Water tank - Revision history

Designing Buildings at 07:38, 1 February 2022

2022-02-01T07:38:17Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 07:38, 1 February 2022
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	= Introduction =		= Introduction =

−	In the construction industry, the word 'tank' typically refers to a large container used to store ~~various~~ substances including gasses and liquids. According to the [https://www.legislation.gov.uk/uksi/1999/1148/contents/made Water Supply (Water Fittings) Regulations 1999], a water tank can be defined ‘as a non-cylindrical closed vessel capable of containing water under pressure greater than atmospheric’.	+	In the construction industry, the word 'tank' typically refers to a large container used to store substances including gasses and liquids.
		+
		+	According to the [https://www.legislation.gov.uk/uksi/1999/1148/contents/made Water Supply (Water Fittings) Regulations 1999], a water tank can be defined ‘as a non-cylindrical closed vessel capable of containing water under pressure greater than atmospheric’.

	= History =		= History =

−	Water tanks have been used ~~throughout history~~ as a method of ~~collecting~~ water. These containers have been made from various natural materials such as wood, ceramic and stone~~, and evidence of their existence dates back to early civilisations in different parts of the world~~.	+	Water tanks have been used since early civilisations in different parts of the world as a method of storing water. These containers have been made from various natural materials such as wood, ceramic, plastic, metal and stone.

−	Early storage tanks were commonly used in conjunction with agricultural activities, holding water for crop irrigation. Some were also used for military purposes, with storage tanks being used ~~as a tactical tool~~ to provide water for soldiers.	+	Early storage tanks were commonly used in conjunction with agricultural activities, holding water for crop irrigation. Some were also used for military purposes, with storage tanks being used to provide water for soldiers, animals, vehicles and so on.

	= Purpose =		= Purpose =

−	In addition to farming and human use, modern day water tanks are used to store water for purposes such as fire suppression, chemical processing, food preparation, rainwater collection and so on. Tanks make it possible to collect water from a source, store it and then distribute it when ~~it's necessary and where it's~~ required.	+	In addition to farming and human use, modern day water tanks are also used to store water for purposes such as fire suppression, chemical processing, food preparation, rainwater collection and so on. Tanks make it possible to collect water from a source, store it and then distribute it when required.

−	By supporting a regulated water supply, tanks can help to prevent irregular distribution when levels are affected by user demand or unforeseen factors such as weather related events. Tanks can also help to ~~keep~~ water pressure ~~levels sufficient~~, since the tanks are able to adjust water flow to suit demand.	+	By supporting a regulated water supply, tanks can help to prevent irregular distribution when levels are affected by user demand or unforeseen factors such as weather related events. Tanks can also help to regulate water pressure, since the tanks are able to adjust water flow to suit demand.

	= Types of water tanks =		= Types of water tanks =

−	Water tanks are often made from materials such as plastic, fibreglass~~, stone~~, steel, clay~~, carbon~~ and so on. Materials used for each type vary based on how the tank will be used. For instance, food industry water tanks are often made from stainless steel. When the proper material is used, the tank itself should have no impact on the quality of the water it is storing.	+	Water tanks are often made from materials such as plastic, concete, fibreglass, steel, clay and so on. Materials used for each type vary based on how the tank will be used. For instance, food industry water tanks are often made from stainless steel. When the proper material is used, the tank itself should have no impact on the quality of the water it is storing.

−	Undesirable materials (including naturally occurring contaminants such as algae, animal waste matter, bacteria and so on) inherently exist in ~~the~~ water and ~~will~~ collect in the tank. This makes it necessary to clean ~~the~~ tanks on a regular basis.	+	Undesirable materials (including naturally occurring contaminants such as algae, animal waste matter, bacteria and so on) inherently exist in water and can collect in the tank. This makes it necessary to clean tanks on a regular basis.

−	The purpose of the tank tends to determine its size. Smaller tanks are predominantly used for domestic purposes and hold about 140 litres or more. Commercial tanks hold ~~extremely~~ large amounts of water - sometimes as much as 30,000 litres ~~of water~~ or more.	+	The purpose of the tank tends to determine its size. Smaller tanks are predominantly used for domestic purposes and hold about 140 litres or more. Commercial tanks can hold very large amounts of water - sometimes as much as 30,000 litres or more.

	[[File:WaterTankHoriz.jpg\|link=File:WaterTankHoriz.jpg]]		[[File:WaterTankHoriz.jpg\|link=File:WaterTankHoriz.jpg]]
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	There are three main positions for water tanks: Elevated (or overhead), ground and underground.		There are three main positions for water tanks: Elevated (or overhead), ground and underground.

−	* Elevated water tanks, also sometimes referred to as water towers, generally hold ~~extremely~~ large quantities of water and use natural forces to create enough pressure to deliver water efficiently. Elevated tanks can be either vertically or horizontally positioned. Elevated tanks are often made from concrete, metal or various types of plastic including glass reinforced plastic (GRP).	+	* Elevated water tanks, also sometimes referred to as water towers, generally hold large quantities of water and use natural forces to create enough pressure to deliver that water efficiently. Elevated tanks can be either vertically or horizontally positioned. Elevated tanks are often made from concrete, metal or various types of plastic including glass reinforced plastic (GRP).
	* Ground tanks are stored above ground and are easy to install. While access and maintenance are fairly straightforward with ground tanks, they can also be easily damaged due to vandalism, weather or other factors. Ground tanks are generally made from the same materials as elevated tanks.		* Ground tanks are stored above ground and are easy to install. While access and maintenance are fairly straightforward with ground tanks, they can also be easily damaged due to vandalism, weather or other factors. Ground tanks are generally made from the same materials as elevated tanks.
−	* Underground tanks or below ground tanks are ~~stored~~ underground and are protected from damage caused by the factors associated with above ground tanks. However, they are more difficult to install and maintain. Underground tanks are often made of reinforced concrete.	+	* Underground tanks or below ground tanks are installed underground and are protected from damage caused by the factors associated with above ground tanks. However, they are more difficult to install and maintain. Underground tanks are often made from reinforced concrete.

	= Regulations =		= Regulations =

−	Regulations associated with the manufacture, construction and installation of water storage tanks in the UK are ~~generally addressed~~ in ~~the 1991 Water Byelaws 1991, which have since been withdrawn and replaced by~~ The Water Supply (Water Fittings) Regulations 1999.	+	Regulations associated with the manufacture, construction and installation of water storage tanks in the UK are found in The Water Supply (Water Fittings) Regulations 1999. Specifications for certain types of water tanks are also covered by several British Standards.
−		+
−	No significant modifications relating to water tanks were made with this change in regulations. However, as of 1 July 1999, specifications for all tanks had to comply with Schedule 2, Section 7, Paragraph 16 (or, where necessary in Section 30) of the 1999 regulations.	+
−		+
−	Specifications for certain types of water tanks are also covered by several ~~different~~ British Standards.	+

	= Water tanks v cisterns =		= Water tanks v cisterns =

−	Water tanks are sometimes referred to as cisterns, although the two terms are not interchangeable. A water tank is a closed container while a cistern is a type of water tank that is not entirely closed or sealed. A cistern may be covered with a lid so it can be easily accessed for purposes such as cleaning.	+	Water tanks are sometimes referred to as cisterns, although strictly speaking the two terms are not interchangeable. A water tank is a closed container while a cistern is a type of water tank that is not entirely closed or sealed. A cistern may be covered with a lid so it can be easily accessed for purposes such as cleaning.

	According to the Water Supply (Water Fittings) Regulations 1999, a cistern ‘means a fixed container for holding water at not greater than atmospheric pressure’.		According to the Water Supply (Water Fittings) Regulations 1999, a cistern ‘means a fixed container for holding water at not greater than atmospheric pressure’.

−	For domestic purposes, cisterns may be placed at the top of a dwelling (in an attic, roof space or loft, for instance), where they are used to store and deliver water throughout the structure. Cisterns ~~are frequently~~ used to capture and store rainwater for domestic or commercial purposes. Some large scale cisterns have the capacity to capture thousands of litres of water.	+	For domestic purposes, cisterns may be placed at the top of a dwelling (in an attic, roof space or loft, for instance), where they are used to store and deliver water throughout the structure. Cisterns can be used to capture and store rainwater for domestic or commercial purposes. Some large scale cisterns have the capacity to capture thousands of litres of water.

	For more information, see Cistern.		For more information, see Cistern.

Editor at 20:03, 31 January 2022

2022-01-31T20:03:07Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 20:03, 31 January 2022
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	* Water consumption.		* Water consumption.
	* Water pressure.		* Water pressure.
		+	* Water Supply (Water Fittings) Regulations 1999.

	= External resources =		= External resources =

Editor at 18:47, 31 January 2022

2022-01-31T18:47:20Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 18:47, 31 January 2022
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	For domestic purposes, cisterns may be placed at the top of a dwelling (in an attic, roof space or loft, for instance), where they are used to store and deliver water throughout the structure. Cisterns are frequently used to capture and store rainwater for domestic or commercial purposes. Some large scale cisterns have the capacity to capture thousands of litres of water.		For domestic purposes, cisterns may be placed at the top of a dwelling (in an attic, roof space or loft, for instance), where they are used to store and deliver water throughout the structure. Cisterns are frequently used to capture and store rainwater for domestic or commercial purposes. Some large scale cisterns have the capacity to capture thousands of litres of water.
		+
		+	For more information, see Cistern.

	= Related articles on Designing Buildings =		= Related articles on Designing Buildings =

		+	* Cistern.
	* Hot water.		* Hot water.
	* Mains water.		* Mains water.

Editor at 15:16, 31 January 2022

2022-01-31T15:16:14Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 15:16, 31 January 2022
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	= History =		= History =

−	Water tanks have been used throughout history as a method of collecting water. These containers ~~were~~ made from natural materials such as wood, ceramic and stone, and evidence of their existence dates back to early civilisations in different parts of the world.	+	Water tanks have been used throughout history as a method of collecting water. These containers have been made from various natural materials such as wood, ceramic and stone, and evidence of their existence dates back to early civilisations in different parts of the world.

−	~~These~~ storage tanks were ~~frequently~~ used in conjunction with agricultural activities, ~~providing~~ water for irrigation ~~of crops~~. Some were also used for military purposes, with storage tanks being used as a tactical tool to provide water for ~~the~~ soldiers.	+	Early storage tanks were commonly used in conjunction with agricultural activities, holding water for crop irrigation. Some were also used for military purposes, with storage tanks being used as a tactical tool to provide water for soldiers.

	= Purpose =		= Purpose =

−	In addition to farming and human use, modern day water tanks are used to store water for purposes such as fire suppression, chemical processing, food preparation, rainwater collection and so on. Tanks make it possible to collect water from a source, store it and then distribute it when required.	+	In addition to farming and human use, modern day water tanks are used to store water for purposes such as fire suppression, chemical processing, food preparation, rainwater collection and so on. Tanks make it possible to collect water from a source, store it and then distribute it when it's necessary and where it's required.

−	By ~~providing~~ a regulated water supply, tanks can help to prevent irregular distribution when levels are affected by user demand or ~~other~~ unforeseen factors. Tanks can also help to keep water pressure levels sufficient, since ~~they~~ are able to adjust to demand.	+	By supporting a regulated water supply, tanks can help to prevent irregular distribution when levels are affected by user demand or unforeseen factors such as weather related events. Tanks can also help to keep water pressure levels sufficient, since the tanks are able to adjust water flow to suit demand.

	= Types of water tanks =		= Types of water tanks =

−	Water tanks are often made from materials such as plastic, fibreglass, stone, steel, clay, carbon and so on. Materials used for each type vary ~~due to their purpose~~. For instance, food industry water tanks are often made from stainless steel. When the proper material is used, the tank itself should have no impact on the quality of the water it is storing.	+	Water tanks are often made from materials such as plastic, fibreglass, stone, steel, clay, carbon and so on. Materials used for each type vary based on how the tank will be used. For instance, food industry water tanks are often made from stainless steel. When the proper material is used, the tank itself should have no impact on the quality of the water it is storing.

−	Undesirable materials (including naturally occurring contaminants such as algae, animal waste matter, bacteria and so on) inherently exist in the water and will collect in the tank. This makes it necessary to clean ~~them~~ on a regular basis.	+	Undesirable materials (including naturally occurring contaminants such as algae, animal waste matter, bacteria and so on) inherently exist in the water and will collect in the tank. This makes it necessary to clean the tanks on a regular basis.

	The purpose of the tank tends to determine its size. Smaller tanks are predominantly used for domestic purposes and hold about 140 litres or more. Commercial tanks hold extremely large amounts of water - sometimes as much as 30,000 litres of water or more.		The purpose of the tank tends to determine its size. Smaller tanks are predominantly used for domestic purposes and hold about 140 litres or more. Commercial tanks hold extremely large amounts of water - sometimes as much as 30,000 litres of water or more.
Line 29:		Line 29:
	There are three main positions for water tanks: Elevated (or overhead), ground and underground.		There are three main positions for water tanks: Elevated (or overhead), ground and underground.

−	* Elevated water tanks, also ~~known~~ as water towers, generally hold extremely large quantities of water and use natural forces to create enough pressure to deliver water efficiently. Elevated tanks can be either vertically or horizontally positioned. Elevated tanks are often made from concrete, metal or various types of plastic including glass reinforced plastic (GRP).	+	* Elevated water tanks, also sometimes referred to as water towers, generally hold extremely large quantities of water and use natural forces to create enough pressure to deliver water efficiently. Elevated tanks can be either vertically or horizontally positioned. Elevated tanks are often made from concrete, metal or various types of plastic including glass reinforced plastic (GRP).
	* Ground tanks are stored above ground and are easy to install. While access and maintenance are fairly straightforward with ground tanks, they can also be easily damaged due to vandalism, weather or other factors. Ground tanks are generally made from the same materials as elevated tanks.		* Ground tanks are stored above ground and are easy to install. While access and maintenance are fairly straightforward with ground tanks, they can also be easily damaged due to vandalism, weather or other factors. Ground tanks are generally made from the same materials as elevated tanks.
	* Underground tanks or below ground tanks are stored underground and are protected from damage caused by the factors associated with above ground tanks. However, they are more difficult to install and maintain. Underground tanks are often made of reinforced concrete.		* Underground tanks or below ground tanks are stored underground and are protected from damage caused by the factors associated with above ground tanks. However, they are more difficult to install and maintain. Underground tanks are often made of reinforced concrete.
Line 35:		Line 35:
	= Regulations =		= Regulations =

−	Regulations associated with the manufacture, construction or installation of water storage tanks in the UK are generally addressed in the 1991 Water Byelaws 1991, which have since been withdrawn and replaced by The Water Supply (Water Fittings) Regulations 1999.	+	Regulations associated with the manufacture, construction and installation of water storage tanks in the UK are generally addressed in the 1991 Water Byelaws 1991, which have since been withdrawn and replaced by The Water Supply (Water Fittings) Regulations 1999.

−	No significant modifications relating to water tanks were made with this change. However, as of 1 July 1999, specifications for all tanks had to comply with Schedule 2, Section 7, Paragraph 16 (or, where necessary in Section 30) of the 1999 regulations.	+	No significant modifications relating to water tanks were made with this change in regulations. However, as of 1 July 1999, specifications for all tanks had to comply with Schedule 2, Section 7, Paragraph 16 (or, where necessary in Section 30) of the 1999 regulations.

	Specifications for certain types of water tanks are also covered by several different British Standards.		Specifications for certain types of water tanks are also covered by several different British Standards.
Line 43:		Line 43:
	= Water tanks v cisterns =		= Water tanks v cisterns =

−	Water tanks are sometimes referred to as cisterns, although the two terms are not interchangeable. A water tank is a closed container while a cistern is a type of water tank that is not entirely closed or sealed. A cistern may be covered with a lid, so it can be easily accessed for purposes such as cleaning.	+	Water tanks are sometimes referred to as cisterns, although the two terms are not interchangeable. A water tank is a closed container while a cistern is a type of water tank that is not entirely closed or sealed. A cistern may be covered with a lid so it can be easily accessed for purposes such as cleaning.

	According to the Water Supply (Water Fittings) Regulations 1999, a cistern ‘means a fixed container for holding water at not greater than atmospheric pressure’.		According to the Water Supply (Water Fittings) Regulations 1999, a cistern ‘means a fixed container for holding water at not greater than atmospheric pressure’.

Editor at 18:20, 28 January 2022

2022-01-28T18:20:09Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 18:20, 28 January 2022
Line 3:		Line 3:
	= Introduction =		= Introduction =

−	In the construction industry, the word 'tank' typically refers to a large container used to store various substances including gasses and liquids. According to the Water Supply (Water Fittings) Regulations 1999, a water tank can be defined ‘as a non-cylindrical closed vessel capable of containing water under pressure greater than atmospheric’.	+	In the construction industry, the word 'tank' typically refers to a large container used to store various substances including gasses and liquids. According to the [https://www.legislation.gov.uk/uksi/1999/1148/contents/made Water Supply (Water Fittings) Regulations 1999], a water tank can be defined ‘as a non-cylindrical closed vessel capable of containing water under pressure greater than atmospheric’.

	= History =		= History =
Line 59:		Line 59:
	* Water consumption.		* Water consumption.
	* Water pressure.		* Water pressure.
		+
		+	= External resources =
		+
		+	* Legislation.gov.uk, [https://www.legislation.gov.uk/uksi/1999/1148/contents/made The Water Supply (Water Fittings) Regulations 1999].

	[[Category:DCN_Definition]] [[Category:DCN_Guidance]] [[Category:DCN_Product_Knowledge]] [[Category:DCN_Regulation]] [[Category:Definitions]] [[Category:Water]] [[Category:Regulations]] [[Category:Products_/_components]]		[[Category:DCN_Definition]] [[Category:DCN_Guidance]] [[Category:DCN_Product_Knowledge]] [[Category:DCN_Regulation]] [[Category:Definitions]] [[Category:Water]] [[Category:Regulations]] [[Category:Products_/_components]]

Editor at 18:16, 28 January 2022

2022-01-28T18:16:19Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 18:16, 28 January 2022
Line 44:		Line 44:

	Water tanks are sometimes referred to as cisterns, although the two terms are not interchangeable. A water tank is a closed container while a cistern is a type of water tank that is not entirely closed or sealed. A cistern may be covered with a lid, so it can be easily accessed for purposes such as cleaning.		Water tanks are sometimes referred to as cisterns, although the two terms are not interchangeable. A water tank is a closed container while a cistern is a type of water tank that is not entirely closed or sealed. A cistern may be covered with a lid, so it can be easily accessed for purposes such as cleaning.
		+
		+	According to the Water Supply (Water Fittings) Regulations 1999, a cistern ‘means a fixed container for holding water at not greater than atmospheric pressure’.

	For domestic purposes, cisterns may be placed at the top of a dwelling (in an attic, roof space or loft, for instance), where they are used to store and deliver water throughout the structure. Cisterns are frequently used to capture and store rainwater for domestic or commercial purposes. Some large scale cisterns have the capacity to capture thousands of litres of water.		For domestic purposes, cisterns may be placed at the top of a dwelling (in an attic, roof space or loft, for instance), where they are used to store and deliver water throughout the structure. Cisterns are frequently used to capture and store rainwater for domestic or commercial purposes. Some large scale cisterns have the capacity to capture thousands of litres of water.

Editor at 18:09, 28 January 2022

2022-01-28T18:09:50Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 18:09, 28 January 2022
Line 57:		Line 57:
	* Water consumption.		* Water consumption.
	* Water pressure.		* Water pressure.
		+
		+	[[Category:DCN_Definition]] [[Category:DCN_Guidance]] [[Category:DCN_Product_Knowledge]] [[Category:DCN_Regulation]] [[Category:Definitions]] [[Category:Water]] [[Category:Regulations]] [[Category:Products_/_components]]

Editor at 18:07, 28 January 2022

2022-01-28T18:07:05Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 18:07, 28 January 2022
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−	[[File:WaterTankMany.jpg]]	+	[[File:WaterTankMany.jpg\|link=File:WaterTankMany.jpg]]

	= Introduction =		= Introduction =
Line 25:		Line 25:
	The purpose of the tank tends to determine its size. Smaller tanks are predominantly used for domestic purposes and hold about 140 litres or more. Commercial tanks hold extremely large amounts of water - sometimes as much as 30,000 litres of water or more.		The purpose of the tank tends to determine its size. Smaller tanks are predominantly used for domestic purposes and hold about 140 litres or more. Commercial tanks hold extremely large amounts of water - sometimes as much as 30,000 litres of water or more.

−	[[File:WaterTankHoriz.jpg]]	+	[[File:WaterTankHoriz.jpg\|link=File:WaterTankHoriz.jpg]]

	There are three main positions for water tanks: Elevated (or overhead), ground and underground.		There are three main positions for water tanks: Elevated (or overhead), ground and underground.

−	* Elevated water tanks, also known as water towers, generally hold extremely large quantities of water and use natural forces to create enough pressure to deliver water efficiently. Elevated tanks can be either vertically or horizontally positioned. Elevated tanks are often made from concrete, metal or various types of plastic including glass-reinforced plastic (GRP).	+	* Elevated water tanks, also known as water towers, generally hold extremely large quantities of water and use natural forces to create enough pressure to deliver water efficiently. Elevated tanks can be either vertically or horizontally positioned. Elevated tanks are often made from concrete, metal or various types of plastic including glass reinforced plastic (GRP).
	* Ground tanks are stored above ground and are easy to install. While access and maintenance are fairly straightforward with ground tanks, they can also be easily damaged due to vandalism, weather or other factors. Ground tanks are generally made from the same materials as elevated tanks.		* Ground tanks are stored above ground and are easy to install. While access and maintenance are fairly straightforward with ground tanks, they can also be easily damaged due to vandalism, weather or other factors. Ground tanks are generally made from the same materials as elevated tanks.
	* Underground tanks or below ground tanks are stored underground and are protected from damage caused by the factors associated with above ground tanks. However, they are more difficult to install and maintain. Underground tanks are often made of reinforced concrete.		* Underground tanks or below ground tanks are stored underground and are protected from damage caused by the factors associated with above ground tanks. However, they are more difficult to install and maintain. Underground tanks are often made of reinforced concrete.

Editor: Created page with "File:WaterTankMany.jpg = Introduction = In the construction industry, the word 'tank' typically refers to a large container used to store various substances including gasse..."

2022-01-28T18:04:28Z

Created page with "File:WaterTankMany.jpg = Introduction = In the construction industry, the word 'tank' typically refers to a large container used to store various substances including gasse..."

New page

[[File:WaterTankMany.jpg]]

= Introduction =

In the construction industry, the word 'tank' typically refers to a large container used to store various substances including gasses and liquids. According to the Water Supply (Water Fittings) Regulations 1999, a water tank can be defined ‘as a non-cylindrical closed vessel capable of containing water under pressure greater than atmospheric’.

= History =

Water tanks have been used throughout history as a method of collecting water. These containers were made from natural materials such as wood, ceramic and stone, and evidence of their existence dates back to early civilisations in different parts of the world.

These storage tanks were frequently used in conjunction with agricultural activities, providing water for irrigation of crops. Some were also used for military purposes, with storage tanks being used as a tactical tool to provide water for the soldiers.

= Purpose =

In addition to farming and human use, modern day water tanks are used to store water for purposes such as fire suppression, chemical processing, food preparation, rainwater collection and so on. Tanks make it possible to collect water from a source, store it and then distribute it when required.

By providing a regulated water supply, tanks can help to prevent irregular distribution when levels are affected by user demand or other unforeseen factors. Tanks can also help to keep water pressure levels sufficient, since they are able to adjust to demand.

= Types of water tanks =

Water tanks are often made from materials such as plastic, fibreglass, stone, steel, clay, carbon and so on. Materials used for each type vary due to their purpose. For instance, food industry water tanks are often made from stainless steel. When the proper material is used, the tank itself should have no impact on the quality of the water it is storing.

Undesirable materials (including naturally occurring contaminants such as algae, animal waste matter, bacteria and so on) inherently exist in the water and will collect in the tank. This makes it necessary to clean them on a regular basis.

The purpose of the tank tends to determine its size. Smaller tanks are predominantly used for domestic purposes and hold about 140 litres or more. Commercial tanks hold extremely large amounts of water - sometimes as much as 30,000 litres of water or more.

[[File:WaterTankHoriz.jpg]]

There are three main positions for water tanks: Elevated (or overhead), ground and underground.

* Elevated water tanks, also known as water towers, generally hold extremely large quantities of water and use natural forces to create enough pressure to deliver water efficiently. Elevated tanks can be either vertically or horizontally positioned. Elevated tanks are often made from concrete, metal or various types of plastic including glass-reinforced plastic (GRP).
* Ground tanks are stored above ground and are easy to install. While access and maintenance are fairly straightforward with ground tanks, they can also be easily damaged due to vandalism, weather or other factors. Ground tanks are generally made from the same materials as elevated tanks.
* Underground tanks or below ground tanks are stored underground and are protected from damage caused by the factors associated with above ground tanks. However, they are more difficult to install and maintain. Underground tanks are often made of reinforced concrete.

= Regulations =

Regulations associated with the manufacture, construction or installation of water storage tanks in the UK are generally addressed in the 1991 Water Byelaws 1991, which have since been withdrawn and replaced by The Water Supply (Water Fittings) Regulations 1999.

No significant modifications relating to water tanks were made with this change. However, as of 1 July 1999, specifications for all tanks had to comply with Schedule 2, Section 7, Paragraph 16 (or, where necessary in Section 30) of the 1999 regulations.

Specifications for certain types of water tanks are also covered by several different British Standards.

= Water tanks v cisterns =

Water tanks are sometimes referred to as cisterns, although the two terms are not interchangeable. A water tank is a closed container while a cistern is a type of water tank that is not entirely closed or sealed. A cistern may be covered with a lid, so it can be easily accessed for purposes such as cleaning.

For domestic purposes, cisterns may be placed at the top of a dwelling (in an attic, roof space or loft, for instance), where they are used to store and deliver water throughout the structure. Cisterns are frequently used to capture and store rainwater for domestic or commercial purposes. Some large scale cisterns have the capacity to capture thousands of litres of water.

= Related articles on Designing Buildings =

* Hot water.
* Mains water.
* Primary pipework.
* Rainwater harvesting.
* Tank.
* Types of showers.
* Water consumption.
* Water pressure.