Water is an important commodity.
From the tap water that comes into our homes to the water that is needed for the agricultural products in the heartland, there are, in fact, few things more important to the success and health of both individuals and the nation than water. And while there are many other kinds of liquid chemicals that farmers and manufacturing plants use, none of them are as important as water. Because of this, there are a number of ways that other kinds of liquids and chemicals need to be handled so they do not become a threat to the nation’s supply of drinking water. From corrosion resistant tank linings to water storage tank liners, there are many ways that the government can regulate the use of chemicals in this country. Unfortunately, as proven by some of the recent decisions at the federal level, the safety of some of the water that we drink needs to be a constant priority from local officials as well.
Corrosion Resistant Tank Linings and Other Kinds of Containment Products Play Important Roles in the Safety of Our Nation
Finding a way to keep the nation’s driving water safe and the water table untainted are both important tasks in a world where so many farmers and manufacturing plants rely on a wide range of chemicals. As a result, there are many federal and state regulations that dictate the kind of corrosion resistant tank lining that most be used with some chemicals, as well as potable water tank linings that must be in place as well. In a time when the politicians in this country cannot seem to find a middle ground on any topic, of course, it is concerning that the cleanliness and safety of the environment might be at risk.
Consider some of these facts and figures about the many times when corrosion resistant tank linings and other precautions are needed:
- Underground storage tanks of 110 gallons or less are not subject to federal regulations, according to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). In many parts of the country, however, this is a concern that is being closely monitored by local and state agencies.
- An underground storage tank (UST) is any tank, system of tanks, or connected underground piping with at least 10% of their combined volume underground, as defined by the federal government.
- Obviously, some chemicals are more dangerous than others, so the EPA maintains a list of 140 chemicals that when they are stored in large enough quantities require their owners to submit a Risk Management Plan to federal regulators.
- The construction, installation, soil conditions, and maintenance all affect the life span of a tank, but typically, an underground tank should last 20 years or more.
- As one of the most reliable options, steel has been used to store and transport water for more than 150 years.
- 100% of water tanks containing water for human consumption require specific kinds of protective coatings and linings.
- Farm and residential storage tanks containing 1,100 gallons or less of motor fuel for noncommercial purposes are not subject to federal regulations, according to the latest EPA guidelines.
There are water storage tanks still in use that are 100 years old or more. Unfortunately, while some of these tanks may still be serving their purpose, there are others that are no longer as effective. Testing to see how efficiently a water storage tank is serving its purpose is a growing concern in many parts of the country. In a time when the politicians on both sides of the aisle struggle to find a common ground, there are many environmentalists who are holding out hope that when it comes to the safety of the water that we drink and the sustainability for the water table that we all depend on there will be a way to reach a common ground that will make the world a little safer. Doing your own part, of course, is the first step to tackling what can otherwise seem like an insurmountable problem.
As the politicians and government agencies continue to decide what their roles will be, every person can take steps to make sure that they are making environmentally friendly decisions every day.