Oman enhances oversight of water tanker operations with new regulations

The Authority for Public Services Regulation (APSR) has introduced a new regulatory framework to oversee the activities of independent water tankers within Oman’s water and wastewater sector, reports Zawya.

Issued under the Water and Wastewater Sector Regulation Law (Royal Decree No. 40/2023), the new measures are designed to raise service quality, enhance governance, and support Oman’s broader sustainability goals.

The framework establishes clear requirements for independent tanker operators involved in water supply, wastewater collection and transportation, and the delivery of treated water. Operators must now secure official permits, adhere to operations within assigned zones, and meet detailed Service Level Agreements (SLAs) that define technical standards, complaint handling, inspection protocols, and emergency response procedures.

To promote transparency and accountability, licensing authorities are tasked with offering accessible application processes, including through digital platforms, rigorously monitoring compliance

To promote transparency and accountability, licensing authorities are tasked with offering accessible application processes, including through digital platforms, rigorously monitoring compliance, and maintaining a centralised electronic database. This registry will include operator records, subscriber information, water supply and discharge locations, tanker registration plates, and sources of wastewater.

Additionally, the regulation introduces a comprehensive system of penalties for violations by individual operators and corporate entities, with the goal of preserving service standards and ensuring sector-wide operational integrity.

This regulatory update is a key component of Oman’s larger effort to modernise critical water and wastewater services, reflecting the Sultanate’s commitment to delivering efficient, high-quality public utilities in line with the objectives of Oman Vision 2040.