It’s not just about transporting water

Sadly, every summer we see how fires ravage towns and villages; once the fire has passed and the journalists have left, the residents are left to struggle with what remains. Sometimes the supply of drinking water is one of the problems to be solved, which is why we prepare our tankers to provide this service. For the transport of water for human consumption – that is, water for drinking, cooking and daily hygiene – it is not enough simply to fill a tank and reach the destination.

A regulated, responsible service

The transport of drinking water in tankers or mobile tanks is regulated by Articles 34 and 35 of Royal Decree 3/2023, and in Galicia it is managed by the Regional Ministry of Health. Each supply requires a series of formalities that we complete before the tanker sets off:

Registration of the activity

Before the first delivery, we apply, via REXEL and at least 48 hours in advance, to be included on the official list of companies with authorised water tankers for drinking water.

Binding health report

For each supply period, which must be processed with the same minimum notice period. If the service is to exceed four months per year, a specific favourable report is also required, justifying the need.

Notification of each delivery

We notify the regional Department of Health at least 24 hours in advance and provide the date and time of each refill.

All this administrative work ensures that only companies with the necessary capacity and commitment to health standards carry out the transport.

Before each delivery, we clean and disinfect the tank, carrying out descaling, disinfection and a thorough rinse with water in accordance with Royal Decree 3/2023. The products we use must comply with the European Biocidal Products Regulation, as not everything suitable for cleaning a food-grade tank is appropriate for the subsequent transport of water intended for human consumption.

We also test the source water by taking samples to measure residual free chlorine and pH at the time of loading and upon dispatch. Each insulated tanker is accompanied by a manufacturer’s certificate confirming that its materials are suitable for food contact, as well as clearly visible signage indicating that it is transporting water for human consumption.

Our values, all in one service

Punctuality

Anyone who relies on a tanker for their water supply cannot afford to wait. We plan ahead with our traffic department, because administrative and delivery deadlines are part of the same commitment to delivering water when it is needed.

Traceability

We record every service: the water’s source, delivery point, dates and times, chlorine and pH levels, tank details, incidents, cleaning and disinfection. The log sheet always accompanies the vehicle.

Exclusivity

Our insulated tankers are dedicated solely to the transport of drinking water for the duration of the supply. This prevents any risk of cross-contamination from any other type of foodstuff.

Water quality does not depend solely on who transports it. Both the tanker operator and the receiving facility have their own quality systems, and each is responsible for their respective stages of the process. That is why we share with the recipient all the information they need to complete their own records.

Behind every tanker are processed applications, reviewed analyses, recorded cleaning procedures and the Rios Sangiao team. Delivering water to a place that lacks it is a responsibility, and ensuring it arrives in perfect condition is part of our day-to-day work.