| The tank colours are not just for aesthetic purposes. The white roof allows the sun to be reflected during the summer months when the sun is at its highest point in the sky. The tank's blue exterior permits the sun's heat to be absorbed during the winter months when the sun is at its lowest point in the sky. This helps to prevent freezing and ensure water quality. |
Prince Edward Island's first glass-fused-to-steel tank for potable water storage was erected in 2001. Consulting engineers, CBCL Limited, from Charlottetown, faced the challenge of designing a tank for Stratford, PEI, that would provide potable water for a growing population of 8,000, but still contain an ample supply of fire protection water for a rapidly expanding business park.
The town of Stratford decided to proceed by constructing a glass-fused-to-steel tank built by Greatario Engineered Storage Systems of Innerkip, Ontario. The 25 foot diameter x 56 foot high Aquastore tank, supplied by Engineered Storage Products of DeKalb, Illinois, holds 166,000 imperial gallons and was built in less than two weeks once the foundation was poured.
Pat Hughes, engineer with CBCL, stated that a glass-fused-to-steel tank was chosen for several reasons. Comparatively, the upfront cost of supplying and building the tank was less than the cost of building a welded steel tank. Down-time was a major concern for the town of Stratford because they do not have a back-up reservoir. The glass-fused-to-steel tank will never have to be taken out of service for re-coating.
This project is Stratford's first step into water storage and distribution of flows capable of providing fire protection. To address the matter of water quality and the potential of freezing, the internal piping was configured to promote circulation of water throughout the tank. With the reservoir, Stratford can now begin to interconnect the existing domestic systems and provide fire protection and quality drinking water as required.
See our home page on how to order your subscription. We regret we can only accept orders from Canada and the United States.