BS ISO 24595:2024 - Drinking water, wastewater and stormwater systems and services. Guidelines for the provision of alternative water service for essential facilities during a crisis

Standard No.: BS ISO 24595:2024
Release Date: 2024
Published By: British Standards Institution (BSI) GB / BSI
Latest: BS ISO 24595:2024

Introduction

Introduction

BS ISO 24595:2024 is a guideline published by the International Organization for Standardization (ISO) on providing alternative water services (AWS) for essential facilities during crises. Developed by Technical Committee ISO/TC 224 (Drinking water, wastewater and stormwater systems and services), this standard aims to help water utilities prioritize the water needs of critical facilities such as hospitals, nursing homes, and schools during emergencies caused by water supply disruptions. This standard complements ISO 24518 (Crisis Management) and ISO 24527 (Alternative Water Supply for Private Users), together forming a complete framework for crisis water supply.

Key Terms Definition

Alternative Water Services (AWS): Water supplied to users through means other than normal drinking water systems, such as water tankers, temporary storage tanks, or bottled water.

****Infrastructure:** This refers to entities essential to the normal functioning of a community, such as water companies, hospitals, and military bases. Disruptions to their services would have severe social consequences. **Drinking Water Allocation:** This refers to the daily per capita water usage quota during a crisis, set by the relevant authorities based on user type.

Comparison of Principles and Methods

The standard proposes three core AWS methods, which can be combined in practice.

The table below compares data from multiple dimensions:

When the pipeline network is partially available but the water volume or pressure is insufficient. When the pipeline network is completely paralyzed or the water quality is severely polluted. Advantages: High sustainability, no additional transportation required. Rapid deployment utilizing existing facilities. High flexibility, covering all areas.

Dimensions	Alternative Water Sources	Use of Unconventional Pipelines	No Pipeline Use
Definition	Still supplied through the pipe network, but using unconventional methods, such as reducing pressure or temporarily installing risers.	Completely independent of the pipe network, supplied directly via water tankers, fixed water points, or mobile water treatment units.
Applicable Scenarios	When a backup water source exists and can be quickly accessed.
Challenges	Connectivity needs to be negotiated and maintained in advance.	May affect pipeline hydraulics, requires approval.	Resource-intensive, requires significant logistical support.

Key Points in the Planning Phase

Water companies should identify scenarios that may lead to AWS requirements through risk assessments during normal operations.

Key steps include: Collaborating with authorities to identify a list of essential facilities; Calculating minimum water requirements in conjunction with facility providers (e.g., a 500-bed hospital requires approximately 400-500 liters per bed per day, and a 250-head dairy farm requires 120 liters per head per day); Developing logistical plans, including resource reserves, supplier contracts, and inter-agency coordination; and conducting regular training and drills to ensure staff are proficient in operation. For example, the deployment of mobile water tankers and flexible water storage tanks requires prior rehearsals.

Detailed Explanation of the Implementation Phase

Implementation methods should be selected based on the specific crisis situation. For example, when water quality is acceptable but quantity is insufficient, a **pipeline pressure reduction water supply** can be used—maintaining basic water pressure by controlling valves to reduce leakage. If the pipeline is completely interrupted, deploy a **temporary water storage tank**, which will be replenished regularly by water tanker trucks (multiple times daily). For critical users such as hospitals, it is recommended to install a **fixed water storage tank** (such as an underground tank or a flexible tank) and connect it to the internal pipeline network to ensure continuous water supply. This tank can serve as part of the pipeline network under normal circumstances and automatically switch over during a crisis. Communication Strategy and Special Needs Chapter 8 of the standard emphasizes the importance of transparent communication. Water companies should provide personalized contingency plans to infrastructure in advance and dynamically release AWS deployment details via websites, SMS, and social media during a crisis. For users with special needs such as those with weakened immune systems, priority should be given to providing water sources that meet drinking water standards. Implementation Recommendations Summary Risk-Oriented Planning: Develop water allocation plans based on the most credible event (such as a 3-day complete interruption). Multi-party Collaboration: Sign pre-agreements with authorities, facility providers, and suppliers to clarify resource mobilization procedures. Asset Maintenance: Incorporate water tankers, portable water treatment units, etc., into the asset management system, and disinfect and test them regularly. Dynamic Adjustment: Continuously monitor supply and demand during crises and increase allocation as necessary (e.g., increase drinking water quotas during hot weather). Actual Case Reference: Israel's Water Authority reserves 600 cubic meters of emergency water for a 500-bed hospital (calculated at 3 days, 400 liters/day per bed), ensuring supply through underground storage tanks and mobile water tankers. Dairy farms reserve 90 cubic meters to ensure uninterrupted milk production. These case studies validate the feasibility of standard methods and provide a reference template for other regions. Water companies should develop actionable AWS plans tailored to their local circumstances.

BS ISO 24595:2024 Referenced Document

ISO 24513 Service activities relating to drinking water supply, wastewater and stormwater systems — Vocabulary
ISO 24518 Activities relating to drinking water and wastewater services - Crisis management of water utilities
ISO 24527 Service activities relating to drinking water supply, wastewater and stormwater systems — Guidelines on alternative drinking water service provision during a crisis
ISO/TS 24520 Service activities relating to drinking water supply systems and wastewater systems — Crisis management — Good practice for technical aspects

BS ISO 24595:2024 history

2024 BS ISO 24595:2024 Drinking water, wastewater and stormwater systems and services. Guidelines for the provision of alternative water service for essential facilities during a crisis

Drinking water, wastewater and stormwater systems and services. Guidelines for the provision of alternative water service for essential facilities during a crisis

BS ISO 24595:2024Drinking water, wastewater and stormwater systems and services. Guidelines for the provision of alternative water service for essential facilities during a crisis