Stormwater Tanks

The United States Environmental Protection Agency defines stormwater as rainwater or melted snow that runs off into streets, lawn and other sites. Stormwater management refers to efforts to reduce stormwater runoff into surrounding areas and improve water quality.

What Do Stormwater Detention Tanks Do?

In developed areas, surfaces like pavement and roofs prevent precipitation from naturally soaking into the ground. The water instead makes its way into drains, sewer systems and drainage ditches, carrying debris, chemicals, bacteria, eroded soil and other pollutants. Once these conduits become overwhelmed, flooding, erosion and turbidity are likely to take place. Stormwater detention tanks can help prevent this from taking place and contaminated water from reaching streams, rivers, lakes and wetlands.

Water detention tanks can be used across a number of facilities. New buildings are often constructed with onsite detention facilities and drainage systems in place. Stormwater detention tanks are designed to remain empty except during periods of rainfall and shortly thereafter. They are specifically fitted with valves designed to slowly release water over time.

Stormwater Detention vs. Rainwater Retention

Stormwater detention solutions come in two varieties. The first involves two tanks, one used for stormwater detention and the other is to harvest rainwater, which can be used for the following purposes:

• irrigating your garden
• flushing toilets
• topping up your swimming pool without using mains water
• washing your cars and driveway
• washing clothes
• drinking (if the water system is properly maintained and water is treated)

This kind of reuse can be particularly beneficial to individuals living in rural areas or under restricted access to the water supply.

The other option involves a specially made dual water retention/detention system. This design may be most beneficial to individuals residing in areas susceptible to heavy downpours, as retention tanks will fill up quickly in this kind of weather.

What Are Stormwater Detention Tanks Made Of?

Stormwater detention tanks come in different sizes, shapes and are made of different materials. Listed below are some of the most commonly used materials or retention/detention tanks:

• Polyethylene: Because polyethylene is strong, durable and relatively lightweight, it remains one of the most popular water tank materials on the market today. It is both easy to install and cost effective. The high-quality plastic is recyclable and reusable, making it a particularly green product as compared to other available materials.
• Fiberglass: The quality of fiberglass will depend on its manufacturer. It is generally thought of as rigid but light and thin, which makes it prone to cracking. This material requires a food-grade coating for the safe storage of potable water.
• Galvanized Steel: These tanks have a zinc coating that protect against corrosion. Polyethylene liners can be installed to prevent the coating from leaking into the water and rusting. While these tanks are built to satisfy large storage requirements, they are vulnerable to wear and tear.
• Open top frac tanks are durable quarter-inch thick steel tanks with an open top to make it easier to monitor levels of liquid stored inside for cleaning. These frac tanks store liquids like run-off water and non-hazardous chemicals. Open frac tanks come in a range of sizes from 7,932 gallons to 21,000 gallons, and include features such as three-inch top fill line, sloped “V” bottom for 100% drain out, and a fixed rear-axle for easier movement.

Stormwater management systems can also be assembled underground. These tanks, also known as r tanks, are ideal solutions for urban areas with high population densities and limited space.

Stormwater Management Accessories

There are various accessories available to make stormwater runoff and rainwater retention easier to manage. These products can be purchased separately and include:

• Axial-flow and mixed-flow pumps for flood control
• Filtration systems to help catch debris particles and prevent blockages from taking place.
• Wastewater pumps for durable use with heavy, fluctuating wastewater flows
• Mixers designed with corrosion resistant materials for creating a bulk-flow with an almost uniform flow-velocity and limited risk of dead zones
• Hydroejector designed to automatically clean the stormwater tank
• Retention regulators
• Overflow siphons
• Calming inlets
• Rodent guards
• Air gaps

Stormwater Management Solutions At Ironclad Environmental Solutions

Our storage solutions are designed to help customers meet environmental compliance requirements. All of our tanks meet stringent local and federal regulations for environmental remediation projects while remaining cost effective.

We offer rental equipment to handle containment, pumping and filtration. Our storage tank rentals can be used to store contaminated groundwater for stormwater management purposes.

Contact us to learn more about our water storage and stormwater management solutions. Our experts are available 24/7 to help answer any questions. You can also request a quote today.