storage tank

Storage tanks are a crucial component of water supply systems, serving two primary functions: equalizing storage and emergency storage.1

Equalizing Storage: These tanks help manage fluctuating water demands. During periods of low demand, such as late at night, pumps fill the tanks. As demand increases during the day, water flows from the tanks to meet peak hourly needs, allowing treatment plants and pumping stations to operate at a more uniform rate.1

Emergency Storage: Water in these tanks is also vital for responding to emergencies like fires, accidental hazardous material spills, or other community crises.1

Distribution storage tanks are typically located on hilltops higher than the service area or elevated on towers to ensure adequate water pressure. Their capacity is generally designed to match the community's average daily water demand. Reservoirs, which can be open-air or enclosed, also serve to collect and store water, often formed by dams across rivers, and play a key role in managing variable stream flows and preventing floods.12