Strange Project - Event Hot Water

[J Sampton]

Hi Everyone,

I have been tasked with creating a hot water supply for a two week long camp, primarily for washing up and washing hands for 100 people. We have access to 32A power in addition to a garden hose supply.

My initial thoughts were to purchase a number of cold water plastic black square tanks and install immersion heaters with the sort of timer you would find in an airing cupboard. It also seemed sensible to use a ballcock valve for the cold water inlet.

Given that this will be outside (albeit in the summer), is the idea a complete non starter? I could easily waterproof the timer switch and other items in an IP box.

All suggestions and anger at my stupidity are welcome.
James

 

[chris watkins]

Please don't try to DIY something like this James, if anything went wrong you or your group would be held accountable the risks are high.

Why not look into hire equipment I am sure something exists?

 

[chris watkins]

https://www.watkinshire.co.uk/assets/datasheets/mbr-3-55.pdf
Something like this might work for you ? & you don't have the problems of storing it after & cleaning etc.
Also please be advised that using a standard garden hose could also carry real risks & is against the Water Regs as it is not designed to carry Wholesome water which would be required if it is being used in food prep or washing up.

& before anyone asks there is NO family or other connection that I am aware of at least.

 

[Aire]

Where would you put the immersion heater? I hope your not thinking of putting them into the black tanks.

 

[Deleted member 32524]

You can get portable hot water systems for this type of thing.

 

[Aire]

before anyone asks there is NO family or other connection.

The thought did cross my mind

 

[J Sampton]

Ok, seems like a poor idea. Can anyone recommend an LPG inline water heater or similar solution? I did contact Watkins about that emergency heater, however, they won't deliver to us and the one other hire outlet offering the same product is far too expensive.

 

[Aire]

Have you tried this company?
Hot Water Supply, Suppliers of Hot Water, Hot Water for Events and Camp Sites,

 

[chris watkins]

28,000 Litres Craig, that should keep them going, doubles as a swimming pool as well!!

 

[Last Plumber]

What about survival in the field? Wash and shave in cold water etc. It won't kill you it will make you stronger .

 

[chris watkins]

What about survival in the field? Wash and shave in cold water etc. It won't kill you it will make you stronger .

Shaving in the field might be a bit tough on them half are girls & all are under 12's

 

[Aire]

28,000 Litres Craig, that should keep them going, doubles as a swimming pool as well!!

Haha, id love to know what event that's for, it only stays hot for 24 hours, that's some hot water usage.

Option 1 was intended for op though

 

[Chuck]

Have you tried this company?
Hot Water Supply, Suppliers of Hot Water, Hot Water for Events and Camp Sites,

Great link!

I just love companies like that one. Outfits that specialise in a relatively narrow area that you need to call once in a lifetime and a seemingly impossible problem is solved at a stroke. I'm not expecting to need 35 cubic meters of hot water delivered anytime soon but it's great to know there's someone to call if I ever do.

I wonder how much they charge? I have an irrational desire to know...

 

[Aire]

Something like this would be ideal

 

[Last Plumber]

Shaving in the field might be a bit tough on them half are girls & all are under 12's

Aha !

 

[Murdoch]

All suggestions and anger at my stupidity are welcome.
James

Dare I suggest you get this organised by a hire company? messing around with a 32A supply with water in a field with the public involved is not advised ............

 

[Ben-gee]

I would suggest washing hands in cold water then using sanitising gel squirt stuff. Or maybe baby/wonder wipes (rationed!).
For hot water needs, boil up in pans on your camp fire. You’ll soon find this is only needed for the greasiest frying pans etc

 

[OffshoreGas]

I suspect it might be easier to find a site that's more suited to accommodating groups of 100.

What will you do with all the waste water? Say a shower lasts 5 mins. and uses 15L of water/min. That's 75L, you could probably round it up to 100L by the time you've taken into account hand washing etc. For 100 people that's 10m3 of water to dispose of each day.

Running 4 power showers would require a large 3 phase generator, they're not cheap to hire and you need to get it on site. You'd also have a fairly hefty deposit to pay.

Is it even practical to provide 4 showers for 100 people? say you can get someone undressed/showered/dressed in 10 mins that's only 24 users/hour. Most people are going to want to shower at similar times, there's going to be a lot of naffed off people waiting around.