From what I've been reading most houses have to have a water tank and pump?Is this all of Udon or just outside city limits?
If you're renting a house is it standard the clean tank and working pump are included or is that expected of the renter to deal with it?
I assume that if that's the case(water tank and pump) in Udon,that's the situation in Nong Khai also?
I guess I've always been in cities and don't quite understand.The house has a large outdoor(on patio?)above ground water tank(enclosed,sealed?) that one pays to have a water truck come out to fill.Then at the base of the tank outlet a somewhat large pump is connected to give enough power to send the water through the house plumbing system?
If the power goes out it's back to the old Thai method of hand buckets of water for the commode and to shower?

What about the sewage system?Problems with backup?Can you think of any other water concerns?
Underground wells?

is it standard the clean tank and working pump are included

not really, unless landlord targets uppity local or farang, or just happens to be good landlord. saw a lot of rentals, most didn't have tanks and pumps, let alone above ground enough to provide pressure if electric goes out. though electic rarely goes out more that 12 hours, so we have a large trash can, as back up, actually used for watering plants and washing feet outside, but enough for couple ladle baths, if necessay. there's enough pressure for kitchen sink, but not showerhead, though if not cool season, i would need a hotel anyway, too hot to sleep.

never hear problems with sh*t tank, the trucks cruise around enough to get one within the day. when toilet start not completely flushing, time to flag one down. will do that for couple days, then simple stop as too full, and no more seepage.

outside of udon, will usually have a well/pump, and if tank up, no pressure problems if electic out. in city, a tank and pump is a must, as water pressure is weak to non existant at anytime. so keep tanks full as possible when pressure is good. further away from town, the less pressure. to none at all, possible for couple days at a time. so don't let tanks go empty. we have 3 tanks, just couple kms past ring road.

another thread about tank, if thinking about buying and installing your own eventually.
http://www.udonmap.com/udonthaniforum/water-tank-types-t12583.html
well/pump and above ground/1 story up, is best option IMO. electric out, always got water.

not sure if i would consistantly buy water from a truck, unless drilling a well wasn't possible. the cost would eventually pay for itself, plus i'm alway suspect of the source of the water on those trucks. TIT