Water carriers
Do I need a licence?
Water carriers used to cart water for human consumption are considered a mobile food premises and are licensable under the Act. They are required to obtain a licence from a local government for an area in which they intend to operate. As they are transporting and handling food they must meet requirements of the Food Act 2006. They must have a food safety supervisor and are required to obtain a licence from a local government for an area in which they intend to operate.
Food safety concerns
Water carrying has food safety risks and serious health hazards which may arise if appropriate control measures are not taken to ensure the water is protected from contamination and to ensure the mobile premises are appropriate. Risks associated with water carriers include:
- the presence of harmful micro-organisms in the water such as Escherichia coli (E.coli), Salmonella and Shigella which can cause gastroenteritis
- mosquitoes may breed in the tank and transmit viral diseases such as Ross River Virus
- chemical health hazards may arise from the heavy metals or pesticides in the water supply, or inappropriate surface materials being in contact with the water.
Water carrier guideline
See the Queensland Health water carriers guideline for information, including:
- Roles and responsibilities
- Vehicle suitability
- Water carrier maintenance; and
- Water sources and sampling.