South African Business 2017

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Businesses benefit from backup process water SBS Tanks has some timely advice for businesses that require large quantities of water for operational efficiency.

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lmost every industry benefits from backup process water for business – whether that business lies in manufacturing, healthcare, education, tourism or retail. Water is used throughout various stages of business, in product use, the supply chain and manufacturing. A lack of access to water can be a major challenge for any business’ growth. Consistent access to water is therefore essential to ensure that operations can continue to run smoothly, but in countries such as South Africa, which frequently face periods of drought, water shortages and other related issues, this is not always as easy as it sounds. Water infrastructure may be damaged or neglected within local municipalities. Water supply in certain areas may be rationed and industries that require large volumes of water at all times may pay the price. As serious as water interruptions are for businesses, the good news is that a contingency plan can go a long way in ensuring that your premises always have access to water – even in the event of a countrywide drought.

How to prepare your business for a water emergency The first step in preparing for a water emergency is to ask the following questions: • How long could your business effectively operate with restricted water, or a complete water shortage? • Do you currently have any plan to reduce disruption to your business if your regular water supply was interrupted? • Is there an emergency shut-down process that applies to water supply emergencies, and are employees trained to act accordingly? • Is there any crisis management team or process in place to deal with stakeholders and make critical decisions in the event of a water disaster? SBS Tanks has compiled a comprehensive guide – “Backup Process Water Supply Planning for Business & Industry”. This guide includes step-by-step recommendations on how to create a backup water plan, and shows you how to put together a water-usage assessment

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that will help you prepare for water outages. One of the best ways to ensure that your company will always be prepared for any water interruption is to consider a backup water system for your premises. Backup water tanks for commercial use are designed to provide access to water at all times, even in the event of a water outage. If the municipal water supply is cut off, the backup tank will continue to provide water with no noticeable impact on water flow. Once the water supply resumes, the tank will refill again. In this way, you will have peace of mind in knowing that water interruptions will not cause operational interruptions. Systems can be integrated within existing rainwater harvesting tanks or used for dedicated backup tanks. Ideally, you will need a tank large enough to store two to three days of reserve water. Whatever your industry, taking the time to invest in essential contingency steps is the best way to get full peace of mind. For assistance in doing this visit www.sbstanks.co.za or contact 086 048 2657. SOUTH AFRICAN BUSINESS 2017


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