A water storage tank is a container for storage of water for domestic and industrial uses. Water storage tanks are available in many shapes and sizes. They can be vertical, horizontal, underground and potable, and can be made from plastic, steel, fiberglass, stone or concrete.
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.
Water storage tanks are used across a variety of applications where water needs to be stored for ready access. Household water storage, commercial food and beverage preparation, agriculture and irrigation, fire suppression, and industrial manufacturing all utilize water storage tanks to streamline water delivery.
Water can be stored in the atmosphere, on the surface of the Earth, or underground. These water storage areas are most commonly known as reservoirs. Natural reservoirs include oceans, glaciers and ice sheets, groundwater, lakes, soil moisture, wetlands, living organisms, the atmosphere, and rivers.
Water storage tanks, also known as cisterns, are primarily used to store water for domestic and consumptive purposes in households or buildings. Cisterns are typically found in areas where a potable. water source is not available in the community, the area. yields low well water capacity, or the groundwater quality.
Water storage tanks are available in a variety of materials, including galvanized or stainless steel (either bolted or welded), polyethylene, wood, or concrete. Polyethylene has several advantages over the alternatives: Unlike galvanized steel, polyethylene tanks won't corrode or rust.
Depending upon the capacity and requirements the tanks are classified in to three main types related to the underground water tank, elevated water tank and resisting on the ground.
Storage tanks and water towers require periodic inspections, cleanings, and maintenance to maintain proper water quality as well as longevity of the equipment. Depending on location, conditions, and type of tank or tower, inspections should be performed every one, three, or five years.
Water can be stored in three main places: the atmosphere, on the surface of the Earth, and underground.