What is the objective of water tank?

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A water storage tank does exactly what it says on the tin – it is a tank that stores water. There is a whole range of different shapes, sizes, and uses, that can be used in a range of different ways. From water butts to rainwater harvesting systems, to baffled water tanks, to above ground tanks and below ground tanks, in an array of different sizes, it is important to find the right one that suits your needs.

What does a water tank do?

Water tanks can be used for storing water for many different uses. These uses can range from emergency fire suppression, irrigation, to providing drinking water and taps for washing. They provide a system whereby water can be captured from a source (such as the rain, a well, or mains water), stored, and therefore supplied on demand – in a similar way to a reservoir.

Without a water tank, the water supply could fluctuate according to demand.

Another purpose of the water tank is to ensure that water pressure is kept up. The water tank will usually force the water out (usually using air pressure, a pump, or gravity) making sure that it flows properly through the system and for its use.

What size water tanks are available?

Water tanks of a range of sizes are available, depending on what you are using them for. Some smaller water tanks can be used for personal, domestic use – measuring upwards of about 140 litres. Larger water tanks can hold massive amounts of water – commonly up to about 30,000 litres of water, but sometimes more.

Choosing the right size storage tank depends on how much water you will be needing and when.

How do you install a water storage tank?

The principles of installing a water storage tank are very simple – you connect it to the source of the water, and then to the destination of the water. However, the intricacies related to their installation, depend on the kind of tank that is being installed, where the water is coming from, and what it is being used for.

In general terms, to install a water storage tank, you should:

1. Prepare a base or foundation – the tank needs to be laid on a solid, flat, and relatively smooth base – whether it is an overground or below ground tank. Of course, if you are looking to install a below ground tank, you will need to excavate a hole that is larger than the size of the tank.
2. Install an overflow pipe – this allows any excess water to flow out of the tank if need be. Some tanks have this already installed, or others may need to have one fitted.
3. Connect to the water source – depending on the type of tank that is being installed, this can be more, or less complicated.
4. Install filters - you will need to consider how the water will get into the tank in terms of pumps and pressure, as well as any filters required. If you are rainwater harvesting for irrigation, for example, a simple filter to remove debris is needed, but if you are installing a tank for drinking water, you will need a more complex filter system.
5. Pressure – depending on the tank that is being installed and its mechanisms, you should also think about the pressure in the tank and how the water will leave it at the right pressure. You might only want to rely on gravity, consider an air pressure system, or pumps, for example.
6. Connect to the output pipes – depending on where you are sending the water to, you should then connect the water storage tank to the output.

Although the process is a relatively simple one, it is important that you get it right. If you have any doubts, contact a plumber or installer who can help you.

Above ground and underground water tanks

Below and above ground tanks both do the same job, but they are positioned differently. They each have their pros and cons and choosing between the two depends on your unique circumstances:

Above ground tanks – Are stored above the ground, are cheap and easy to install and maintain – as well as spot if there is a problem. However, they take up space that you might wish to use for something else and are more susceptible to extreme weather, vandalism, and other damage.

Below ground tanks – Are stored under the ground, are well protected from cold or hot weather, vandalism, and other damage. They are also better protected from fluctuations in temperature, however, they are a lot trickier to install and maintain – especially as there are no ways to visually spot any damage.

Container for storing water

Water tank used in municipal water treatment plant in Houston, Texas Water tank from 1876 in Hanover, Germany

A water tank is a container for storing water, for many applications, drinking water, irrigation, fire suppression, farming, both for plants and livestock, chemical manufacturing, food preparation as well as many other uses. Water tank parameters include the general design of the tank, and choice of construction materials, linings. Various materials are used for making a water tank: plastics (polyethylene, polypropylene), fiberglass, concrete, stone, steel (welded or bolted,[citation needed] carbon, or stainless). Earthen pots, such as matki used in South Asia, can also be used for water storage. Water tanks are an efficient way to help developing countries to store clean water.[1]

History

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Stone water tank in a castle courtyard, Saxony, Germany

Throughout history, wood, ceramic and stone tanks have been used as water tanks. These containers were all naturally occurring and some man made and a few of these tanks are still in service. The Indus Valley civilization (3000–1500 BC) made use of granaries and water tanks. Medieval castles needed water tanks for the defenders to withstand a siege. 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.[2]

Types

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Chemical contact tank of FDA and NSF polyethylene construction, allows for retention time for chemical treatment chemicals to "contact" (chemically treat) with product water.

The taanka is used in Rajasthan as a traditional form of rainwater harvesting

Ground water tank, made of lined carbon steel, 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.

An elevated water tank, also known as a water tower, will create a pressure at the ground-level outlet of 1 kPa per 10.2 centimetres (4.0 in) or 1 psi per 2.31 feet (0.70 m) of elevation. Thus a tank elevated to 20 metres creates about 200 kPa and a tank elevated to 70 feet creates about 30 psi of discharge pressure, sufficient for most domestic and industrial requirements.

Vertical cylindrical dome top tanks may hold from 200 litres or fifty gallons to several million gallons. Horizontal cylindrical tanks are typically used for transport because their low-profile creates a low center of gravity helping to maintain equilibrium for the transport vehicle, trailer or truck.

A Hydro-pneumatic tank is typically a horizontal pressurized storage tank. Pressurizing this reservoir of water creates a surge free delivery of stored water into the distribution system.

Glass-reinforced plastic (GRP) tanks/vessels are used to store liquids underground.[citation needed]

Design

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Water tank in Seoul, Korea

By design a water tank or 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, accumulation of minerals, and accumulated gas. The contamination can come from a variety of origins including piping, tank construction materials, animal and bird feces, mineral and gas intrusion. A correctly designed water tank works to address and mitigate these negative effects. It is desirable that water tanks be cleaned annually to reduce delivery of algae, bacteria and viruses to people or animals.[citation needed]

A safety based news article linked copper poisoning as originating from a plastic tank. The article indicated that rainwater was collected and stored in a plastic tank and that the tank did nothing to mitigate the low pH. The water was then brought into homes with copper piping, the copper was released by the high acid rainwater and caused poisoning in humans.[citation needed] Since the plastic tank is an inert container, it has no effect on the incoming water. Good practice would be to analyze any water source periodically and treat accordingly, in this case, the collected acid rain should be analyzed, and pH adjusted before being brought into a domestic water supply system.

The release of copper due to acidic water may be monitored by a variety of technology, beginning with pH strips and going to more sophisticated pH monitors, indicate pH which when acidic or caustic, some with output communication capabilities. Most of the algae growth occurs at an optimum pH,  between 8.2 - 8.7. pH level that is neutral or lower can help to reduce the growth of algae. Potential algaecide, shock product will help to clean swimming pools or water tanks from algae. In this process no need to use vacuum cleaner to remove algae.[citation needed] There is no causative link between the plastic tank and copper poisoning, a solution to the problem is to monitor stored rainwater with pH indicators and add appropriate treatment materials.

Advances in Water Tank Inspection Technologies

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Recent advancements in water tank inspection and maintenance have significantly enhanced system safety and longevity. Key among these technologies are remotely operated vehicles (ROVs) and thermal imaging, which have become instrumental in early detection of potential issues.

ROVs offer a non-intrusive means to inspect water tanks, allowing for detailed examination without direct human entry, thereby increasing operational safety and efficiency.[3] Thermal imaging, on the other hand, is particularly effective in low-visibility and harsh environments, as it facilitates the identification of temperature anomalies that may indicate leaks, weaknesses, or other faults within the tank structure. This application of thermal imaging in structural health monitoring has been substantiated in recent studies,[4][5]. Together, these technologies enable comprehensive diagnostics that surpass traditional inspection methods, ensuring water tanks meet the highest standards of reliability and regulatory compliance.

See also

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References

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