Elevated Water Storage Tanks
For more than 100 years, Pittsburg Tank & Tower Group (PTTG) has been a dedicated steel tank fabricator and provider of quality above-ground storage and elevated tanks for customers throughout the US.
Expert Tank Services
Elevated water storage tanks are used to store water for fire protection and potable drinking water within a designated area or community. Elevated tanks allow the natural force of gravity to produce consistent water pressure throughout the system. Based on the intended application and needs of the distribution area, elevated water tanks can be engineered using a broad range of shapes, sizes, and materials.
Our elevated storage tanks are engineered, manufactured, and constructed within American Water Works Association and National Fire Protection Association (AWWA and NFPA) guidelines, and are built to meet location-specific industry requirements and regulations.
Elevated Tank Types
Elevated water storage tanks are typically manufactured by tank builders from carbon steel, which is inexpensive to form and exceptionally durable. Carbon steel is easy to maintain, and steel elevated tanks have been known to last up to 60 years. Below is a list of some of the most common tank designs.
Choosing an Elevated Tank
When selecting the best elevated water tank for your application, it is important to consider the height, construction, capacity, size and shape, and cold protection requirements. Installation of the correct elevated water tank will ensure reliable and efficient water flow throughout the distribution area.
Height
The height of an elevated water storage tank impacts the water pressure within a community. Towers should offer a minimum of 20 psi of water pressure to users within the distribution system at all times, though standard pressure is much higher—typically between 60 and 70 psi. The height of the elevated tank must be sufficient to ensure a constant minimum pressure to all points within the distribution area.
Size & Capacity
When choosing an elevated water storage tower, consider the expected usage and storage capacity of the tank. Projections for water usage, including community growth and emergency usage, are necessary to ensure that the elevated water storage tank has sufficient capacity.
Design & Construction
To determine the correct design and materials for a water tank, engineers must consider the intended use, water quality, pressure requirements, and environmental impact. The area’s soil quality and consistency, potential seismic activity, high winds, and extreme temperatures will all influence material selection and design elements. Also consider the installation site and how field erected tanks are constructed and how it may present challenges.
Importance of Cold Resistance
An elevated water tank is at risk of freezing in below zero temperatures, which in turn could leave the community without a reliable water source. A variety of water tank heating methods may be implemented to prevent freezing, including gravity circulation, steam coils, and/or direct steam discharge.
