WATER INSTTUTE
DEPARTMENT OF WATER SUPPLY
OPERATION AND MAINTENANCE OF WATER SUPPLY SYSTEMS
KIHAMU M.M
STORAGE TANKS
These are designed to ensure continuous supply of water when backup
storage is needed during emergency. The primary purpose of water
storage tank is to balance supply during peak hour demand. Water
storage tanks should be positioned on higher ground relative to the
supply area so as to command pressure
FUNCTIONS OF STORAGE TANKS
1. Balancing water supply and demand by storing excess water when
available and releasing it when demand increases or supply is low
2. Elevated storage tanks provide sufficient pressure and ensure that
water can flow through distribution system
3. Enables water conservation by storing during times of abundance for
future drier periods
e.g. storage tanks
TYPES OF STORAGE TANKS BASED ON POSITION
1. GROUND LEVEL STORAGE TANKS
These are tanks located at ground level or below ground. They
are used for short term storage and more economical due to
their simpler construction.
2. ELEVATED STORAGE TANKS
These are tanks constructed at a certain height i.e. on towers or
risers so as to simply use gravity for pressure in water
distribution system.
3. UNDERGROUND STORAGE TANKS
These are tanks located below the surface used in areas where
space is limited or aesthetic impacts needs to be minimized. Also
protects water from extreme weather conditions i.e.
temperature
TYPES OF STORAGE TANKS BASED ON MATERIALS
1. CONCRETE TANKS
Reinforced Concrete
These are commonly used for storage of water in municipal water supply systems.
They are strong, durable and resistant to corrosion.
Precast Concrete
Manufactured off-site then assembled at location. They offer faster installation and
are used for both potable and non-potable water storage.
2. STEEL TANKS
These are used for water storage due to their strength and ability to resist external
pressures. Often coated with epoxy or zinc to prevent corrosion.
3. PLASTIC (POLYETHYLENE) TANKS
These are lightweight, resistant to corrosion and come in various shapes and sizes.
They are commonly used in residential and small-scale applications.
E.G. TYPES OF TANKS
COMPONENTS OF WATER STORAGE TANKS
1. Tank Structure
Structure can be made from various materials, including Steel, Concrete,
Polyethylene, They also come in different shapes, such as cylindrical,
rectangular, or spherical, depending on space, capacity, and the material
used.
2. Tank Foundation
The foundation supports the weight of the water tank and ensures its
stability. It must be designed to withstand the pressure exerted by the tank
when filled with water.
3. Tank Roof
The roof is used to prevent contamination of the water from debris, animals,
and environmental elements usually made of reinforced concrete or metal
and should have adequate drainage to prevent rainwater accumulation.
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4. Inlet and Outlet Pipes
Inlet pipe allows water to flow into the tank from the source, such as a
well, treatment plant, or pump station while Outlet Pipe allows water
to flow out of the tank and into the distribution system. Pipes should
be designed to accommodate the required flow rates and pressures
and should include features such as control valves to regulate the flow
of water.
5. Overflow Mechanism
Ensures that excess water, in case the tank overfills, can safely be
directed away to prevent damage to the tank and its surroundings.
Usually placed at the top of the tank and must be properly sized to
handle potential surges in water flow.
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6. Drainage and Cleaning System
This allows for periodic cleaning and maintenance. This is usually a drain valve located at
the bottom of the tank, which can be opened to remove sediment and debris that
accumulate over time.
7. Ventilation
Water tanks require ventilation to prevent the formation of a vacuum and allow air to
flow freely as the water level fluctuates. This is typically done through a vent pipe.
8. Access Hatch or Manhole
Installed to allow workers to access the interior of the tank for inspection, maintenance,
and cleaning purposes, located at the top or sides of the tank and may be equipped with
ladders or platforms for safe entry.
9. Level Indicator/Measurement System
Used to monitor the water level within the tank. This can be done using various
technologies, such as float mechanisms, ultrasonic sensors, or radar-based systems.
DESIGN REQUIREMENTS FOR EFFICIENT OPERATION
OF WATER TANKS
1. Must be sized appropriately to meet the demand of the area it
serves. This includes considering daily water usage, peak demand,
emergency storage, and seasonal variations.
2. Should be designed in a shape that allows for easy maintenance,
even distribution of water pressure, and minimal water stagnation.
Cylindrical and spherical shapes are commonly preferred for large
tanks.
3. Should be large enough to handle peak demand, but not so large
that it leads to inefficient operation or increased evaporation losses.
4. Should be designed to prevent the entry of contaminants, such as
debris, dust, animals, or chemicals. This can be achieved through a
sealed tank design, including a secure roof, access hatches, and
airtight covers.
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5. The materials used for tank construction (such as stainless
steel, concrete, or polyethylene) must be non-corrosive, non-
toxic, and resistant to bacterial growth.
6. The water tank and surrounding area should be securely
fenced or otherwise protected to prevent unauthorized access,
tampering, or vandalism.
7. The design should take into account future population growth
or changes in water demand. This can include provisions for
future tank expansion or adding additional storage units.
8. Overflow pipe must be incorporated to handle excess water
during filling and prevent overflows that could damage the tank
and surrounding area.
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9. The tank design must comply with local, national, and
international standards and regulations for water quality, safety,
and environmental protection. This may include compliance with
water storage standards, health regulations, and building codes.
10. The tank must be placed on a stable, level foundation to
prevent tilting, cracking, or collapsing under the weight of the
water. This foundation must be able to withstand the full
capacity of the tank when filled.
11. The tank should be positioned in a way that minimizes the
need for pumping, especially in elevated tanks. Gravity-fed
systems are preferred as they reduce the reliance on electrical
pumps.
MONITORING WATER STORAGE TANKS
1. Water Level Monitoring
Continuously or periodically measuring the water level, to ensure that
the tank remains within the desired range for optimal performance
By use of :
i. Float device moving up and down with the water level inside the
tank
ii. Ultrasonic Sensor which uses sound waves to measure the distance
between the sensor and the water surface. Based on the time it
takes for the sound wave to reflect back to the sensor; the water
level can be calculated.
iii. Radar Sensors, send out microwave signals to the water surface.
The time taken for the signal to return is used to determine the
water level.
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2. Time to Fill/Empty Monitoring
Monitoring the time taken to fill or empty a water storage
tank for ensures proper functioning of water supply and
distribution systems. By tracking how long it takes to fill or
empty a tank, operators can identify issues with the
inflow or outflow rates, such as blockages or pump
failures. By use of Flow Meters, Pump Runtime
Monitoring, Automated Monitoring and SCADA Systems.
STEPS TO CLEAN WATER STORAGE TANKS
1. Before cleaning, shut off the water supply to the tank and isolate the
tank from the distribution network. This ensures that no water flows
into the tank while cleaning is in progress.
2. Drain the water from the tank. If the water is safe to use (non-potable,
for example), it can be redirected or used for other purposes like
irrigation
3. Cleaners should wear proper PPE
4. Using scrubbers, brushes, and specialized cleaning tools, manually
clean the sides, floor, and roof of the tank
5. For potable water tanks, use food-grade disinfectants, like chlorine or
a non-toxic solution approved by local health authorities
6. Let the disinfectant sit in the tank for at least 30 minutes to ensure
thorough disinfection.
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7. After the disinfection process, drain the chlorine solution and rinse
the tank again to remove any residual chlorine, flush the tank by refilling
it with clean water and letting it flow through the system to ensure that
any remaining residue is removed from the tank and pipes.
8. Refill the tank with fresh water. If it's a potable water tank, ensure
that water quality is tested before returning it to service. Reconnect the
tank to the water distribution. After filling, check for any leaks in the
tank or its connections. Monitor the water quality post-cleaning.
Conduct tests to confirm that there are no chemical residues or
contaminants. Keep records of the cleaning process, including the date,
procedures followed, cleaning agents used, and any repairs or
inspections performed. Establish a routine for cleaning the tank,
typically once or twice a year, depending on the tank's usage,
environmental factors, and local regulations
BREAK PRESSURE TANKS
This is designed to protect the system from
excessive pressure and to maintain the overall
integrity and efficiency of the network. It is
typically installed at strategic locations where
the system pressure needs to be reduced or
"broken" to avoid damage to pipes and other
infrastructure, particularly in gravity-fed systems
or areas with high-pressure zones.
Guide on how to properly operate a Break Pressure
Tank (BPT):
1. Before operation perform inspection of the tank and associated
equipment (inlet and outlet pipes, valves, air release systems, etc.) to
ensure everything is in good working condition.
2. Check if pressure relief valve is set to the correct pressure according
to the system’s requirements
3. Confirm that the inlet and outlet valves are open and that the flow of
water into the tank is not obstructed.
4. Ensure that the tank has the correct amount of water to operate
effectively. Most tanks are designed to maintain a certain water level
for efficient operation.
5. Regularly monitor the pressure inside the tank using the pressure
gauge or digital sensors.
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6. The flow of water into the break
pressure tank should be controlled to
avoid overfilling or underfilling the tank
7. Activate air release valve to discharge
the trapped air or gas. This ensures
smooth operation and optimal pressure
regulation.
TROUBLESHOOTING COMMON ISSUES IN BPT
ISSUE CAUSES SOLUTION
Tank Pressure Too High The incoming pressure is too Adjust pressure relief valve
high for the tank to handle. settings or inspect the incoming
flow to ensure that it is within
the recommended limits for the
tank
Overflowing Tank The water level is rising too high. Check the inlet valve for any
blockages or improper
operation. Additionally, verify
that the tank is not overfilled
due to an improper setting on
the level indicator or
malfunctioning overflow pipe.
Airlock or Reduced Flow Air trapped inside the system Open the air release valve to
causes an airlock. allow trapped air to escape.
Ensure that the valve is
Maintenance and Inspection
a) Routine Inspections
• Check the Pressure Relief Valve: Test the pressure relief valve regularly to ensure it is
working correctly and releasing excess pressure when needed.
• Air Release Valve: Ensure that the air release valve is clean and operating properly. Over
time, dirt and debris can cause it to malfunction, leading to air accumulation in the system.
• Tank Cleaning: Regularly clean the tank to prevent sediment buildup, which could affect
its efficiency.
• Water Level Monitoring: Ensure that the level indicator is properly calibrated and
provides accurate readings.
b) Preventive Maintenance
• Check for Leaks: Inspect all tank components for signs of leakage, corrosion, or wear. A
leaking valve or pipe can disrupt the system’s pressure regulation.
• Check the Overflow System: Ensure that the overflow pipe is functioning properly and has
no blockages.
• Lubricate Valves and Components: Keep valves and mechanical components well
lubricated to prevent wear and maintain smooth operation.
IDENTIFYING DEFECTS
DEFECT IDENTIFICATION CORRECTION
Cracking Cracks can occur due to various Clean the cracked area, remove any
factors such as excessive pressure, debris, and apply a non-shrink grout
temperature changes, or poor or epoxy resin designed for use with
construction quality. They can be concrete. This will seal the crack and
hairline cracks, larger structural prevent further water leakage.
cracks, or seepage cracks.
If the cracks are large and affect the
tank’s structural integrity, it may be
necessary to re-pour concrete or use
reinforced steel to strengthen the
affected area.
Settlement (Uneven Ground Tilted Tank, Visible Gaps, Distorted Use shoring or foundation
Movement) Foundation underpinning methods (such as pilings
or drilled shafts) to redistribute weight
and prevent further settlement.
Ground compaction , Tank
Realignment
Corrosion Rust or Oxidation: Look for rust stains Cleaning using wire brushes Coating
or discolored after cleaning, apply a protective anti-
corrosion coating
patches on steel and iron components
Replacement of Damaged
Weakness in Joints and Bolts
REPLACE DEFECTS
[Link] and Materials Needed
Replacement Fittings (appropriate for the tank and pipe material—PVC, steel, etc.),
Pipe Wrenches or Adjustable Wrench, Sealant or Thread Tape (if applicable),
Cutting Tools (for PVC pipes, use pipe cutters or hacksaw), Rubber Gaskets or Seals,
Cleaning Cloths or Rags, Teflon Tape (for threaded connections), Safety Gear
(gloves, safety glasses)
[Link] Off the Water Supply
Turn off the Water Supply, Drain the Tank
[Link] Defective Inlet and Outlet Fittings
Step 1: Disconnecting the Inlet Fitting
Step 2: Disconnecting the Outlet Fitting
Step 3: Installing the New Fittings
CHEKLIST FOR STORAGE TANKS INSPECTION
1. General Information
Tank ID Number, Tank Type (e.g., above ground, underground), Tank Material (e.g., steel,
concrete), Tank Capacity, Contents (e.g., fuel, water, chemicals), Date of Last Inspect
2. Exterior Inspection:
Visual Inspection e.g. Are there any signs of dents, cracks, or bulges? Is there any
evidence of rust or corrosion? Is the tank's coating intact and in good condition? Is the
foundation stable and level? Are there any signs of settlement or cracking?
3. Interior Inspection (if possible)
Are there any signs of corrosion, pitting, or cracking? Is there any evidence of leaks or
seepage? Is the tank clean and free of debris?
4. Special Considerations:
Are there any environmental risks associated with the tank? Are there any spills or leaks
that need to be addressed? Are there any safety hazards associated with the tank? Are
there any safety procedures in place?
THANK YOU
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