A water tender, sometimes known as a water tanker, is a type of firefighting apparatus that specializes in the transport of water from a water source to a fire scene. Water tenders are capable of drafting water from a stream, lake or hydrant.
This class of apparatus does not necessarily have enough pumping capacity to power large hose lines (like a fire engine), though it utilizes a smaller pump to draft from bodies of water. Water tenders are used when there is no working fire hydrant within reach of other fire equipment, potentially supplying the fire engine(s) with a very rapid connection. Most water tenders are designed to carry heavy water payloads of 2,600 U.S. gallons (2,200 imperial gallons; 9,800 liters) or more; in the United States, 1,000 U.S. gallons (830 imperial gallons; 3,800 liters) is the minimum requirement according to National Fire Protection Association standards.