we’ve delivered nearly 21,000 pallets, or 21 million litres of water, across the country – which demonstrates both the scale and reliability of the model.

Q. How does the model work for utilities who join the bank?

It’s a very simple and effective system. When a utility joins the NBWB, they pay an initial deposit to add stock into the bank based on their daily requirements. Water Direct then guarantees this stock is replenished every 24 hours — so the utility always has a reserve available to meet its obligations.

The stock is purchased at a discounted pallet rate and strategically positioned close to the customer’s network to enable rapid deployment. We also handle:

• Stock rotation to prevent expiry
• Full regulatory testing and compliance
• Storage, logistics, and emergency delivery — 365 days a year

Importantly, this stock is also supplemented by Water Direct’s own buffer stock, ensuring that even during high-demand incidents, our partners maintain priority access.

Q. What are the key benefits for utility companies?

There are several including:

• Guaranteed supply: Our partners access the largest alternative bottled water reserve in the UK.
• Regulatory compliance: Our bottled water adheres to WS (WQ) Regulations as a suitable piped supply alternative, complete with source water analysis and post-bottle sampling.
• Rapid response – We can deliver anywhere in the UK, even during widespread or escalated incidents.
• Operational confidence — Partners know that in the event of an incident, their customers will continue to receive safe, reliable drinking water.
• Reduced waste and spend: We operate nationwide stock rotation to prevent expiration, reducing waste.
• TGN 11 compliance: All storage facilities adhere to rigorous quality standards to ensure safety and reliability.

Fundamentally, this model helps to reduce panic buying and maintains continuity of service under even the most testing conditions.

Q. How do you ensure such fast and large-scale deliveries?

We’ve developed a very flexible model — from large-scale pallet deliveries to local doorstep drops for vulnerable customers, and even temporary community water stations.

We also operate in full alignment with each utility’s emergency response plans, infrastructure, and geography — so we can activate quickly, even under pressure. For example, earlier this year we deployed over 200 truckloads of palletised water during a major incident — a scale that simply wouldn’t be possible without shared investment and preparation.

Q. And finally, what would you say to utilities who aren’t yet part of the NBWB?

I’d say this: the NBWB removes complexity, reduces risk, and strengthens resilience. It allows utilities to futureproof their emergency alternative supply strategies while delivering complete peace of mind — for both the organisation and its customers.

If you’re not yet part of the bank, we’d be very happy to explore how we can support your emergency planning needs.