One thing that every community needs are water storage tanks for handling periods of high demand and providing water for fires when needed.
To properly serve that need, water tank engineers stress that the right storage system must be chosen.
Storage tank design and size as well as a number of other crucial details must be considered to ensure that a system will be efficient and perform as expected for the community.
Essential Considerations
Before deciding on storage tanks or any part of the storage system, it is essential to look at the important details that will help to determine a community’s specific needs:
- Demand - What is the current and anticipated water supply demand for the community? Tanks should hold a minimum of one days worth of water for the service area.
- Site Location and Geology - What are the geological details about the available location where the storage system will be installed? This will affect storage tank design, foundation design, and system pumping requirements.
- Site Access - How easy will each type of system be to install and then access later based on the site location and details?
- Pressure Requirements - At what pressure must the water be pumped based on the best storage tank options for the chosen site?
- Maintenance - What and how much maintenance will each system require?
- Cost - What will the overall site preparation and storage system installation cost be and which systems fit the community budget?
Water Storage Tank Options
Based on specific community needs, site elevation, geological restrictions, and other details, storage tanks can be chosen with the assistance of water tank engineers setting up the facility from the following options:
- Elevated Tanks - Water towers with elevated storage bowls available in a variety of tank designs, sizes, and heights to fit a variety of needs and ground elevations.
- Ground Storage Tanks - Ground-level, below ground, or partially below ground tanks.
- Standpipe Storage Tanks - Ground-level storage tanks that are longer and taller for when a higher volume and taller ground-level system is required.
Pumping System Options
Pumping systems for storage systems must be chosen based on ground elevation and the style of tank chosen for the water storage facility:
- Direct Pumping Systems - A system operated with motors to build pressure and push water where it needs to flow within the community. Direct systems are more accurate as pressure and flow rates can be more easily controlled.
- Indirect Pumping Systems - Gravity-fed pressure systems that can be operated without electricity.
Many Factors Involved in Community Storage Systems
Every well-managed community requires a municipal water storage plan for handling periods of high demand, yet not all storage system designs will work in all locations and for all communities.
Communities looking to install the right systems should consider all of these factors, then discuss their needs with an experienced and qualified water storage tank engineering service that can provide critical knowledge for the planning and building of those facilities!
