Common Types Of Cold Water Storage Tanks

If you are responsible for water hygiene on your premises, you should be familiar with the common types of cold water storage tanks. Having the correct water tank will make a huge difference between safe and unsafe water.

In this blog, we’re going to outline the importance of having a quality cold water tank and look at the different types of cold water storage tanks available.

The Importance Of Having A Quality Cold Water Storage Tank

If your cold water tank is not up to scratch, you run the risk of water contamination, which can lead to bacteria in the water supply. This can then cause illness to anyone who inhales or consumes the water particles i.e. anyone in your building.

Legionella bacteria is a common problem in unsafe water tanks. It is responsible for Legionnaire’s Disease, a type of pneumonia that can cause serious illness and in some circumstances, death.

The disease is particularly dangerous for people aged 45+, smokers and those suffering from chronic respiratory or kidney disease, diabetes, lung disease, heart disease or an impaired immune system.

Aside from causing serious illness, an unsafe cold water tank will breach health and safety legislation. This includes the ACOP L8 code, Health and Safety at Work Act 1974 and the Control of Substances Hazardous to Health Regulations 2002.

Types Of Cold Water Storage Tanks

There are several common types of cold water storage tanks, each with its own advantages and disadvantages.

GRP Cold Water Tanks

Glass-reinforced plastic cold water tanks are without a doubt the best type of cold water storage tank. They are manufactured using sectional glass reinforced plastic panels, which are approved by the WRAS (Water Regulations Advisory Scheme) and are perfectly safe for storing potable water.

GRP is a strong and durable material that won’t rust or corrode. Because of their sectional panels, these tanks can be built in any size or shape you require.

Opting for a GRP tank will reduce the cost of ongoing maintenance and repairs whilst ensuring the safety of your potable water. Manufactured in Britain using the highest standards, these GRP tanks will last for years to come.

At Cold Water Storage, we can supply and install GRP water tanks. We can also replace your existing tank with a GRP tank.

Our expertly trained teams are experienced in GRP Water Tank Installation in a variety of buildings and across all sectors of industry. They will work closely with you to understand your requirements and any constraints you may have, such as water supply and timescales.

An in-house project manager will develop Risk Assessments and Method Statements as well as a timetable for delivery. The CWS team will then arrive fully equipped with any machinery and/or equipment they need to quickly and safely install your new water tank.

Steel Cold Water Tanks

Steel cold water tanks were a popular option before GRP tanks were introduced, and are still widely used today. Braithwaite Steel Tanks are particularly popular and usually feature press steel sectional panels.

Galvanised steel is also popular, as this features a coating that will withstand rust and corrosion for many years. Steel is a notoriously strong and durable material, making it a good choice for water tanks and cooling towers.

However, over time, steel water storage tanks will begin to corrode, especially if they are not maintained and inspected regularly. This corrosion and rust can lead to holes in the structure, which can cause leaks.

Thankfully, this can be repaired. At Cold Water Storage, we offer a popular repair and reline service. We are often called out to steel water tanks that are contaminating the water supply due to corrosion and bacteria growth.

Providing the tank is structurally sound, we will usually go ahead and repair the damage before relining the tank with a WRAS approved coating system.

This solvent-free polyurethane coating has been specifically designed for relining potable and drinking water tanks. It provides excellent protection against future corrosion and will add ten years to the lifespan of your steel water tank.

Concrete Cold Water Tanks

Concrete is obviously a very strong and durable material, so it is no surprise that concrete water tanks are a common type of water storage tank. Concrete water tanks, when maintained properly, can a very long time.

However, they have disadvantages. For example, they are extremely costly and can’t be manufactured on-site. Plus, there are not as many options when it comes to size and shape.

But the main downfall of concrete water tanks is the cracks and leaking that occurs as the tank naturally contracts over time. Again, this can be repaired providing the tank is structurally sound.

Cold Water Storage offers a tank refurbishment for concrete tanks. This includes a robust preparation technique combined with our WRAS approved coating that will protect your water tank from erosion and deterioration.

Get In Touch

If you have any questions about cold water storage tanks or the services we offer, don’t hesitate to get in touch. You can call us on 01943 872311 or email us at info@coldwaterstorage.co.uk.