Across Canada, municipalities and industries rely on steel tanks for storing potable water, wastewater, and industrial liquids. But without proper inspections and corrosion control, these tanks can deteriorate quickly, risking structural failure and costly emergency repairs.
Cathodic protection is one of the most effective ways to extend the lifespan of a steel tank — ensuring safe, reliable performance for decades.
At Greatario, we provide cathodic corrosion protection testing and inspection services that help you safeguard critical infrastructure, optimize asset management, and protect public health.
Steel tanks are naturally vulnerable to corrosion because when bare steel is exposed to water, oxygen, and salts, an electrochemical reaction begins that causes rust. Over time, this weakens the structure, shortens the tank’s service life, and risks contamination of the stored liquid.
Cathodic protection prevents corrosion by making the steel tank act as a cathode — essentially shielding the metal from rust and degradation. By installing and monitoring anode systems, tank owners can dramatically slow corrosion, ensuring their tank delivers maximum value over its service life.
Why cathodic protection matters:
NACE Certification in Cathodic Protection Testing and Coating Inspections
NACE (National Association of Corrosion Engineers) certification is recognized worldwide as the gold standard in corrosion control. Being NACE-certified means our team has been rigorously trained and tested on how to properly evaluate, test, and maintain cathodic protection systems and protective coatings. For municipalities and industries, this ensures your inspection is done to the highest technical standard — protecting both your infrastructure and your investment.
AMPP Certification in Cathodic Protection Testing
Greatario is also certified through AMPP (Association for Materials Protection and Performance). AMPP certification reflects the latest best practices and technical standards for corrosion prevention. When working with an AMPP certified tank inspector, you can trust your tanks are being inspected and tested using the most advanced, globally recognized methods.
Why Certification Matters
👉 With both NACE and AMPP certifications, Greatario stands apart as one of the few Canadian providers offering certified cathodic protection inspection and testing.
While cathodic protection helps prolong tank life, older welded steel tanks often face recurring issues. Recoating may seem affordable upfront, but costs add up quickly — averaging $600,000 every 12 years. Over a 45-year span, municipalities can spend more than $2.25M on repainting alone.
That’s why more and more communities are choosing glass-fused-to-steel tanks, which never need repainting and provide a lower lifecycle cost.
Cathodic protection works by turning the steel surface of a tank into a cathode, which prevents corrosion. This is done by installing sacrificial anodes or impressed current systems that attract the corrosive reaction away from the steel. In simple terms, the anodes “take the hit” so the tank wall doesn’t — protecting your structure from rust and extending its life.
The lifespan of cathodic protection depends on the system design and operating conditions. Sacrificial anodes in a water tank can often last 10–20 years, while impressed current systems may last longer with proper monitoring. Regular testing ensures the system continues working as intended.
Industry standards such as AWWA guidelines recommend that cathodic protection systems be inspected at least once a year, with full water tank inspections performed every 3–5 years. Older tanks or those in high-demand service may need more frequent checks to catch early signs of wear or failure. Routine inspection helps avoid unexpected corrosion issues and supports long-term asset management planning.