Various materials are used for constructing water tanks: plastic, polyethylene, polypropylene, fiberglass, concrete, steel (welded or bolted, carbon or stainless). Earthen ponds designed for water storage are also often referred to as tanks.
   Materials used in the manufacture of these water tanks: Chemical contact tanks of FDA and NSF polyethylene construction, allows retention time for water and chemicals to be in contact and mix. Ground water tank is made of lined carbon steel, it may receive water from a water well or from surface water allowing a large volume of water to be placed in inventory and used during peak demand cycles. Elevated Water Tanks by elevating the water tank, the increased elevation creates a distribution pressure at the tank outlet of 1 psi per 2.31 feet of elevation, thus a tank elevated to 70 feet creates about 30 psi of discharge pressure, 30 psi is sufficient for most house hold requirements.
   The construction of water tanks begins with application parameters, the type of material used and the design of the tank is dictated by these variables:
   1. Location of the water tank (indoors, outdoors, above ground or underground)
   2. Volume of water tank will need to hold
   3. What the water will be used for.
   4. Temperature of area where water will be stored, concern for freezing.
   5. Pressure required to deliver water
   6. How is the water to be delivered to the water tank.
   7. Wind and Earthquake design considerations allow water tanks to survive seismic and high wind events.
   Throughout history, wood, ceramic and stone have been used as water tanks. These were all naturally occurring and manmade and some tanks are still in service.
   The Indus Valley Civilization (3000–1500 BC) made use of granaries and water tanks.(External Link) Medieval castles needed water tanks for the defenders to withstand a siege.(External Link) A wooden water tank found at the Año Nuevo State Reserve (California) was restored to functionality after being found completely overgrown with ivy. It had been built in 1884.(External Link) Vertical cylindrical dome top tanks may hold from fifty gallons to several million gallons. Horizontal cylindrical tanks are typically used for transport; this low-profile transport storage creates a low center of gravity helping to maintain equilibrium for the transport vehicle, trailer or truck. Hydro-pneumatic tanks are typically horizontal pressurized storage tanks. Pressurizing this reservoir of water creates a surge free delivery of stored water into the distribution system.
   There are many custom configurations that include various rectangular cube shaped tanks, cone bottom and special shapes for specific design requirements.
   A functional water tank/container should do no harm to the water. Water is susceptible to a number of ambient negative influences, including bacteria, viruses, algae, changes in pH, and accumulation of minerals. Correctly designed water tank systems work to mitigate these negative effects.
   Articles and specifications for Water Tank applications and design considerations:
American Water Works Association The AWWA is a reservoir of water tank knowledge; the association provides specifications for a variety of water storage tank applications as well as design. The AWWA's site provides scientific resources with which the reader will be able to develop an informed perspective on which to make decisions regarding their water tank requirements. NSF International writes standards, inspects and confirms that manufactured products that come into contact with air, food, consumer goods and water are suitable for human consumption.
   The Food and Drug Administration approves materials for use in storing water and food materials. Consult the Code of Federal Register for more details on water tanks.

Other uses

Further Information

Get more info on 'Water Tank'.