Fire protection tanks (or water storage tanks) play a vital role in protecting fresh water in drier areas from wildfires and contamination. They are often found on farms, wineries, and industrial zones in places where water is scarce. Simply put, they are a necessity in regions prone to fires and drought. Thousands of rural American businesses rely on modern water storage containers for their operations today.
High-quality tanks are generally designed with galvanized steel and are bolted into the ground. Others are simply constructed with carbon welded and factory coated steel. The structures themselves are typically round and silo-like, with pointed steel roofs. They can be found all over the dry areas of California, where wildfires run rampant in the summertime.
The need to protect your water from fires is increasing
Between 1978 and 2013, the length of the wildfire season increased by 19%. To make matters worse, the NOAA estimates that half of the United States is in drought – and as dry seasons become longer, water becomes an even scarcer resource. Not only are summers becoming drier, but wildfires are becoming more frequent, putting precious resources like water at risk, which is why Fire Protection Tanks are more important than ever.
Unfortunately, there has never been a more important time for businesses to ensure their water remains protected from natural disasters.
As a result, water storage tanks are no longer just about storing water for the long term. Hundreds of nationwide businesses use these tanks to ensure their water remains fresh, uncontaminated, and safe from the elements. Companies like SteelCore are dedicated to keeping your water safe so your business or farm can thrive, even in the harshest conditions. We have been in business since 2016 and have become one of the most trusted names in the industry.
What makes a good fire protection tank?
California Fire Code holds storage tanks to a high standard. After all, when some of the worst wildfires in the country happen in Northern California, it is important that storage tanks are built with precision.
The Sonoma County website also has a detailed list of all the requirements and exceptions. However, one of the main requirements is that a tank should meet the standards of NFPA 22. NFPA stands for National Fire Protection Agency and uses standard materials, including galvanized steel or fiberglass-reinforced plastic.
Generally, water storage tanks over 5,000 gallons need a permit, in addition to sitting on a concrete foundation. Check with your county’s fire code, as your exact requirements may change depending on your location.
As far as fire protection tanks go, SteelCore designs and sells some of the highest-quality ones on the market. SteelCore’s tanks are manufactured with corrugated, galvanized steel, unlike other companies. Because of their rugged design, they can survive various environmental conditions and meet several more standards than carbon-welded tanks. Truly defined as heavy-duty, these tanks can withstand wind speeds of nearly 170 MPH and survive a zone 4 seismic earthquake.
Finding a high-quality storage tank
With so many designs on the market, choosing a proper storage tank can be overwhelming. There are a lot of factors to consider before making a purchase, and we at SteelCore want you to make the most educated decision possible.
One important consideration is storage capacity. Tanks come in various sizes and capacities, so it is important to have a solid understanding of your water needs. Luckily, SteelCore has a calculator tool to help determine what dimensions you may need depending on your water capacity.
Similarly, it is important to consider the materials and foundation. Tanks bolted to concrete foundations like SteelCore’s are often more durable and can withstand more hazards than their smaller, unbolted counterparts.
The material of the water tank is essential as well. This ensures that you can use the water for irrigation or drinking. This is usually denoted with an NSF certification, which essentially states that the water is potable. However, the material and tank you go with will ultimately depend on what you use your water for.
For example, if your business farm uses a large amount of water, one possible solution is a 1,000,000 gallon galvanized water storage tank. Certified to NSF, NFPA, and OSHA standards, this mammoth tank has astounding protection against fire and environmental disasters while keeping the water potable inside.
As with anything, read your county’s fire code before committing to a storage tank. SteelCore representatives are always available to answer any questions and point you in the right direction. After you have decided, our experienced installers will work with you to ensure the installation process goes smoothly and that your water remains fire protected.
