

While supplying bottled water may seem like a simple solution to a complex problem, there are additional factors, such as storage and the environmental impact of the production, transport and disposal of plastic bottles. There are several options for managing an offshore drinking water supply, which range from containerized solutions to the provision of water bottles.

As it is not always practical or possible to remove ageing, iron-containing pipework, solutions have been developed to prevent internal system corrosion-this includes the use of chemical treatment and point-of-use filtration systems that remove contamination before it reaches personnel, Fig. Due to the ageing-nature of assets in the North Sea, this is a problem that is being seen more regularly. While not unique to the offshore environment, contamination also can come from within the water system itself. Contamination is not unusual, but not all contaminants are pathogenic in some cases, while the water is still considered potable, contamination can cause a strong taste or odor that makes it unsuitable for consumption. In addition to employee health considerations, water-related illnesses are a major cause of avoidable downtime that amounts to additional, negatable costs. These legislations are designed to ensure that all potable water is regularly monitored to effectively manage the risks associated with hazardous bacteria that can cause severe illness. In light of this, there are many legal requirements that asset owners and operators are required to comply with.

From remote locations and turbulent conditions to limited space and high numbers of personnel, managing access to drinking water for vessels and offshore platforms comes with many challenges. Supported by a global laboratory network, the company is driven by multi-sector capabilities to challenge industry processes and evolve water management best practices worldwide. This expertise uniquely positions work water management experts to conduct cleaning, disinfection, reactivation and sampling alongside the ability to complete any remedial works that arise during these processes. As the global authority for offshore potable water management services, the company’s offerings include consultancy, compliance, products, training, advisory and support to the energy and marine sectors. Despite these hurdles, OWM is committed to providing access to clean and safe drinking water, which is crucial to the health and wellbeing of offshore workers across the entire industry.Īs technology advances, there is an increasing amount of water-related innovation that makes providing a clean, safe water supply a much easier feat. This first-hand expertise allows its team to quickly identify the appropriate solution to provide safe drinking water to an offshore location, which can be a challenge, due to factors such as distance from the source, water quality, environmental conditions and extensive regulations. Recognizing the critical nature of managing offshore potable water supply, OWM draws on nearly two decades of experience and knowledge to tackle the unique challenges faced in every water management project. Contamination poses a significant risk to employee health, therefore, it's imperative that the water is thoroughly evaluated and treated, and all water storage is monitored and cleaned regularly to ensure it meets the necessary safety standards.

It is well-documented that there are considerable risks associated with potable water in an offshore environment, such as contamination by saltwater, oil spills, or other pollutants. With specialist knowledge of auditing, treating and managing potable water in the extreme conditions associated with offshore operations, the company’s services offer operators complete confidence that any onboard water supply is safe and fully compliant with all relevant regulations. Utilizing first-hand industry experience, the specialist team of engineers, samplers and auditors supports offshore operators with the mitigation of water-related challenges, spearheading tangible change in the industry. Committed to lowering the risks associated with managing water in offshore environments, Offshore Water Management LTD (OWM) has continued to drive industry change throughout its 15 years of operation, proving itself to be a vital component of offshore operations across the globe.
