---
title: Water in red diesel at standby power sites: what to do
url: https://cityfuel.services/questions/what-should-a-standby-power-site-do-with-red-diesel-contaminated-with-water/
publisher: City Fuel Services Ltd
---

# What should a standby power site do with red diesel contaminated with water?

In brief

For a standby power site, water in red diesel means stopping use of that fuel straight away, keeping it away from drains, and arranging an assessment and collection. Water is where most diesel problems start. Call [07950 582635](tel:+447950582635) or [send an enquiry](https://cityfuel.services/enquiry/).

## Water in red diesel at standby power sites

At standby power sites, generator fuel that fails routine tests after sitting for months, and tank bottoms from cleaning. Condensation forms inside tanks as they warm and cool; rain gets in through worn fill caps, vents, seals and hatches; and floods or a high water table push water in through fittings.

## Collecting red diesel contaminated with water from standby power sites

Generator belly tanks and bulk tanks. Planned around fuel testing and tank cleaning, often every few years.

## Rules at standby power sites

Resilience plans usually require regular fuel testing, and collections are scheduled so the generator stays available.

## Is red diesel contaminated with water still worth collecting?

Usually yes.

## How City Fuel Services handles waste red diesel

We collect waste red diesel from cans and drums up to bulk tanks, across England, Wales and mainland Scotland, from our licensed site in Droylsden, Manchester. Terms, a rebate or a charge, are agreed before collection.

## Terms used in this answer

**Consignment note**: The document that travels with hazardous waste from the producer to the receiving site. Each person in the chain completes and signs their part.
**Diesel bug**: Bacteria and fungi that grow where water meets diesel in a tank. They form slime and sludge that block filters.

**Key facts**

| Problem | Water in Red diesel |
| --- | --- |
| Sector | Standby power sites such as hospitals and data centres |
| Fuel | [Red diesel](https://cityfuel.services/fuels/red-diesel/) |
| Also called | gas oil, rebated diesel, marked gas oil |
| Waste code | 13 07 01* (fuel oil and diesel) |

## Related questions

- [What should I do with red diesel contaminated with water?](https://cityfuel.services/questions/what-should-i-do-with-red-diesel-contaminated-with-water/)
- [How does a standby power site dispose of waste red diesel?](https://cityfuel.services/questions/how-does-a-standby-power-site-dispose-of-waste-red-diesel/)
- [What happens if water gets into red diesel?](https://cityfuel.services/questions/what-happens-if-water-gets-into-red-diesel/)
- [What should a standby power site do with red diesel contaminated with diesel bug?](https://cityfuel.services/questions/what-should-a-standby-power-site-do-with-red-diesel-contaminated-with-diesel-bug/)
- [What should a standby power site do with red diesel tank sludge?](https://cityfuel.services/questions/what-should-a-standby-power-site-do-with-red-diesel-tank-sludge/)
- [What should a standby power site do with stale red diesel?](https://cityfuel.services/questions/what-should-a-standby-power-site-do-with-stale-red-diesel/)

**Official guidance:** [GOV.UK: hazardous waste](https://www.gov.uk/dispose-hazardous-waste).

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City Fuel Services Ltd, Fairfield Road, Droylsden, Manchester M43 6AX. Call 07950 582635 or send an enquiry at https://cityfuel.services/enquiry/.