WHO Technical Note No. 12: 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.

This is one of a series of four-page highly illustrated notes prepared by WEDC for the World Health Organization (WHO) to assist those working immediately or shortly after an emergency to plan appropriate responses to the urgent and medium-term water and sanitation needs of affected populations.

The notes are relevant to a wide range of emergency situations, including both natural and conflict-induced disasters. They are suitable for field technicians, engineers and hygiene promoters, as well as staff from agency headquarters.

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.

© World Health Organization 2013. All rights reserved.