Do your own Potable Water Tank inspection
In Texas potable water tanks are required to be inspected inside and out each year. Of course that is our business and we are sure we have the best inspection, offering the most information for the lowest cost. But sometimes no matter how much we offer and no matter how little we offer it for the funds may not be available.
In that case follow these steps to safely inspect your own water storage tank to meet state standards.
Inspection Technician on tower
Check the vent screen, that is the most common problem we see day after day. The chlorine & other treatment chemicals used in potable water are very hard on steel mesh screens, do not use stainless steel, seems like an upgrade but wont last any time at all.
Vent Structure
Next check sediment levels. If you don’t have an underwater camera handy you should drain the tank at least down to the level you can see the sediment on the floor, make a note of the depth & what it looks like, make sure there are no insects, birds or other contaminates in the tank. DO NOT ENTER the tank. If you need to make entry into the tank you should follow all Confined Space Entry protocols including having at least a three man trained team. This is really important! Chlorine gas can form above the water line in potable water storage tanks that have been treated with chlorine, in addition to that corrosion on the steel can deplete oxygen levels in the tank making a deadly combination. Our crews go in on their own air to dive the facility or use a remote camera to make entry we NEVER ENTER THE TANK alone or unprotected.
If you choose to use an underwater camera to get a look make sure it is purchased for and only used in potable water. Cross contamination is a serious issue that you need to be aware of! Visit our other blog at www.ronperrin.us for more information on water storage tank contamination.
If You are inspecting a tank or tower with a ladder be sure to have the fall protection equipment you need to get the job done safely.
View from the top of the ladder
Inspector on tower www.ronperrin.com
The proper safety equipment & Training is the key to performing a water tower inspection safely:
Proper Safety Gear Must Be Worn
Get a copy of the Texas State Rules, for water tank inspection Directly from the TCEQ Here:
TCEQ 290.46 go to : Chapter 30, TAC §290.46(m)(1)(A)
The State Form is available HERE:
Texas Commission on Environmental Quality Tank Inspection Form
Other states can follow AWWA recommendations. Here are the main coponents that are required to be inspected annually in Texas and should be included in any potable water tank inspection.
Foundation: settling, cracks, deterioration
Condition of Exterior Coating: rust, pitting, corrosion, leaks
Water Level Indicator: operable, cable access opening protected
Overflow Pipe: flap valve cover accessible, operable, sealed
Access Ladder: loose bolts or rungs
Roof: low spots for ponding water, holes along seams, rust
Air Vents: proper design, screened, sealed edges and seams
Cathodic Protection Anode Plates: secured and sealed
Roof Hatch: proper design, locked, hinge bolts secured, gasket
Interior inspections should include:
Condition of Interior Coating : Check for rust, corrosion, blistering & scaling.
Water Quality Check for:
Insects in the tank both on the surface of the water and on the interior floor.
Floating debris
Sediment levels on the interior floor – (Sediment can be a habitat for bacteria & other contaminates).
Is your tank a Pressure Type Tank ?
Pressure Type Tank
Check Operational Status: pressure release device, pressure gauge, air-water volume device
In Texas Pressure Type Tanks that are large enough to have an inspection port are required to be inspected annually.
They are also required to be opened up and have the interiors inspected at least once every five years.
All inspection reports performed in Texas should be kept on file and available for TCEQ review for five years.
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This should help you gat started on your potable water tank inspections. My 157 page book is another great resorce it includes tank inspection and cleaning methods as well as state rules and common contaminates that are found in our nations water system. It is available now at www.ronperrin.com or this link : “Inspecting & Cleaning Potable water storage”
 INSPECTING & CLEANING POTABLE WATER STORAGEBy: Ron Perrin |
Our company is here to serve you when you are looking for a contractor to perform potable water tank inspections or cleanings.
We have the proper training, inspection and safety equipment to safely deliver you the most information for the least cost..
Video Ray ROV
ROV Controller & Video Recorder
My book is a great reference point for state rules and requirements.
The State of Florida is one of the only states if not the only one that requires you be a Florida
licensed engineer to inspect a water storage tank. The City of New York is one of the few if not the only municipal government in the U.S. that requires annual water tank inspections their requirements are listed below.
The City of NEW YORK Requires The Following:
§141.07 Building Drinking Water Storage Tanks
(a) Applicability. The owner, agent or other person in control of a building which has one or more water
tanks used to store potable water which is distributed as part of the building’s drinking water supply
system shall comply with the provisions of this section. This section does not apply to the domestic hot
water system.
(b) Inspection Requirements. The owner, agent or other person in control of a building shall have the
water tank inspected at least once annually. The inspection shall include the examination of the general
condition of the tank, including but not limited to the condition of overflow pipes, access ladders, air
vents, roof access hatches and screens. The interior and exterior of the water tank and its sealed edges and
seams shall be inspected for evidence of pitting, scaling, blistering or chalking, rusting, corrosion and
leakage. Inspection of sanitary conditions, including the presence of sediment, biological growth,
floatable debris and insects in the tank and rodent or bird activity on and around the tank, shall be
performed. The inspection shall include sampling of the water in the water tank to verify the
bacteriological quality of the water supply in compliance with Subpart 5-1 of the State Sanitary Code.
Sample results shall be reported by a State certified laboratory equipped to analyze drinking water, in
accordance with the latest edition of the Standard Methods for the Examination of Water and Wastewater,
published jointly by the APHA, the AWWA and the WEF.
