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Delivering Safe Water by Tanker: Technical Notes On Drinking-Water, Sanitation and Hygiene in Emergencies
Delivering Safe Water by Tanker: Technical Notes On Drinking-Water, Sanitation and Hygiene in Emergencies
Delivering Safe Water by Tanker: Technical Notes On Drinking-Water, Sanitation and Hygiene in Emergencies
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Delivering safe water by tanker
Water tankering (also known as water trucking) can be a rapid
means of transporting water to areas in need during the initial
phase of an emergency. Tankering operations, however, are
expensive and relatively time-consuming to administer. This
technical note considers key issues relating to the effective
and efficient use of tankers during an emergency.
TECHNICAL NOTES ON DRINKING-WATER, SANITATION AND HYGIENE IN EMERGENCIES Updated: July 2013 12.1
Delivering safe water by tanker
Other considerations
Filling points Access roads Delivery points
Try to use filling points close to Water tankers are heavy vehicles Tankering is much more efficient if
the delivery point. Check that the and can quickly damage poorly water can be off-loaded to storage
source has sufficient quantity for constructed roads (see Figure 12.4 tanks rather than allowing people to
your needs and the water quality is on the previous page). Make an collect their water directly from the
acceptable. If the tankering process assessment of the roads before tanker (Figure 12.5). A storage tank
is expected to last some time, set starting to use them and reinforce connected to communal tap stands
up a dedicated water filling point them if necessary. is a common method to use.
(Figure 12.3). Lots of water will be
spilt during the filling process so
provide good drainage.
Figure 12.5. Simple storage and distribution point supplied by water tanker.
Further information
Davis, J. and Lambert, R. (2002) Engineering in Potable Water Hauler Guidelines, http://www.
Emergencies A practical guide for relief workers, 2nd hamilton.ca/NR/rdonlyres/3C2443DF-
edition, ITDG Publishing, UK. 80FA-4708-8486-5F6935246FD1/0/
Apr10PH06012WaterHaulerInspectionProgram.pdf
Prepared for WHO by WEDC. Author and Series Editor: Bob Reed.
Editorial contributions, design and illustrations by Rod Shaw
Line illustrations courtesy of WEDC / IFRC. Additional graphics by Ken Chatterton.
Water, Engineering and Development Centre Loughborough University Leicestershire LE11 3TU UK
T: +44 1509 222885 F: +44 1509 211079 E: wedc@lboro.ac.uk W: http://wedc.lboro.ac.uk
© World Health Organization 2013. All rights reserved. All reasonable precautions have been taken by the World Health Organization to verify the information contained in
12.4 this publication. However, the published material is being distributed without warranty of any kind, either expressed or implied. The responsibility for the interpretation and
use of the material lies with the reader. In no event shall the World Health Organization be liable for damages arising from its use.