This document provides guidelines for alternative water service (AWS) provision during a crisis for the ongoing operation of essential facilities.

This document addresses:

—？AWS principles and methods;

—？AWS operational planning and implementation.

This document is not applicable to:

—？planned water supply interruptions forming part of the drinking water utility's normal operations;

NOTE？However, many of the principles and methods described can be appropriate in such circumstances.

—？water supplied to temporary settlements, such as refugee camps;

—？the development and implementation of a crisis management system for water service, which is covered by ISO 24518^[1] and ISO/TS 24520,^[2] or the development and implementation of AWS provision during a crisis for private users, which is covered by ISO 24527.^[3]