8 January 2025

Choosing the right drinking water tank: the complete guide

Choosing the right drinking water tank is a strategic decision that ensures individuals and companies a hygienic, safe and contamination-free water reserve. The selection must be made carefully, taking into account factors such as material, capacity and the presence of certifications accompanying the tanks that guarantee safe contact with food.

Materials for drinking water tanks

A first distinction concerns the materials used to make the tanks: according to Ministerial Decree no. 174 of 6 April 2004, there are mainly three materials in which tanks “suitable for containing water intended for human consumption” can be made.

Stainless steel tanks

Stainless steel tanks are among the most hygienic and long-lasting solutions for storing drinking water. Stainless steel is in fact a material resistant to corrosion (in the 316L version also to that caused by the salt air of marine areas): thanks to its chemical inertia, the material does not alter the taste of the water, and prevents the proliferation of fungi and bacteria. The stability of stainless steel also guarantees that the tanks do not release contaminants over time, preserving the drinkability of the water even in the case of prolonged storage

For this reason, stainless steel drinking water tanks are ideal for industrial applications, where it is crucial to maintain high hygiene standards. Initial investments are higher than for other types of tanks, but they are largely compensated by the long life and reliability, which reduce maintenance (and replacement) costs.

Polyethylene tanks

Polyethylene tanks are an economical and practical solution for storing drinking water. Polyethylene is a non-toxic plastic material, free of harmful substances, suitable for both domestic and agricultural and industrial use. Polyethylene tanks are lightweight, therefore also suitable for temporary needs (at Di Camillo, for example, we also offer our customers a rental service for tanks and cisterns for both short and long periods, and throughout the country), easy to install and resistant to chemical agents.

However, they must be positioned in such a way as to avoid prolonged exposure to direct sunlight, which could compromise the material and the quality of the water over time: for this reason they are widely used as underground tanks. Not to mention that they must be expressly certified for food use, because only in this case is it guaranteed that the material does not release unwanted substances into the water.

Galvanized tanks

Galvanized tanks for drinking water are an intermediate solution between polyethylene and stainless steel models, both in terms of resistance and price. In fact, galvanization provides a protective layer that offers good resistance to corrosion, greater than polyethylene and often sufficient for outdoor installations or in more exposed environments. Compared to stainless steel, although they have a shorter duration, galvanized tanks are an advantageous choice for those looking for a durable but more economical solution.

Therefore appreciated for their resistance and longevity, it is also important in this case to ensure that the tank (like those of Di Camillo) is specifically designed for food use, so that it does not alter the properties of drinking water.

Underground and above ground tanks

A second distinction between drinking water tanks concerns their location. The choice between an underground and an above-ground tank depends on the space requirements and the conditions of the installation area.

• Underground tanks offer the advantage of not taking up visible space, are protected from the elements and temperature variations, but require more complex excavation and installation work, not to mention that the materials (such as polyethylene) must be robust and resistant to burial.
• Above-ground tanks, on the other hand, are easier to install and maintain, although they are exposed to external agents and may require coatings or covers to protect them (such as galvanized or stainless steel tanks).

Tank capacity and dimensions

A factor of no secondary importance is therefore the capacity of the drinking water tank, which must be estimated based on the intended use.

• Domestic use: usually, for a single medium-sized home, a tank of 500 to 2000 liters is sufficient to guarantee a supply for several days.
• For agricultural companies, a capacity of between 5000 and 10000 liters is recommended, so as to ensure a sufficient water reserve for irrigating fields and greenhouses even in periods of drought.
• For medium and large industries, or communities: tanks of 20000 liters or more are suitable for the needs of large systems, condominiums or communities, where consumption is high and continuity of supply is essential.

The capacity chosen must therefore reflect the balance between available space and expected consumption, ensuring that the water supply is adequate for the needs. The 1000-liter (one cubic meter) and 5000-liter (5 cubic meters) tanks are usually sufficient for the average needs of domestic users and small or medium-sized businesses.

Choosing the right drinking water tank is a decision that requires attention and specific knowledge: Di Camillo technicians, with their experience of more than sixty years, are always at your disposal to help you identify the drinking water tank best suited to your needs. From the type of material to the capacity, to the accessories and maintenance, Di Camillo is the point of reference for all water storage needs, from drinking water to waste water and rainwater: contact us for more information. We ship our tanks not only throughout Italy, but also in Europe and around the world, and we provide a technical assistance service and rental of tanks and reservoirs throughout the country