Water tanker supply is fast becoming a mainstream activity in the supply of water to residents and businesses in urban areas in Ghana.

These can be either lorries with welded cylindrical tanks or flatbed vehicles that carry water storage tanks.

Initially they started of as a source of emergency water but now serve those who cannot get water from Ghana Water Company Ltd (GWCL)

Water Feature

Customers of water tanker suppliers are mainly from one of these categories:

• Those who can pay for it
• People that experience a water shortfall
• Businesses or individuals not connected to the water network lines

The alternatives to water tankers are to:-

• Install wells or boreholes
• Be connected to the Ghana Water infrastructure
• Rainwater harvesting
• Buy bottled or sachet water

Interestingly even though the water tanker suppliers carry out an important role of making water accessible to a large demographic, there is no legal organisation responsible and accountable for the regulation of prices, quality and quantity of water supplied or the vetting of those involved in the sector.

The only option is to be a member of an association that attempts to provide some rules and regulations on best practices expected of all members. 

Hoping from this, a resemblance of proper ethical behaviour from its members whilst providing some level of assurance to the paying customers.

Water with Humour

The importance of water is often overlooked until it runs out!

Water tanker drivers normally get water from one of the following sources:

Pipe born water treated at source – using a water hydrant, water is tapped from treated Ghana Water pipes

Untreated ground water extraction – use of contaminated water is a serious public health issue as groundwater is used without any kind of treatment

Untreated surface water – this is done by using a pump or hose to suck up water created by a leaking pipe near their station

The water supply you get is a lottery and will depend on what is available in your area.

FF Cleaning Services advises that you wash your water storage tanks bi -annually and adopt some form of water filtration system.

Environmental Pollution

A lot of water tanker drivers do not even cover the lids on the Polytanks they carry.  Imagine the dust, flying objects and air pollutants coming in contact with the water.

However we trust them to supply us “clean water” to carry out domestic functions.