Case Study: Water Storage Tank Rehabilitation

Restoring Water Security in Saint-Leonard, NB

Saint-Leonard logo

Greatario recently partnered with the Town of Saint-Leonard, New Brunswick, to deliver a critical water storage tank rehabilitation project. When their 20-year-old glass-fused-to-steel water tower suffered damage from some unexpected internal ice build-up, the community needed a solution that was fast and reliable. This case study highlights how Greatario replaced the tank’s knuckle roof with a long-lasting, low-maintenance geodesic dome aluminum roof and reinforced the top ring, restoring long-term durability and ensuring a dependable water supply for the community.

The Challenge

The Town of Saint-Leonard, New Brunswick, had a dilemma when their 20-year-old bolted, glass-fused-to-steel water tower was damaged by unexpected internal ice build-up. Over time, ice accumulation pressed against the knuckle roof, deforming it and damaging several panels in the top ring of the tank. While the tank remained functional and continued to service the community, the damage exposed sections of steel where the protective glass coating had been compromised. This left the tank vulnerable to corrosion and raised concerns about both immediate safety and long-term durability.

Town officials recognized the urgency of addressing the issue quickly to protect their critical water supply. They needed a partner with the expertise to deliver a fast, safe, and reliable repair solution with minimal disruption to residents.

The Solution

The municipality turned to Greatario, known across Canada for their experience in water storage tank rehabilitation. Partnering with JSF Roofs, Greatario proposed a long-term solution that went beyond repair—an upgrade that would strengthen the structure and reduce future maintenance demands.

The plan called for replacing the compromised knuckle roof with an aluminum geodesic dome roof, chosen for its proven strength, corrosion resistance, and low-maintenance design. In addition, the top ring of the tank would be replaced to restore structural stability and extend the service life of the tower.

Execution was carefully coordinated to ensure speed and safety. With the support of Capitol Crane, the Greatario team removed the old roof and damaged top ring before installing the new aluminum dome. The entire process, from removal to final installation, was completed in just 10 days, ensuring the town’s water system remained dependable throughout.

The Results

  • Fast Turnaround: The project was completed in only 10 days, significantly reducing downtime and risk.
  • Minimal Disruption: Work was executed efficiently and safely, with little impact on the community or surrounding area.
  • Long-Term Protection: The geodesic dome roof provides durable structural integrity and requires minimal maintenance.
  • Extended Service Life: The reinforced top ring and dome roof restored durability and helped prevent future corrosion risks, protecting the town’s investment.

Looking Ahead

With the new dome roof and reinforced structure in place, Saint-Leonard can rely on a future-ready water tower to safeguard its water supply. Beyond delivering a successful installation, Greatario also provided the town with preventative guidance on monitoring and reducing ice-related risks going forward.

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Backed by decades of experience, Greatario ensures your tank project is in expert hands. We are able to service and rehabilitate all tank types—regardless of the original manufacturer.