Water Tanks in Construction: Essential Solutions for Dust Suppression, Cement Mixing and Fire Safety

Water is one of the most essential elements on our planet, and one of the most important resources in construction. It serves multiple functions across a site, from controlling dust to ensuring safe cement mixing and providing fire safety measures. Construction companies can maintain efficient, safe and compliant working practices plus environmental sustainability with proper water storage and management, and this edition of the Tanks R Us blog deep dives into those, offering insights into selecting the right tanks for your site.

Water Use in Construction

Water plays an indispensable role in construction. It’s used for a wide range of activities that support the physical integrity of the site as well as the wellbeing of the workforce. Making sure there’s a steady and reliable water supply onsite is crucial for performance, productivity, safety and environmental compliance.

Water supports several of the key functions in construction, such as cement mixing, dust suppression, cooling, cleaning and fire safety. Without a supply that’s sufficient and reliable, construction projects can face delays and increased costs, as well as safety issues. A well-planned water supply system ensures that all areas of the site can access the water needed for their specific purposes. Effective water management enhances site organisation and can be a key factor in the success of a project.

While water is essential on a building or construction site, accessing it can pose challenges. Water use on construction sites is also subject to strict regulations and ensuring that water usage complies with environmental laws and health standards is a critical part of any construction operation. There may not always be direct access to the mains, particularly on large-scale sites or remote projects. In these cases, companies need water storage solutions to meet their needs. Tanks provide a simple and effective solution, offering a mobile and reliable water source.

Dust Suppression

This is one of the most important health and environmental concerns on construction sites. Uncontrolled dust from activities such as demolition or excavation is hazardous and can lead to respiratory issues for workers as well as negatively impacting any surrounding communities. To deal with these risks, water is often used to dampen dust.

By spraying water over exposed surfaces, construction companies can minimise the amount of airborne dust, ensuring the air remains breathable and workers are protected. Using water to control dust in this way is straightforward and cost-effective, and water tanks provide what you need to ensure consistent dust suppression throughout a working day on the site. Depending on the size and nature of the project, you might need to incorporate multiple water tanks, especially on larger sites where dust is frequent and widespread. Both of the following methods can be supported by water storage tanks.

• Water Bowsers: These are mobile, tank-mounted systems that can be towed behind vehicles and used to distribute water over large areas. They offer flexibility for moving water to where it’s needed most and can be particularly useful on expansive or remote sites.
• Sprayers: Water sprayers are often mounted on excavators or built in to dedicated dust suppression vehicles. These allow for precise control of water distribution, making sure that the correct amount is applied.

Cement Mixing

Water is critical in cement mixing. Its role cannot be overstated. The ratio of water to cement in a mix determines the quality and strength of the cement produced. Without a reliable and clean supply of water the consistency and durability of the mixture could be compromised, which will lead to project delays and additional costs. Consistency in cement production is crucial for the structural integrity of buildings and infrastructure projects.

For cement batching and mixing, the quality of the water used is as important as the quality of the materials. Impurities or contaminants in the water can affect the chemical composition of the cement, and that can potentially weaken the final product. This is why construction companies need to make sure that the water stored for cement mixing is clean and free from contaminants.

Water tanks can be designed at a capacity to match the specific needs of the project. This means that there is control over water for cement batching as well as the ability to meet other requirements such as dust suppression and fire safety. Some tanks can even be integrated with water filtration systems so that only clean, usable water is available for mixing.

Fire Safety

This is one of the highest priorities on construction sites. Due to the presence of combustible materials, machinery and potentially dangerous chemicals, fire safety is extremely important, and water is a part of that. Regulatory bodies often require that construction sites have access to an adequate water supply for emergency situations, especially in high-risk areas. Water storage tanks are essential as an immediate source of water for firefighting operations if there’s an emergency.

Large construction projects often use a combination of water storage tanks positioned in strategic locations throughout a site. These tanks are connected to hoses, sprinklers or other fire-fighting equipment, and ensure that water is easily accessible for firefighters. In addition to meeting a construction company’s safety and regulatory requirements, water tanks offer peace of mind. Knowing that immediate firefighting resources are available protects both workers and the site.

Water Tanks Suitable for Construction

When you’re choosing your water tank for construction, you need to consider several things to make sure it meets the needs of your job or project. These include capacity, durability, mobility and compliance with relevant industry standards.

• Capacity: The size and capacity of the tank should be based on the estimated water demand. Larger sites or projects that require high levels of cement mixing or dust suppression will need larger tanks to make sure of continuous supply.
• Durability: Water tanks on construction sites need to withstand harsh conditions (eg. extreme weather, heavy usage and exposure to chemicals). Tanks made from durable materials are essential.
• Mobility: For construction sites with varying water needs across different areas, mobile water tanks provide some flexibility. They can be moved easily across the site or to different locations, so water can be distributed where it’s needed most.
• Compliance: Many construction sites are bound to adhere to specific industry standards and regulations around water storage. Choosing a tank that complies with relevant guidelines is essential.

Water tanks come in a variety of materials, each with its own benefits:

• Plastic: Lightweight, durable and easy to move. Ideal for construction sites where mobility is a priority. Resistant to corrosion and available in various shapes and sizes.
• Steel: Strong, heavy-duty. Suitable for sites that require more robust solutions. Resistant to damage, ideal for long-term use. Less portable than plastic.
• Other: Fibreglass or concrete may also be used for water storage tanks; each has its own unique advantages.

Sustainability

Construction companies are increasingly aware of their responsibility to operate sustainability, and water management plays a crucial role. By using water conservation measures and renewable sources (rainwater harvesting and greywater recycling), construction companies can reduce their environmental footprint.

Rainwater harvesting systems allow sites to collect and store rainwater which can then be used onsite. This is an effective way to supplement the water supply, especially in areas with limited access to the mains. Harvested rainwater can also be used for non-potable purposes such as dust suppression, landscaping or cleaning.

Greywater, which comes from sources such as sinks and showers, can also be recycled and reused on construction sites. It’s not suitable for drinking or cement mixing, but greywater can be used for dust suppression and cooling systems (plus other non-potable purposes). Integrating greywater into a construction site’s water management plan can help conserve freshwater resources and reduce environmental impact.

Water storage tanks are essential in construction. To explore water storage solutions for your projects, contact Tanks R Us today, or browse our online selection of high-quality water tanks designed for construction use.