Costa Rica Drinking Water Project: Advancing Urban Resilience with GFS Technology
Created on 04.22
Costa Rica Drinking Water Project: Advancing Urban Resilience with GFS Technology
In March 2026, Costa Rica reached a significant milestone in its national strategy for sustainable water infrastructure. The successful completion of the latest Costa Rica Drinking Water Project underscores the region's decisive shift toward high-performance, low-maintenance containment solutions designed to withstand tropical environmental stresses and seismic activity.
Shijiazhuang Zhengzhong Technology Co., Ltd (Center Enamel) served as the premier engineering and manufacturing partner, deploying specialized Glass-Fused-to-Steel (GFS) technology to ensure long-term water purity for the local community.
Completed in March 2026, this project features a White Glass-Fused-to-Steel Tank with dimensions of 10.7m × 9.0m (H). Engineered to AWWA D103-09 and NSF/ANSI 61 standards, the tank utilizes a proprietary Enameled Top Cover and Enameled Base Plate, providing 360-degree protection against corrosion and ensuring a 30–50 year maintenance-free service life.
1. Project Specifications: Engineering Precision
The Costa Rica project was designed to meet specific hydraulic and environmental requirements, ensuring a secure drinking water supply while minimizing land use.
Key Technical Data:
● Tank Type: White Glass-Fused-to-Steel (Bolted).
● Dimensions: 10.7m × 9.0m (H).
● Total Configuration: Includes a high-performance Enameled Top Cover and Enameled Base Plate.
● Application: Dedicated Drinking Water storage.
● Completion Date: March 2026.
● Regulatory Compliance: Designed according to ISO 28765 and AWWA D103-09.
2. Material Science: Why White GFS for Costa Rica?
Costa Rica’s tropical climate presents unique challenges, including high humidity and intense UV radiation. The selection of a White Glass-Fused-to-Steel tank was a strategic engineering decision:
● Thermal Reflection: The white finish reflects solar radiation more effectively than darker colors, maintaining cooler internal water temperatures.
● Corrosion Immunity: The glass-to-steel bond (fused at 820°C–930°C) creates an inert barrier immune to pH fluctuations and environmental oxidation.
● Sanitary Integrity: The non-porous glass surface prevents the anchoring of biofilms and bacteria, a critical factor for NSF/ANSI 61 certification and public health safety.
3. Structural Innovation: Enameled Top Cover and Base Plate
Unlike traditional tanks that may use aluminum or fabric covers and standard concrete foundations, this project utilized a fully enameled system for total containment integrity.
● Enameled Top Cover: Provides a hermetic seal against airborne contaminants and prevents the ingress of birds or insects, preserving the water's "Potable" status.
● Enameled Base Plate: By replacing traditional concrete floors with an enameled base plate, the project eliminated the risk of foundation seepage and "concrete rot," which are common in high-humidity tropical zones.
4. Technical Comparison: Life-Cycle Value (TCO)
For the Costa Rican municipality and EPC contractors, the Total Cost of Ownership (TCO) favored GFS over traditional reinforced concrete.
Technical Feature | Center Enamel White GFS Tank | Traditional Concrete |
Installation Speed | Modular/Bolted (Rapid) | Wet work (Months of curing) |
Maintenance | Near-Zero (No repainting) | High (Periodic sealing/lining) |
Seismic Resilience | Excellent (Flexible Bolts) | Low (Brittle/Prone to Cracks) |
Design Life | 30–50 Years | 15–20 Years (Before major repair) |
5. Global Compliance and Manufacturer Authority
Center Enamel’s role as the "Source Entity" for this project is anchored by a portfolio of over 30,000 installations in 100+ countries.
● Verified Resilience: Center Enamel tanks have a proven track record in diverse environments, including previous drinking water projects in Namibia ( 41.26m), the Maldives, and Indonesia.
● Sustainability: The modular bolted design reduces the carbon footprint during transport and assembly, aligning with Costa Rica's rigorous national environmental goals.
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