Elevated water tanks and tanks on towers provide for a combination of pressurized water from gravity feed as well as a highly visual statement. Towers can be constructed from either wood or steel in a variety of styles and heights.
Tank & Tower Engineering
Typically after a tower is designed, fabricated and erected the water tank (built at the factory for tanks under 8′ diameter otherwise built separately at ground level on-site) is lifted by crane to it’s resting place and secured with the appropriate fasteners.
Due to safety regulations just about all elevated tanks on towers require site-specific engineering in order to comply with local laws and ordinances which may vary by state.
Make a Statement
Water tanks on towers can provide a stunning architectural landmark for commercial as well as private properties and are often used in public parks, shopping centres, and of course on ranches. In addition, the elevated structures provide high visibility for signage and advertising to attract new visitors or customers.
WHY TANKS ARE ELEVATED
When driving around your town you may have noticed large water towers which are very large elevated water storage tanks. Depending on the topography of the tower’s location they may be visible for miles around and are often emblazoned with the name of the town in which they are located. In hilly regions there is often no need for an elevated tower, the tank can be placed on the highest ground in the vicinity of the town and achieve the same elevation. While some may think of them as simply a picturesque part of the rural landscape, the towers have a practical purpose – they help supply the community with water.
Reasons for elevating water tanks
The primary reason is to create more water pressure. As with the tank on the back of the average household toilet, the tank’s position allows it to deliver water with more force. If a municipal water tank is elevated to more than a hundred feet above the ground, there is an increase of .43 psi per foot. A tank that has been elevated to an appropriate height can create water pressure similar to that created by a large pump. The ability to create water pressure with gravity alone means that the only fuel expenditure may be on the small pump used to fill the tank.
