How to choose the right water storage system

Choosing the water storage system that fits your operation increases productivity and sustainability

Water storage plays a vital role in a wide range of operations, from large-scale greenhouse production to industrial facilities, farms and public institutions. The challenge often lies in selecting the best system for your needs – a choice that is critical for achieving long-term efficiency and sustainability. Different types of systems are built to serve distinct purposes, factoring in capacity, location and intended usage. Opting for a system that is not well-suited to your situation can lead to inefficiencies, inflated costs or even the inability to meet water demand when it counts.

Around the globe, there are numerous water storage options, including concrete tanks, above-ground tanks, underground tanks, flexible tanks and modular tanks. Each comes with its own set of pros and cons. For example, while concrete tanks are renowned for their durability, they can be expensive and labour-intensive to install. Flexible tanks, on the other hand, are portable and budget-friendly, but may not hold up well if you need long-term storage.

The first big question is how much water you need to store. When it comes to horticulture, greenhouse builders or irrigation specialists typically run the numbers. They consider the water requirements of specific crops, the desired output, the amount of extra capacity the business wants on hand, the need for rainwater collection and the level of overcapacity required. Irrigation experts rely on calculation software to determine both the volume of water that must be stored and the amount that needs to be readily available at any given time. In other sectors, an engineer, procurement team or technical specialist usually decides the required capacity. Ultimately, capacity is tied closely to the scale of the operation, the size of the facility and the goals of the business. In aquaculture, for example, the dimensions of your water tanks will hinge on the type of fish you are raising. Once you have settled on the required capacity, NPI steps in as your water storage specialist, offering tailored advice on the perfect system for your needs.

NPI excels in both steel water tanks and excavated basins, so once you know how much storage you need, what is your next move? If water quality is at the top of your list, you want to opt for steel water tanks. Steel tanks give you better control over water quality. But if you need a massive capacity and have plenty of open space, an excavated basin might be the smarter, more economical choice – especially if water quality is not your highest priority.

Tank wall materials
Water storage systems come in various materials, each offering unique characteristics. Polyethylene, for instance, is lightweight and corrosion-resistant, but it might not be as durable for large-scale or long-term demands. Concrete is tough and long-lasting, but can be costly and hard to install. Steel – especially when used in modular water tanks – hits a sweet spot, combining durability, adaptability and a long service life. Modular steel tanks stand out thanks to their resistance to the elements, easy transportation and setup, and their suitability for a wide range of capacities and applications.

Lining materials
To ensure a clean, long-lasting environment, we line our steel tanks and excavated basins with high-quality liner films. ENPEX FPP is our go-to option, valued for its exceptional durability, UV resistance and its ability to keep the water clean over a broad range of temperatures. We also offer PVC, LDPE, HDPE, EPDM and our own 4everflex® film. Each liner has its own merits, so we select the one that best fits the job. Whether you are storing irrigation water, raising fish, supplying a community or preparing for firefighting needs, ENPEX FPP is typically the first choice, delivering both sustainability and performance.

Capacity vs. space: choosing the number and size of tanks
After irrigation specialists have calculated how much storage you need, the next step is figuring out where to install it. One great thing about an excavated basin is its flexibility: you can dig it to just about any shape that fits your space. Tanks, too, come in countless heights and diameters, giving you the freedom to find a configuration that suits your available area and meets your exact volume requirements.

If there is plenty of room, we often suggest dividing your needed capacity across two or more smaller tanks. This way, if one needs maintenance, you can drain it while keeping another in full operation. When space is not an issue, installing shorter, wider tanks is often more cost-effective. However, in many parts of the world where land is expensive, taller tanks are preferred. They save space and preserve valuable ground area for production. Tall tanks can work perfectly well – unless you need a specific working height, as is often the case in aquaculture.

Indoor vs. outdoor installation
NPI tanks are installed outdoors by the thousands worldwide. Made from galvanised steel and durable liners, they are engineered to withstand the elements as long as routine maintenance is performed. If you can place your tanks indoors – for instance inside a greenhouse or a manufacturing facility – it is an excellent way to boost their longevity. Indoor tanks enjoy protection from the weather, prolonging their lifespan and performance. Of course, indoor space is often prime space reserved for core operations, so not every operation can opt for installing tanks indoor. But rest assured, our tanks work perfectly outside, in any climate.

Choosing the right water storage system is not just about meeting today’s operational demands – it is also about securing long-term efficiency, value and sustainability. By carefully considering factors like capacity, materials, location and water quality, you can streamline costs, optimise efficiency and help ensure that your operation is as sustainable as it is productive. In the end, the right choice paves the way for greater resilience, profitability and a more sustainable future.