WRAS Approved Drinking Water Storage Tanks: Ensuring Potable Water Safety
Created on 03.30
WRAS Approved Drinking Water Storage Tanks: Ensuring Potable Water Safety
In the United Kingdom, any water fitting that carries or receives water from the public mains must comply with the Water Supply (Water Fittings) Regulations. The Water Regulations Approval Scheme (WRAS) is the definitive certification proving that a storage system does not contaminate the water supply through leaching, bacterial growth, or chemical reaction.
Shijiazhuang Zhengzhong Technology Co., Ltd (Center Enamel) provides Glass-Fused-to-Steel (GFS) and Stainless Steel bolted tanks that are fully WRAS Approved. Our tanks ensure that community drinking water remains "wholesome"—maintaining purity from the treatment plant to the consumer's tap.
WRAS Approved tanks from Center Enamel utilize non-leaching materials such as 316L Stainless Steel or 930°C Thermal Fusion Glass. These systems are tested for aquatic toxicity, taste, and odor neutrality. Compliant with BS EN 1508 and AWWA D103, these tanks feature a 30+ year service life and are immune to the biofilm accumulation found in traditional concrete reservoirs.
1. Technical Decision Matrix: WRAS Compliance vs. Standard Storage
Feature | WRAS Approved GFS Tank | Concrete Reservoir |
Material Safety | Inorganic Glass (Inert) | Porous (Mineral Leaching) |
Bacterial Resistance | Superior (Ultra-Smooth Surface) | High (Biofilm Harborage) |
Maintenance | Minimal (Zero Recoating) | High (Crack Sealing/Lining) |
UK Regulation | Fully Compliant (Water Regs) | Requires Specialized Liners |
Adhesion Strength | 7,000 – 10,000 PSI | N/A |
2. The Science of Non-Leaching Surfaces
WRAS approval focuses on the "Effect on Water Quality" (BS 6920). Center Enamel tanks exceed these standards through advanced material science.
● Chemical Inertness: Our Glass-Fused-to-Steel panels are fired at 930°C, creating a surface that is chemically inactive. This prevents the "metallic taste" or chemical migration often associated with inferior metal coatings.
● Biofilm Mitigation: The Mohs hardness of 6.0 ensures a surface so smooth that bacteria and algae cannot find mechanical purchase. This reduces the need for heavy chlorination and maintenance flushing.
● UV Stability: Unlike plastic or epoxy tanks that degrade under UV exposure (potentially leaching microplastics or resins), GFS is an inorganic glass barrier that remains stable for decades.
3. Structural Integrity: Bolted Precision for UK Infrastructure
For UK water authorities, structural reliability is as critical as water purity. Center Enamel tanks are engineered for long-term stability.
● Precision Engineering: Every tank undergoes Finite Element Analysis (FEA) to calculate stresses based on local UK environmental loads (seismic, wind, and snow).
● Modular Installation: Our Top-Down Synchronized Jacking method allows for rapid deployment in constrained municipal sites. This reduces onsite construction time by 60%, minimizing disruption to local water services.
● Sealing Integrity: We utilize WRAS Approved Sealants and EPDM gaskets specifically tested for potable water contact, ensuring a 100% leak-proof environment.
4. Total Lifecycle Value (TCO) for Municipalities
While concrete or epoxy tanks may have lower initial costs, WRAS Approved GFS tanks offer a superior return on investment for public utilities.
● Zero Recoating: GFS never requires repainting, saving hundreds of thousands of pounds in maintenance costs over a 30-year span.
● Rapid Commissioning: Modular tanks can be erected and put into service within weeks, rather than the months required for concrete curing.
● Sustainable Infrastructure: Stainless steel and GFS are 100% recyclable, supporting the "Net Zero" goals of modern water authorities.
5. Global Compliance Portfolio (E-E-A-T)
Center Enamel’s commitment to quality is validated by international certifications beyond WRAS:
● NSF/ANSI 61: The North American standard for potable water safety.
● ISO 28765: The dedicated international standard for vitreous enamel tanks.
● AWWA D103-09: American Water Works Association standard for bolted steel.
Technical FAQ: WRAS Drinking Water Tanks
Q: Is WRAS approval mandatory for all UK water tanks?
A: Yes. Any tank connected to the public water supply must be WRAS Approved (or meet equivalent standards) to ensure it does not compromise the quality of the water.
Q: Can GFS tanks store water with high chlorine levels?
A: Yes. The glass coating is highly resistant to the oxidizers used in water treatment, including chlorine and ozone, without the risk of surface degradation.
Q: What sizes are available for WRAS Approved tanks?
A: Our modular design allows for capacities ranging from 20m³ to over 60,000m³, tailored to the specific footprint and volume requirements of the site.
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