3) Storage & Hygiene Protocols

3.1 Sizing rules

Buffer tanks should cover 48–72 h of critical demand (drinking, sanitation, clinical hand-wash). Use your audit log to derive litres/day per person + site processes. Oversizing is costly and increases stagnation risk.

• Household (4 people, 150 L/p/d): ~1,800–2,000 L total buffer.
• Small clinic (20 staff/patients, 100 L/p/d critical): ~6,000 L.
• Community hall (100 L/p/d for 40 users, sanitation only): ~4,000 L.

3.2 Placement & configuration

Elevate tanks where gravity can serve base demand, supplement with pumps for peak flows. Install tanks inside insulated enclosures where frost or heat could push temps beyond safe ranges.

3.3 Hygiene management

• Fit screened vents, overflow weirs, vermin-proof covers.
• Quarterly visual inspection: lids, gaskets, slime/algae build-up.
• Annual drain + clean + disinfect. Use food-grade sodium hypochlorite, 50 mg/L for 1 h, flush to safe outlet.
• Record in logbook: date, person, concentration, contact time, flush completion.

3.4 Rotation & turnover

Rotate stored water every 3–6 months if not regularly drawn. Use the tank as part of daily supply (in/out cycling) rather than dead storage whenever possible.

4) Pumps, Power, & Safe Interconnects

4.1 Pump selection

Choose pumps sized to demand + head pressure. Domestic booster sets typically range 0.5–1.5 kW. Multi-stage centrifugal pumps give smoother pressure for clinics. Fit non-return valves, pressure tanks, and duty/standby pairs for critical sites.

4.2 Electrical safety

• Dedicated circuit with RCD protection.
• Clearly labelled isolator near the pump.
• No extension leads; waterproof connections (IP65 enclosures).

4.3 Backup power

Pumps and UV systems need electricity. Options:

• Portable generator: ensure outdoor use, correct earthing, test monthly.
• Battery inverter: good for short outages, silent, low maintenance.
• Solar + battery: long-term resilience, higher upfront cost.

4.4 Safe interconnects

If connecting mains + tank supply: use type AA/AB air gap to prevent mains contamination. Backflow device must match WRAS fluid category. Never improvise cross-connections.

5) Monitoring & Alerting

5.1 Basic toolkit

• Pressure gauges at tank outlet + distal point.
• Flow meter on mains/tank input (track leaks/usage).
• Inline thermometer for hot & cold storage (legionella risk control).

5.2 Sensors & telemetry

Off-the-shelf IoT water monitors can track tank levels, leaks, pump run hours. Many push data via Wi-Fi/LoRa to dashboards; some integrate SMS/email alerts.

Log Template (weekly)
[ ] Tank level % min / max
[ ] Pump run time (hours)
[ ] Hot store °C (target ≥ 60)
[ ] Cold return °C (target ≤ 20)
[ ] UV lamp status (hrs since install)
[ ] Generator test run (Y/N)
      

5.3 Leak detection

Fit auto-shutoff valves linked to floor sensors in plant rooms. Simple acoustic leak devices on meters detect continuous low flows (silent leaks).

5.4 Data logging

Keep a binder or digital logbook with: pressure/flow checks, cleaning dates, chemical doses, backup tests, sensor alerts. Failures usually trace back to missing records.

6) Community Governance & Funding

6.1 Roles & accountability

6.2 Incident response (boil, contamination, outage)

Incident Quick-Card
1) Stabilise: isolate suspect source, switch to stored water, shut non-essential outlets.
2) Notify: post Boil/Do-Not-Drink notice; contact local authority; inform users (SMS/email/print).
3) Evidence: take samples per guidance; record times, locations, chain-of-custody.
4) Disinfect: shock-dose network/tank where appropriate; verify residuals; flush.
5) Re-test: confirm clearance before lifting notices; document sign-off.
6) Review: root cause, SOP update, spares replenished.
      

6.3 Compliance & records

• Keep logbooks (physical or digital) for 5 years: checks, cleans, doses, alarms, outages.
• Maintain device certificates (WRAS where applicable), UV manuals, generator service records.
• Backflow devices: record type, category served, test/replacement dates.

6.4 Budget & transparent funding

Build a simple annual budget: consumables (cartridges, lamps, chemicals), contractor visits, testing, fuel, and a 10–15% contingency. Publish a quarterly one-page ledger to build trust.

6.5 Optional sat-based micro-funding (transparent)

For communities that want voluntary digital micro-support, you can present a donation widget. Keep it distinct from access to water (no paywall). Below is a non-custodial flow mockup block for Shopify: it shows a QR placeholder and a public note about how funds are used.

7) Templates: SOPs, Checklists, Spare-Parts

Copy, adapt, and print. Keep a binder near the plant room and a read-only digital version in your cloud drive.

Purpose: Reduce stagnation and control legionella via temperature and turnover.

Cadence: Weekly (suggest: Monday a.m.)

Steps:
1) Record ambient temp; note weather extremes.
2) Cold outlets: run until stable; record temperature (target ≤ 20 °C).
3) Hot outlets: run until stable; record temperature (store ≥ 60 °C, deliver ≥ 50 °C).
4) Infrequent outlets: flush 2–3 minutes; record 'F' mark on log.
5) Inspect plant room for leaks; check UV status LED and hour counter.
6) Sign logbook; raise defects to System Lead the same day.

Safety: Use heat-resistant gloves; avoid scalding; post 'Hot Work' sign at sinks.
        

Purpose: Remove sediment/biofilm and re-secure storage hygiene.

Cadence: Annual or after contamination/major works.

Steps:
1) Isolate tank; switch supply to bypass if available.
2) Drain to foul sewer or approved disposal point.
3) Manual clean: soft brush, remove sediment; avoid scratching liners.
4) Disinfect: food-grade sodium hypochlorite at ~50 mg/L, contact time 60 min.
5) Rinse and flush to safe outlet until free chlorine near baseline.
6) Refill through normal treatment line; verify turbidity/UVT if available.
7) Restore service; record date, concentration, contact time, operator initials.

PPE: Eye protection, gloves, apron; ensure ventilation; never mix chemicals.
        

Purpose: Maintain disinfection performance.

Cadence: Per manufacturer (commonly 9–12 months lamp; sleeve cleaned as needed).

Steps:
1) Isolate power; allow lamp to cool; follow lock-out/tag-out.
2) Remove housing; inspect quartz sleeve for fouling; clean with approved agent.
3) Fit new lamp (avoid touching glass); verify O-rings; reassemble per torque spec.
4) Restore power; verify status LEDs and no alarms.
5) Reset lamp-hour counter; update service label and log.

Note: Pre-filtration must meet UVT requirements; investigate if fouling is frequent.
        

Purpose: Ensure backup power will start and carry load.

Cadence: Monthly.

Steps:
1) Visual inspection: fuel level, oil, cables, ventilation, earth point.
2) Start set with pump + UV load connected; run 10–15 minutes under load.
3) Observe voltage/frequency stability; listen for surging.
4) Stop, cool, and secure; top up fuel if required; record runtime and litres used.
5) Note next service date; report defects immediately.

Safety: Exhaust outside; never run in enclosed spaces; keep fire extinguisher nearby.
        

Purpose: Rapid, consistent user protection during water quality incidents.

Trigger: Suspected contamination, pressure loss, positive microbial result, or authority instruction.

Steps:
1) Post printed notices at entrances, kitchens, bathrooms; update website banner/SMS.
2) Provide bottled water for drinking/food prep; disable ice makers and fountains.
3) Collect confirmatory samples; coordinate with authority; retain chain-of-custody.
4) Keep notices until official clearance; then post 'All-Clear' notice with time/date.
5) Record actions and evidence; review root cause; update SOPs.

Accessibility: Provide large-print and simple-language versions for vulnerable users.
        

DAILY
[ ] Visual leak scan (plant room & visible pipework)
[ ] Pressure @ distal point (ok / low)
[ ] UV status LED (ok / alarm)

WEEKLY
[ ] Outlet flushes done (Y/N) + temps recorded
[ ] Tank level min/max noted
[ ] Meter snapshot (for leak baseline)

MONTHLY
[ ] Generator/Inverter test run completed
[ ] Pump run-hours recorded; listen for cavitation/noise
[ ] Replace sediment filter if ΔP high or on schedule

QUARTERLY
[ ] Partial drain/clean of tank or sampling point clean/disinfect
[ ] Sensor alarm test (simulate high temp/level)
[ ] Review logs; close out open defects

ANNUAL
[ ] Full tank clean & disinfect (SOP 7.2)
[ ] UV lamp replaced; sleeve cleaned (SOP 7.3)
[ ] Backflow device inspection/test or replacement as required
[ ] Contractor inspection reports filed; SOPs reviewed/updated
        

Consumables (3–6 months)
- Sediment cartridges (size/micron to match housings): x6
- Carbon cartridges/blocks: x4
- UV lamps: x1 spare per unit
- Quartz sleeve O-rings: x2 sets
- Food-grade sodium hypochlorite: 2–4 L sealed
- pH/Free chlorine test strips or comparator kit
- Descaler for shower heads
          

Hardware & Tools
- Hose, food-grade, with WRAS-compliant fittings
- Isolation valves (common sizes) + PTFE tape
- Backflow device gaskets per installed types
- Pressure gauge with ½" adapters
- Non-contact thermometer + probe thermometer
- Leak floor sensors (spare) + batteries
- Basic PPE: gloves, eye protection, apron
          

8) Case Studies

8.1 Household (4-person, UK mains + rainwater supplement)

The family wanted resilience against 24–48 h mains outages and summer pressure drops. Audit revealed 20% losses from a leaking toilet cistern. Fixing leaks reduced required tank size by 300 L.

• Storage: 1,800 L polyethylene tank, split into 2 × 900 L units.
• Treatment: sediment → carbon → UV at point of entry; RO at kitchen tap only.
• Pump: 0.8 kW booster with small pressure vessel.
• Power: plug-in 2 kW inverter generator; monthly 15-min test.
• Monitoring: inline thermometers; LoRa leak sensor under kitchen sink.

8.2 Small rural clinic (20 staff/patients, borehole supply)

Raw water showed variable turbidity after heavy rain. Clinic also had vulnerable users needing assured microbiological safety. Borehole pump + gravity tank already present.

• Treatment: dual sediment filters → carbon block → UV (sized 2.5 m³/h) → secondary RO tap in pharmacy room.
• Storage: 5,000 L GRP tank; weekly flush and quarterly clean.
• Power: 4 kVA diesel genset; auto-start with 48 h fuel reserve.
• Governance: Operator logbook; quarterly water samples sent to accredited lab.

8.3 Community hall (events + shelter site)

Hall hosted 40–50 people weekly; also designated as an emergency refuge during storms. Mains supply only, no storage or treatment, vulnerable to pressure loss.

• Storage: 4,000 L baffled tank with screened vents.
• Treatment: sediment + carbon; UV at point of entry.
• Pump: twin booster set for resilience.
• Funding: £2/month voluntary community donation via local app; quarterly ledger posted on noticeboard.
• Governance: 6-member roster; SOP binder in plant room.

9) Execution Framework — 12-Week Water Resilience Build

Use this phased plan to deliver a working water resilience stack without overwhelming the team. Adapt week counts for scale (household vs clinic vs hall).

Phase 1 — Audit & Design (Weeks 1–2)

• Log sources, pressures, flows, contamination risks.
• Identify critical demand (litres/day).
• Sketch treatment train; size storage and pump.
• Draft budget; identify spares and consumables.

Phase 2 — Procurement (Weeks 3–4)

• Order tanks, filters, UV, pumps, power gear.
• Confirm WRAS-approved components; keep datasheets in binder.
• Book contractor slots for plumbing/electrical/backflow.

Phase 3 — Install Core (Weeks 5–7)

• Install tanks with screened vents + dual isolation valves.
• Fit treatment train (sediment → carbon → UV) at point of entry.
• Install pumps with isolator switch + pressure gauge.
• Configure safe interconnect (air gap/backflow device).

Phase 4 — Backup Power & Monitoring (Weeks 8–9)

• Install generator or inverter; test under load.
• Fit sensors: tank level, temperature, leak detectors.
• Set up digital logbook or binder with templates.

Phase 5 — SOPs, Training, Governance (Weeks 10–11)

• Print SOPs and checklists; train operators.
• Assign roles: Lead, Operators, Finance Steward.
• Set up ledger; post budget and funding note.

Phase 6 — Commissioning & Handover (Week 12)

• Run through tank fill, treatment, pump, backup switchover.
• Do first flush, sample, and verify lab clearance.
• Publish incident quick-card; hold tabletop exercise.
• Declare operational; schedule first quarterly review.

10) FAQ — Water Resilience

Confucian Community Framework — Water & Harmony

Confucius taught that a society thrives when ritual and order channel individual duties into collective stability. Water resilience is not just plumbing — it is a ritual of care: regular flushes, honest logbooks, transparent funding, and neighbourly governance.

In Confucian terms:

• Family order: households secure taps, protect children and elders.
• Ritual: weekly flush, quarterly clean, annual review — a rhythm that sustains health.
• Education: operators learn, teach, and document for the next generation.
• Leadership: system leads steward the commons with humility, not power.
• Virtue ethics: honesty in logs and ledgers is the heart of trust.
• Harmony in conflict: disputes about costs or duties are resolved by returning to the principle — safe water first.

A resilient water system is a community mirror: it shows how we handle shared risk, shared duty, and shared benefit. In this sense, a well-run water stack is a living Confucian classroom — pipes and pumps teaching ethics, hygiene, and harmony.