Elevated water tanks are an important piece of our water infrastructure. They play a vital role in ensuring the reliability and consistency of the U.S.’s water supply.
From enhancing water pressure to providing emergency reserves, elevated water tanks offer several significant advantages that supports access to clean, reliable water whenever we need it. In this blog, we will explore the key benefits of these towering structures and why they are essential for both urban and rural water systems.
As a trusted utility, Indiana American Water often uses elevated water storage tanks and other infrastructure to better serve our customers and help promote improved water conservation.
Learn more about the infrastructure that brings water to your home when you visit our website, the71percent.org, today.
What is a Water Tank?
A water tank is a container designed to store and supply water until it is needed in the public water supply system. These tanks come in various shapes, sizes, and materials, from small household cisterns to large industrial reservoirs. They are typically made from durable materials like steel, concrete, or fiberglass to withstand the weight of the water and environmental factors.
Water tanks play a crucial role in water management systems, ensuring a consistent supply of clean water for drinking, irrigation, firefighting, and other essential needs. However, it’s important to note that not all water storage tanks are elevated. Ground-level storage tanks are also common and offer distinct advantages, particularly in blending with the community’s landscape without the visual impact of a towering water tower.
Types of Water Storage Tanks
- Elevated Water Tanks: Also known as water towers, elevated tanks are supported by a structure that lifts them above ground level. This elevation helps create water pressure naturally through gravity, which can be more energy-efficient compared to systems relying solely on pumps. Elevated tanks are ideal for communities where ground elevation is insufficient to provide the necessary water pressure through ground-level tanks.
- Ground Storage Tanks: These tanks are typically constructed at or below ground level and can be more easily integrated into the environment, reducing visual impact. Ground storage tanks often use either direct or indirect pumping systems. Direct pumping systems utilize motors to push water from the tank into the distribution system, allowing precise control of flow rates. Indirect pumping systems, on the other hand, rely on gravity, allowing water to flow from the tank to consumers even without electricity, which is a significant advantage during power outages or other emergencies.
- Standpipes: These are tall, narrow tanks that provide a combination of storage and pressure. Standpipes are often used when there is a need for additional storage capacity without constructing large, elevated structures.
Each type of water storage solution offers unique benefits, including cost efficiency, maintenance considerations, and ease of access, which must be carefully evaluated based on the specific needs and conditions of the community.
Choosing the right type of water storage tank is a critical decision for any community, influencing not only the efficiency of the water supply system but also its resilience in emergencies and overall environmental impact.
Why are Water Towers Elevated?
The primary reason for elevating water towers is to create pressure within the distribution system. By placing the tank at a certain height, the natural force of gravity assists in maintaining water pressure, allowing for efficient and reliable water distribution even during peak demand periods.
Elevated water towers also serve as landmarks and symbols of local infrastructure, either by identifying communities or the water utility.
Like grounded storage options, elevated water towers can reduce the risk of contamination as they create a physical barrier, preventing ground-level pollutants, debris, and runoff from entering the water supply. This elevated placement helps uphold water quality standards and helps the water remain clean and safe for consumption.
Types of Elevated Water Storage Tanks
Elevated water storage tanks come in various designs and materials to meet specific needs and conditions. Here are several types of elevated water storage tanks commonly used:
Concrete Pedestal Tanks
Concrete pedestal tanks feature a reinforced concrete pedestal supporting a steel or concrete container for water storage. These tanks are durable and resistant to corrosion, making them suitable for long-term water storage in various environments.
Steel Standpipe Tanks
A steel standpipe elevated storage tank consists of a tall, cylindrical steel structure supported by a concrete foundation. Steel tanks are typically used in urban areas to provide water pressure for firefighting and municipal water supply systems.
Composite Elevated Tanks (CETs)
A composite elevated tank combines the strength of steel with the corrosion resistance of reinforced concrete. These tanks feature a steel bowl or container supported by a concrete pedestal, offering a cost-effective solution for water storage in diverse applications.
Multi-Column Tanks
A multi-column water storage tower consists of several vertical columns supporting a central steel container for water storage. These tanks are suitable for large-capacity storage requirements and are often used in industrial and municipal water supply systems.
Spheroid Tanks
Spheroid tanks are spherical or ellipsoidal in shape and provide efficient storage capacity with minimal surface area. These tanks are commonly used in areas with limited land availability or where aesthetic considerations are important.
Each type of elevated water storage tank style offers unique advantages and is selected based on factors such as capacity, durability, cost, and environmental conditions. Understanding the characteristics of each tank type helps in choosing the most suitable option for specific water storage needs.
The Benefits of Elevated Storage Tanks
An elevated water tank, also known as a water tower, offers several advantages that contribute to efficient water distribution and management:
- Gravity-Driven Water Distribution: Elevated storage tanks utilize the natural force of gravity to maintain water pressure within the distribution system. By storing water at a higher elevation, gravity provides a constant flow of water to consumers without the need for additional pumps or energy consumption. This gravity-driven distribution system is reliable, cost-effective, and requires minimal maintenance compared to alternative methods.
- Improved Water Pressure: Elevating water storage tanks enhances water pressure throughout the distribution network. The height of the tank creates hydraulic pressure, allowing water to flow with adequate force to meet consumer demand. Consistent water pressure is essential for ensuring reliable water supply to homes, businesses, and firefighting systems, enhancing overall water system performance and effectiveness.
- Emergency Water Supply: Elevated storage tanks serve as critical components of emergency water supply systems. During power outages, pump failures, or other disruptions to the water distribution network, elevated tanks provide a readily available source of water. This supports the continued supply of essential services, such as firefighting, sanitation, and public health, so they can continue uninterrupted during emergencies, supporting community well-being and safety.
- Redundancy and Reliability: Incorporating elevated storage tanks into water distribution networks increases system redundancy and reliability. By storing water at elevated locations, municipalities can mitigate the impact of pipeline breaks, equipment failures, or other disruptions. In the event of a localized issue, the stored water in elevated tanks can be used to maintain water service while repairs are underway.
- Aesthetics and Land Use Efficiency: Elevated storage tanks can be designed to complement their surroundings and contribute to the aesthetic appeal of the landscape. Modern tank designs, architectural features, and landscaping efforts can transform water towers into iconic landmarks or community symbols. Additionally, the vertical storage provided by elevated tanks maximizes land use efficiency, making them ideal for urban and densely populated areas where space is limited.
These advantages make elevated tanks integral components of water infrastructure systems.
Contact Indiana American Water
Indiana American Water understands the benefits of elevated water tanks and other water system infrastructure. We spend ample time and resources working with local governments and municipalities to secure funds for new infrastructure projects, including building new water and wastewater treatment plants.
Check out our latest projects from our newsroom, or browse the71percent.org to learn more about the systems that make your clean drinking water a reality.