Providing safe, reliable drinking water is no small task for municipalities across Canada. An important part of any communities water supply infrastructure is their water storage tanks. Because of their importance, tanks must be durable, sanitary and efficient. For this reason, Canadian municipalities and water utilities rely on stringent standards for the construction and maintenance of water storage tanks. The AWWA D103 standard is one of the most trusted and widely accepted guidelines for potable water storage in Canada – and guides every aspect of tank supply and construction.
Dillon Occleston
Sales Manager – Ontario
Dec 2024
The AWWA D103 standard, developed by the American Water Works Association (AWWA), establishes specific requirements for the construction of bolted steel tanks used to store potable (drinking) water. Recognized across North America, this standard ensures that tanks meet rigorous quality, safety, and durability criteria. Its guidelines cover every detail – from materials to structural integrity and beyond – making it an essential resource for companies, municipalities, and engineers.
While “AWWA D103” might sound technical, the principles behind it are straightforward. This standard ensures that water storage tanks are manufactured and constructed to prevent leaks, withstand environmental conditions, and last for decades. It’s a comprehensive set of guidelines that helps water storage systems avoid costly repairs, health hazards, and service interruptions.
Water tanks built to the AWWA D103 standard provide a critical service to communities by ensuring that potable water remains safe and accessible. When storage tanks don’t meet these standards, issues like contamination or structural failure can compromise a community’s water supply. In the worst cases, this can lead to health risks or costly emergency repairs.
The AWWA D103 standard also emphasizes materials and coatings that prevent rust and contamination, which is particularly important for municipal tanks exposed to various environmental conditions. In other words, tanks built to D103 standards are designed to maintain high water quality while resisting the wear and tear of time and climate.
Here are a few characteristics that make AWWA D103 tanks stand out:
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Canadian municipalities trust the AWWA D103 standard for several reasons. First, its longevity and reputation mean that engineers, regulators, and manufacturers are all familiar with its requirements. Second, tanks built to this standard have a proven track record across North America, even in challenging climates. From small communities to major cities, AWWA D103-compliant tanks provide a reliable, safe option for water storage.
At Greatario, we’re proud to offer solutions that meet and exceed the AWWA D103 standard. Our team understands the unique needs of Canadian municipalities and brings extensive experience to each project. We’re here to support communities by providing high-quality water storage solutions that stand the test of time.
As a trusted name in water storage solutions for almost 40 years, Greatario is committed to excellence in every project. Our AWWA D103-compliant tanks are built with the highest quality materials and crafted with precision. We work closely with each client to ensure that our tanks meet both regulatory standards and local needs. From planning to installation, Greatario delivers unmatched expertise, reliability, and service.
For municipalities, partnering with Greatario means confidence in their water storage infrastructure – a commitment to quality that reflects our dedication to communities across Canada. By investing in tanks that meet AWWA D103 standards, communities can trust that their water supply is in safe hands, today and for decades to come.
If your municipality is looking to expand or update its water storage solutions, reach out to us at Greatario to learn how our AWWA D103-compliant tanks can meet your needs. Safe, reliable water storage is not just a standard we meet; it’s a promise we keep.
Next month, we’re following up with a deep dive into the key differences between AWWA D103-19 and ISO 28765: Vitreous and porcelain enamels, highlighting the requirements for writing specifications that detail the most stringent quality procedures!
