The Facility Manager's Water Storage Audit: Six Steps Toward a More Sustainable System

A commercial building's water storage system plays an important role in its daily operations. Hospitals, hotels, manufacturing plants, office buildings, schools, and residential developments all depend on an appropriate supply of stored water.

Yet installing a tank is only one part of responsible water management. Facilities must also consider how much water they consume, whether their storage capacity is appropriate, how their equipment performs over time, and what maintenance will be required.

Sustainable water storage focuses on these broader decisions. It encourages facility managers to evaluate the complete storage system instead of looking only at the initial purchase price or tank capacity.

The following six-step audit can help building owners identify opportunities to improve water management and select storage equipment that supports long-term facility requirements.

Step 1: Review Your Facility's Water Consumption

Begin by understanding where and how water is used throughout the building.

Different facilities have different consumption patterns. A hospital may require water for domestic use, sanitation, cooling, and other essential services. A manufacturing plant may need water for industrial processes, equipment operation, and cleaning.

Facility managers should examine available consumption records and identify periods of high demand.

Useful questions include:

• Which operations use the most water?

• Does demand change during different seasons?

• Are there periods when stored water is rarely used?

• Is the current tank capacity appropriate?

• Are separate storage arrangements needed for different applications?

This review provides a more realistic picture of the facility's water requirements.

Step 2: Find Sources of Unnecessary Water Waste

After understanding consumption, examine where water may be lost or used inefficiently.

Leaking connections, damaged plumbing, poorly maintained fixtures, and inefficient distribution arrangements can increase water consumption without improving building operations.

A practical inspection should include:

Pipes and connections: Check for visible leaks, damaged fittings, and unusual moisture around water lines.

Storage equipment: Look for leakage, overflow problems, and damaged components.

Water distribution: Review whether water is being delivered efficiently to the areas that need it.

Operational practices: Identify processes that use more water than necessary and consider practical improvements.

Facilities may also evaluate rainwater harvesting or approved water reuse systems where suitable. For example, collected rainwater may be used for selected non-potable applications when the system includes appropriate treatment, separation, and regulatory compliance.

Reducing unnecessary consumption is an important part of making a storage system more effective.

Step 3: Inspect the Existing Storage Tank

Before replacing a tank, determine whether the existing system is still appropriate for its intended application.

A professional inspection can help identify issues that may affect performance, water quality, or maintenance requirements.

Consider the following areas:

The tank's intended use must also be considered. Potable water storage has different material and water-quality considerations from fire protection or industrial storage.

If an existing tank requires frequent repairs or is difficult to maintain, evaluating alternative materials and configurations may be worthwhile.

Step 4: Compare Tank Materials Before Making a Decision

The material used in a storage tank can influence its maintenance requirements, installation process, and long-term performance.

Rather than choosing a tank based only on its initial price, compare its characteristics against the conditions in which it will operate.

Fiberglass-Reinforced Plastic (FRP)

FRP is a composite material made from glass fibers and resin. It offers corrosion resistance and is used in modular water storage systems.

FTC Tanks supplies hot-pressed FRP panels that are bolted together at the installation site. This design avoids the need to transport the entire tank as one large structure.

Steel

Steel tanks are used in many water storage applications. Depending on the construction and environment, protective coatings and maintenance may be needed to manage corrosion.

Concrete

Concrete tanks can provide substantial structural strength, but their design and installation require appropriate foundations and construction planning. Cracking, sealing, and other condition-related issues should be considered during maintenance.

Polyethylene

Polyethylene tanks are used for a range of smaller storage applications. Their suitability depends on capacity, structural requirements, exposure conditions, and the intended use.

There is no universal material choice for every facility. The right option depends on the project specification, water quality, environmental conditions, and expected maintenance arrangements.

Step 5: Consider Modular Storage for Difficult Installation Locations

A storage system may need to fit into an existing building where space and access are limited.

This is common in high-rise developments, hospitals, commercial properties, and industrial facilities. Basements and mechanical rooms may have narrow entrances, while rooftops can present transportation and lifting challenges.

Modular water storage systems offer another installation approach.

Instead of delivering a complete tank, manufacturers supply individual panels that can be moved to the installation area and assembled on-site.

FTC Tanks uses this modular construction method for its FRP storage systems. It allows tank dimensions and configurations to be considered according to the available space.

Project teams can also evaluate different options, including:

• Internal or external bracing.

• Insulated or non-insulated panels.

• Partition walls for separate compartments.

• Different foundation and support arrangements.

• Custom piping connections and accessories.

These features can help address specific building layouts and operational requirements.

For example, a building may require a dual-compartment tank so that one section can be isolated for maintenance while the other remains available, provided the system is designed for that operating arrangement.

Step 6: Create a Long-Term Water Storage Management Plan

A storage tank should be treated as part of the building's ongoing infrastructure rather than a one-time purchase.

Once a system is installed, facility managers should establish a practical plan for inspection, cleaning, and performance monitoring.

A useful management plan can include:

Regular inspections: Review the tank body, connections, access points, supports, and visible components.

Cleaning schedules: Establish cleaning procedures based on the stored water, tank application, and relevant regulations.

Water-quality monitoring: Use appropriate testing and treatment procedures, particularly for drinking water systems.

Maintenance records: Document inspections, cleaning, repairs, and any changes to the storage configuration.

Capacity reviews: Reassess water requirements when the building expands or its operations change.

Responsible operation: Investigate leaks, unnecessary overflow, and opportunities to reduce avoidable water consumption.

These activities help facility managers maintain a storage system that continues to meet the building's requirements.

What Makes a Water Storage System Sustainable?

Sustainability is not determined by tank material alone. It is influenced by how the entire system is selected, installed, operated, and maintained.

Several factors deserve attention:

• Durability: A tank should be designed for the conditions in which it will operate.

• Corrosion resistance: Appropriate materials can help reduce problems associated with rust and deterioration.

• Practical maintenance: Accessible designs can make inspections and cleaning easier to organize.

• Appropriate capacity: Correct sizing helps avoid unnecessary storage and inefficient system planning.

• Responsible water use: Rainwater collection and approved reuse systems may provide additional opportunities for conservation.

• Installation efficiency: Modular construction can help address difficult site conditions and restricted building access.

Facility managers should evaluate these factors together when comparing available storage options.

How FTC Tanks Supports Modern Water Storage Projects

FTC Tanks provides modular FRP water storage solutions for residential, commercial, and industrial applications.

Its sectional tank construction uses hot-pressed fiberglass-reinforced plastic panels that are assembled on-site using bolted connections. This makes the system suitable for projects where transporting a complete tank into the building would be difficult.

FTC tanks are available in a wide range of capacities and configurations. The company also offers options such as insulation, partition walls, different bracing arrangements, and customized accessories.

For potable water applications, FTC identifies its materials as NSF/ANSI 61 and NSF/ANSI 372 certified. Project teams should confirm the applicable certification documentation for the exact tank configuration and intended use.

By considering tank capacity, available space, material characteristics, and maintenance requirements, facility managers can evaluate whether a modular FRP system is appropriate for their water storage project.

Conclusion

Developing a more sustainable water storage system starts with a clear understanding of how a facility uses and manages water.

Reviewing consumption, identifying waste, inspecting existing equipment, comparing materials, evaluating modular designs, and establishing a maintenance plan can help building owners make better infrastructure decisions.

Modular FRP tanks offer a practical option for facilities that need corrosion-resistant construction and flexible on-site assembly. When selected according to proper engineering requirements and supported by responsible water management, they can contribute to a well-planned long-term storage strategy.

For commercial and industrial facilities exploring sustainable water storage, FTC Tanks offers modular solutions that can be evaluated according to individual project needs.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What is sustainable water storage?

Sustainable water storage involves selecting and managing storage systems that support responsible water use, appropriate capacity, durable construction, and practical long-term maintenance.

2. What materials are used in sustainable water storage tanks?

Common materials include fiberglass-reinforced plastic, steel, concrete, and polyethylene. Their suitability depends on the application, operating environment, maintenance requirements, and engineering specifications.

3. Are FRP tanks suitable for commercial water storage?

Yes. FRP tanks are used in commercial and industrial water storage applications. Their corrosion resistance and modular construction can make them useful for buildings with challenging installation conditions.

4. Can rainwater harvesting be part of a sustainable water system?

Yes. Rainwater harvesting can provide an additional water source for suitable applications, such as certain non-potable uses. Proper treatment, plumbing separation, and compliance with local requirements are essential.

5. Why is modular water storage useful?

Modular tanks are assembled from individual panels at the installation site. This can simplify transportation and installation in basements, mechanical rooms, rooftops, and other locations with restricted access.

6. How can a facility reduce water storage maintenance problems?

Facilities can establish regular inspections, clean tanks according to their intended use, monitor water quality, repair leaks, and maintain records of servicing and repairs.

7. What should businesses consider before purchasing a water storage tank?

Businesses should evaluate required capacity, installation space, tank material, structural conditions, water application, maintenance requirements, and relevant certifications before selecting a system.