The Life Cycle of a Large Water Storage Tank

Large water storage tanks play a critical role in municipal water systems. These tanks supply everything from clean drinking water to water for fire protection and industrial processes. Municipalities and cities rely on these structures to provide a steady and reliable water supply.

The life cycle of a large water storage tank has several phases. Understanding this cycle makes it easier for city planners to allocate resources, maintain infrastructure, and conduct maintenance to extend a tank’s lifespan and avoid repairs or replacements. Pittsburg Tank and Tower Group is here to explain the early planning stages of water tanks through their eventual decommission.

Planning and Design

The first phase of building a water storage tank is planning and design. It’s important to consider the needs of the community or region where you plan to install the tank. Important factors to consider are population growth, geographical constraints, and environmental regulations.

This is also when you determine what type of tank you need, such as an elevated steel tank or ground storage reservoir. Tank dimensions often depend on site-specific needs, so it’s important to consider size in this stage. Structural stability and hydraulic efficiency are other critical considerations to ensure the tank can withstand environmental changes and operational demands.

Site Preparation

After devising a plan and selecting a tank that works for your needs, you must prepare the site before you can construct the tank. This phase includes conducting geotechnical surveys to assess soil stability and identify potential risks, such as erosion or land subsidence.

Construction crews will grade and level the ground once testing is complete. Certain geographic areas may need to install drainage systems to prevent water accumulation beneath the tank’s foundation. This is a good time to coordinate with engineers and contractors to make sure everything is secure. An unstable foundation can compromise your tank’s longevity and safety, so it’s important to get this part right.

Construction Process

During the construction phase, companies assemble the tank to fit the established plans and the foundation. Different tank models require various construction processes involving welding or connecting prefabricated panels.

Each construction method has its own challenges, from assembling elevated tank supports to ensuring proper reinforcement in concrete designs. It’s important to monitor for proper curing, welding integrity, and adherence to project specifications. Sticking to the plan guarantees durability and compliance with local regulations.

Initial Testing and Commissioning

Water storage tanks must undergo rigorous training and commissioning after construction. Engineers use this phase to evaluate structural integrity and ensure it can hold water without leaks. This is also the best time to monitor its performance in operational conditions.

Hydraulic tests can verify that the water pressure and flow rates meet industry standards. This stage allows you to make necessary repairs or adjustments and get everything up to code before the tank is fully operational.

Operational Use

When looking at the life cycle of a large water storage tank, the operational phase is when the tank starts fulfilling its primary purpose of storing and distributing water. Tanks must maintain a stable water supply for residential, industrial and emergency needs daily. Its role in maintaining consistent water pressure across the distribution network is especially important in larger communities.

It’s vital to monitor the tank’s water quality during the operational phase because stagnant water may lead to contamination. Planners can work with treatment facilities to maintain proper chlorination, filtration, and other measures to keep water safe for public health.

General Maintenance

Regular maintenance is one of the most important aspects of a tank’s life cycle. Performing routine inspections, cleaning, and repairs can prolong its lifespan and prevent costly failures. Maintenance activities include inspecting structural components for signs of corrosion, repainting exterior surfaces to protect against weathering, and maintaining protective coatings inside the tank.

It’s also important to monitor valves, pipes, and support structures and keep them in good working condition. Performing regular tank cleanings will remove sediment buildup, which can impact water quality and reduce storage capacity.

Rehabilitation and Upgrades

Even the best-maintained tanks may require upgrades or repairs. Advancements in technology or changes in codes may necessitate interventions and tank adjustments. Common rehabilitation projects include replacing corroded steel panels, resealing joints, and reapplying protective coatings.

Upgrades may include replacing outdated valves with newer models, incorporating smart monitoring technology, or increasing the tank capacity. Performing these upgrades can extend a water tank’s life and increase its adaptability to changing conditions in the area.

Inspections and Compliance

Throughout its lifespan, a water storage tank must adhere to strict safety and operational standards. Routine inspections ensure compliance with local and national codes, such as those issued by the American Water Works Association (AWWA) and OSHA.

These inspections assess the reliability of protective coatings; identify any components not in compliance with current OSHA, AWWA and NFPA code standards; and evaluate structural conditions. Regulatory bodies may also conduct audits to ensure compliance with environmental and seismic regulations. Noncompliance can lead to penalties, unplanned outages, and compromised service.

Decline and Decommissioning

Despite the best maintenance efforts, all water storage tanks eventually reach the end of their useful life. Factors such as extensive structural degradation, outdated design, and high rehabilitation costs often justify decommissioning.

Decommissioning a tank means transferring its water supply responsibilities to a new or upgraded facility. This process involves draining the tank, disconnecting valves and pipelines, and dismantling the physical structure. Many water tanks utilize recyclable parts to minimize this process’s environmental impact.

Time for Replacement

Replacement is the final phase in the life cycle of a water storage tank. When a tank is no longer viable, municipal planners must oversee the construction of a new one to replace it.

The process often begins by revisiting community needs to design a modern system that better accommodates changes in population, technology, and regulatory requirements. A replacement tank usually improves upon the older model by offering benefits like energy-efficiency, durability or more innovative features like upgraded monitoring sensors.

For expert assistance in ensuring the longevity and efficiency of your water storage infrastructure, reach out to Pittsburg Tank & Tower Group. As experienced tank and tower builders, we provide comprehensive solutions tailored to meet the unique needs of your community. Contact us today to discover how our expertise can support your water storage goals.