IS 19757 : 2026

Alternative Drinking Water Service Provision During a Crisis — Guidelines

This Indian Standard provides guidelines on Alternative Drinking Water Service (ADWS) provision during a crisis, that is, any event that disrupts a utility’s normal piped water distribution and demands more than usual operational arrangements. Published as IS 19757:2026, it consolidates relevant provisions from ISO 24527:2020 and ISO 24595:2024, adapted to Indian conditions to cover the general population, essential facilities (hospitals, schools) and temporary settlements (relief and evacuation camps) under a unified emergency response framework.

Where an operational interruption exceeds 36 hours, the drinking water utility must ensure ADWS provision and use only authorized, disinfected assets, supplying water at a quota conforming to the quantity norms of IS 17392 and quality norms of IS 10500. Two broad approaches are outlined: non-conventional use of the existing distribution network (temporary standpipes, tanker recharge, lowered pressure), and Temporary Points of Distribution (TPDs) established independently of the network.

It details pre-planning of disruption scenarios, securing and mobilizing resources, and selecting TPD sites based on hygiene, accessibility, capacity, safety and the needs of vulnerable users. It also prescribes a communication plan for informing users and stakeholders, before and during a crisis, about ADWS deployment, locations and appropriate behaviour.

Implementation methods described include static water tanks, containerized water, bottled water, fixed water resources, automated water transaction machines, mutual aid from neighbouring utilities, mobile treatment units, community water points and rainwater harvesting. Annexes give practical guidance on determining water allocations, logistics planning, supporting users with special needs, and TPD layouts.

Last Updated on July 6, 2026