Concrete Tanks Five Most Popular Uses

**Please note Versatile Tanks DO NOT repair water tanks**

If you’re a regular visitor to this site, you’ll know a fair bit about concrete tanks by now. But were you aware there’s a few more than just one type to choose from? The fact is, people demand water tanks for different reasons – and here in Australia we’ve been supplying a range of them for over two decades.

Offering a host of options for storing your water – for either domestic, commercial or industrial use – tanks like ours come in all shapes and sizes.

So, what might you need to use water tanks for? Today, we look at the most common uses, for everything from Onsite Detention Tanks (OSDs), to standard concrete water tanks. Read on…

1. To Dramatically Alleviate the Risk of Flooding

Construction advancements (and a removal of much of our natural landscapes) has resulted in there now being nowhere for rainwater to collect.

And when you consider – according to FloodSax.com – that 1.3 million homes have a flood risk rating, it really is worth swotting up on the flood-reducing measures available to you.

After all, according to the site above:

• A staggering $314 million is the estimated average annual cost of floods in Australia
• Homeowners and organisations should implement annual risk management strategies, which include disaster planning and preparation – as recommended by the emergency services sector and the insurance industry
• All homes and businesses should consider their readiness for floods and storms, including developing an emergency plan, so says the SES

If you’re worried about flooding and the risk of a flood to your business, OSD tanks should be your first port of call.

Now compulsory for new or recently-renovated constructions or developments, the Onsite Detention Tank (OSD) is a convenient means of detaining storm water from your site, to ensure all development areas can be controlled safely.

OSDs: Why You Should Have One

The Sydney Water site lays out all the details about OSDs and why you might need one for your site.

In fact, many councils here in Australia require that you install an OSD on new developments – it’s no longer a consideration, then, but something you might have to get on board with.

Here are a few more reasons it’s a good idea to have one installed:

• If you’re in the construction industry, you have a duty of care to understand the use of OSDs, as well as their maintenance
• Construction advancements (and a removal of much of our natural landscape) has resulted in there now being nowhere for rainwater to collect – OSD tanks can help, though
• Tanks like these can dramatically help alleviate the risk of flooding by providing temporary storage of storm water run-off
• If you’re connecting to or developing a property that connects to a town water supply, you’re a good candidate for an OSD system

So, Where to Start?

Want to enquire about OSDs? You must first obtain approval in terms of design, by submitting the necessary information to your local council – head here for all the details – well in advance of the work being carried out.

Want more? You’ll find some useful information right here about onsite detention tanks.

2. To Protect Against Bushfires

Never mind your business and its assets, concrete tanks could save lives! Unlike plastic tanks, concrete ones can withstand bushfires, with in-ground tanks performing even better.

Did you know that tanks used for fighting bush fires must be constructed from a non-combustible material? That’s right –  according to the SA Government Minister’s Specifications SA 78.

Again, tanks like these are designed for domestic, commercial or industrial use, and they come in three main sizes: 6700 litres, 11700 litres, or 22500 litres.

Concrete Water Tanks: Why You Should Have One

• They can help save lives
• Tank lids are designed to withstand permanent loads of earth; you can place up to 300mm on them
• Able to withstand transport from 5kpa up to 26kpa, concrete underground tanks can handle concrete slabs from 100mm thick to 200mm thick
• They can be placed inground, side by side or end to end

So, Where to Start?

Think it’s about time you installed a concrete water tank in your business? Get in touch with the Versatile Tanks Team. Don’t forget to ask about fire-fighting water tanks, too.

3. For Healthier Drinking Water

An ABC South East Report from November 2010 states: ‘a case of copper poisoning is said to be caused by acidic rainwater from plastic tanks corroding household copper water pipes.’

The piece goes on to say there is nothing wrong with the water, but rainwater collected in plastic and plastic lined water tanks remains naturally acidic, and can therefore react with copper pipes that carry water to people’s household taps.

So, why wouldn’t you want to ensure water is safer to drink? Water tanks are the answer!

Concrete Tanks: Here Are A few More Reasons to Have One

• They offer the very best solution for water storage; they’re the only manmade system that will allow water to balance out to a neutral pH
• In-ground tanks will keep water at the same temperature it was at when it fell out of the sky
• It’ll keep water bug, dust and bacteria-free
• Tanks like these are designed to last hundreds of years, so they’re a real investment for your business

So, Where to Start?

If you’re ready to save money, and ensure your drinking water is safe for consumption, get in touch with the team at Versatile Tanks for a no-obligation quote.

4. They’re Cost-effective

Cost is a huge consideration for any business – and detention tanks are an ideal measure to help you keep yours down. They can be delivered across Australia and placed under a garage slab or driveway; they can even be positioned out of site underground.

Seamless, robust and offering smooth and swift installation, concrete detention tanks will help you reduce detention system costs by using a convenient, all-in-one system like ours.

Detention Tanks: Here’s Why You Should Have One

• They come in three sizes – 6700 litres, 11700 litres, and 22500 litres – to ensure they meet your needs. Plus, heights can be reduced to your OSD council requirements
• They can be installed above ground or as an underground system
• After fitting orifice plates, they’ll help reduce the flow of water exiting to the storm water system
• Used as retaining walls, they can have the added benefit of storing water for landscape

So, Where to Start?

Want to save money? You’ve come to the right place, as we offer a host of solutions which will also keep you safe.

5. They Offer Safe and Effective Storage for Dangerous Goods and Chemicals

SafeWorkAustralia is a handy resource for anyone who wants to learn all they need to know about dangerous goods in the workplace.

If you work in close proximity to hazardous chemicals and substances, you have a duty of care to ensure they’re stored safely and effectively. Substances like these can pose a significant risk to health and safety, but there is a solution.

Storage units for dangerous goods and chemicals are specially designed for ammunition, explosives, and harmful substances.

Thankfully, Versatile Tanks specialises in the design and manufacture of concrete explosive storage units, to help keep you and your workforce safe.

Again, these are available in three sizes, and they’re either square, modular, or rectangular.

Storage Units for Dangerous Goods and Chemicals: Why You Should Have One

• Units like this feature a high lock security system, as well as a 10mm-thick steel door
• Hinge side door protection ensures the door can’t be defeated by removing a hinge
• With a white exterior protective high grade painted finish, units like these have full ventilation – ideal for the storage of ammunition and high-level explosives.
• Your unit comes complete with full signage and markings, and earthing terminals are fitted for lightning protection
• There’s no opportunity for rust, as the units are steel painted with a rich barrier paint
• Units are fully moisture-proof
• Innovative, specially-designed convex roofs have been created with the pyrotechnics industry in mind

So, Where to Start?

If yours is a business that works with chemicals, don’t delay; chat to us about how we can ensure your site is in line with industry standards – you owe it to yourself and your workforce.