Keeping your panel tanks safe and compliant starts with regular inspections. These inspections ensure your tanks meet the rigorous standards set by the American Water Works Association (AWWA).
Why are AWWA standards important? They’re the blueprint for designing, building, and maintaining water storage tanks. They guarantee the tanks are safe, reliable, and deliver clean water to communities.
Regular inspections are like checkups for your water tanks. They catch potential problems early, before they become major headaches. This not only safeguards the quality of your stored water but also saves you money on repairs and avoids any fines for violating regulations.
This post dives deeper into the critical role of regular panel tank inspections when it comes to upholding AWWA standards.
What is the AWWA Standard?
The American Water Works Association (AWWA) is a nonprofit organization founded in 1881 dedicated to ensuring safe and sustainable drinking water for communities across the United States and globally. AWWA plays a crucial role in establishing standards for the design, construction, operation, and upkeep of water treatment and distribution systems, including inspections of underground tanks.
In addition to setting standards, AWWA provides educational materials, training initiatives, and technical support to professionals in the water industry. The organization actively advocates for legislation and regulations aimed at safeguarding the safety and sustainability of drinking water. AWWA is widely recognized as a leading authority in its field, and its standards and guidelines are widely adopted by water utilities, engineers, and regulatory bodies.
Why are AWWA Standards needed for Panel Tank Inspection?
Water storage tanks are crucial for maintaining the safety and purity of drinking water. However, their structural integrity and performance can deteriorate over time due to various environmental and operational factors. Therefore, regular inspections of panel tanks are essential to meet the testing standards set by the American Water Works Association (AWWA).
Here are some key considerations:
- Regular inspections are vital for early detection of potential issues that could jeopardize the safety and quality of stored water. They also ensure compliance with AWWA standards that govern the design, construction, and upkeep of water storage tanks.
- Adhering to AWWA inspection standards demonstrates a water utility’s dedication to providing safe and sustainable drinking water to communities. Non-compliance could lead to penalties and undermine public confidence in the water supply.
- The AWWA offers regulations and guidelines for designing, building, maintaining, and inspecting water storage tanks. Inspection frequency may vary based on factors such as tank age, condition, location, and usage. However, AWWA generally recommends annual inspections for all water storage tanks.
- AWWA standard D100-11 “Welded Steel Tanks for Water Storage” mandates regular testing of tanks to check for corrosion, cracks, and other forms of damage. The frequency of inspections should be determined based on factors like the tank’s age, location, and construction materials.
- AWWA provides clear guidance on how often water storage tanks should be inspected, which is crucial for ensuring the safety and quality of stored water and maintaining compliance with organizational standards.

Regular Inspections of Water Storage Tanks are Essential to Ensure their Eafe and Reliable Operation
Here are several reasons why routine inspections are crucial:
- Detection of Structural Issues: Regular inspections help identify potential structural problems like corrosion or cracks early on. Addressing these issues promptly prevents them from developing into more severe issues, thereby preserving the tank’s structural integrity and ensuring its long-term reliability.
- Maintenance of Water Quality: Inspections ensure that the tank remains well-maintained and free from contaminants, which is crucial for maintaining the quality of stored water.
- Cost Efficiency: Early identification of potential problems during inspections can prevent expensive repairs down the line. This proactive approach leads to significant cost savings and conservation of resources over time.
- Compliance with Regulations: Many regulations, such as those established by the American Water Works Association (AWWA), mandate regular inspections to uphold the safety and reliability standards of storage tanks. Adhering to these regulations is essential to avoid penalties and maintain operational compliance.
- Demonstration of Commitment: Regular inspections demonstrate a commitment to providing safe and sustainable drinking water to communities. By ensuring the integrity of water storage tanks, utilities and facilities uphold public trust in the reliability and safety of the water supply.
Looking for an AWWA-Certified Panel Tanks Inspection Company?
Don’t let your water tank become a ticking time bomb. Panel tank inspections are essential for keeping your water safe and your operation running smoothly.
At NFPA 25 Inspections by American Tanks, our AWWA-certified inspectors have the experience and advanced tools to conduct thorough inspections. We’ll ensure your tanks are in top shape.
Contact us today! Our professional inspectors are here to help you maintain safe, compliant, and efficient water storage.
Call NFPA 25 Inspections by American Tanks at +1 800 656 0167
Or email at info@nfpa25inspections.com





