Underground Water Storage Tank Applications

Agri-Business – Direct bury tanks for micro crops, stock watering, waste processing, and hydroponics

Farmers and Ranchers often need water storage for periods of drought due to climate change.  Stock watering, confinement flushing, preliminary animal processing, and micro crop irrigation are common applications.  Uses for underground water storage tanks in the Agricultural Industries are vast and varied.

Fire Cisterns – Buried all weather fire fighting water supply tanks meeting NFPA standards

Beyond the city water supply lines and fire hydrants, individuals and developers are often required to install a water supply tank or fire cistern to meet the needs of the local Fire Department.  Such a fire cistern will ensure that water is available to protect lives and property, as well as meet the requirements for homeowner fire insurance.

Fire Sprinkler Reservoirs – Secure dedicated water supply for overhead fire sprinkler systems

Fire sprinkler flow rates for large commercial or industrial buildings are often greater than the municipal water service line can deliver.  Under these circumstances, a water tank or cistern is often installed to guarantee the required fire sprinkler flow and satisfy the requirements of both the Fire Marshal and the building insurer.

Industrial Process – Underground tanks for spill control, batching, and wash down water treatment

Large volumes of water are often needed by industrial manufacturers for certain production or process functions.  If the main water supply line diameter is insufficient or when a water utility cannot deliver sufficient flow – on site water storage tanks are employed.  Such tanks are often located underground to eliminate freezing and for minimal visual impact.

Landscape Irrigation – Secondary water supply for irrigation of trees and ornamental plantings

The investment in quality landscaping is significant both financially and emotionally once trees and ornamentals become established.  Recent unexpected droughts all over the country have property owners hedging against water rationing and increased water costs by installing underground rainwater storage tanks.

OEM Support – Custom underground tanks to be included with another company’s proprietary product line

Proprietary water treatment products often include underground storage tanks. Darco will custom build such vessels under non-disclosure and non-compete agreements typical for this type of relationship.  We offer drafting, design, and engineering services for our OEM customers.

Potable Water – Underground drinking water cisterns for domestic or commercial use

Drinking Water can be safely stored in N.S.F. compliant underground tanks for several weeks without re-circulation or treatment.  Plumb domestic water supplies such that refill water enters at the opposite end from the discharge plumbing or pump.  This will ensure that all the water is turning over regularly and that no portion is allowed to remain un-circulated.

Rainwater Harvesting – Free water, thanks to Mother Nature, stored underground for numerous future uses

Unexpected droughts and ever-increasing municipal water rates are responsible for the resent increased interest in rainwater collection.  Water storage systems range from plastic barrels to underground tanks integrated with lawn and shrubbery irrigation systems.  Either way makes environmental sense and conserves treated potable water.

Recycled Water– Non-potable gray water collected from various residential or commercial sources

Water that is not fit to drink but harbors minimal chemical pollutants, animal waste, or pathogens is considered gray water.  Rainwater running off a roof, water discharged from a household washing machine, and irrigation ditch water are all considered non-potable or gray but may be stored in a tank for secondary uses.

Sewage & Wastewater – On-site storage or treatment of waste products for approved discharge

As groundwater quality becomes an ever-increasing public health issue, traditional septic tanks are under scrutiny by regulators.  Recent innovations in on-site underground wastewater treatment systems have made great strides in reducing effluent residuals considered to be detrimental in groundwater and riparian areas.

Stormwater –Rainwater surge management and silt retention with a controlled clear water discharge

Rainwater flowing across paved parking lots and down city streets accelerates and sweeps soil, trash, and oil into public water ways.  To maintain water quality, this runoff must be controlled, cleaned, and released at a predetermined flow rate.  Large underground tanks can be used to regulate and clarify storm water surge.

Thermal Storage – A “storage battery” holding cold or hot water for building temperature regulation

Either HOT or COLD water can be stored underground or above ground in tanks for the purpose of heating or air conditioning.  Chilled water tanks hold refrigerated water at approximately 40º F while Solar Tanks hold hot water up to 150º F.  External R12 tank insulation with an external fiberglass jacket suitable for direct burial applications is available and recommended for hot water storage systems.