In recent years, drinking water projects have been prioritized worldwide, with many countries successfully addressing local water supply issues through strict oversight and advanced treatment methods. These efforts have raised tap water standards to meet direct drinking quality, and Costa Rica is one of the nations taking significant strides to improve its water infrastructure.

Despite being rich in water resources, bordered by the Caribbean Sea and the North Pacific Ocean, Costa Rica faces challenges with water pollution. Over the years, local rivers have suffered severe contamination, and arsenic levels in groundwater have exceeded safety standards. Furthermore, the country’s drinking water supply system is incomplete, resulting in water shortages in some regions. Many residents lack access to clean drinking water, which impacts their daily lives and hinders economic development. Recognizing these challenges, the Costa Rican government has made substantial efforts to promote and advance the construction of drinking water projects.

To ensure safe and reliable drinking water storage, the government of San Jose, Costa Rica, selected Center Enamel’s Glass-Fused-to-Steel (GFS) tanks as the solution. Ordinary storage tanks often fail to meet safety standards for potable water and are cumbersome to install and transport due to their size. In contrast, GFS tanks provide a non-toxic, safe, and efficient solution for potable water storage, and Center Enamel’s GFS tanks are certified by NSF61 and AWWA D103-09, ensuring they meet the highest standards.

Innovative Technology for Safe Drinking Water

Center Enamel’s GFS tanks are constructed on-site using specialized enamel-coated steel plates, stirrups, self-locking bolts, sealants, and other accessories. These tanks are fired at extremely high temperatures (820°C-930°C), which fuses the glass to the steel surface, forming a strong, corrosion-resistant bond. This process combines the structural strength and flexibility of steel with the superior chemical resistance of glass, creating a durable storage tank with a service life of over 30 years.

The unique coating developed by Center Enamel provides excellent protection against corrosion, making it an ideal choice for storing potable water. Center Enamel also boasts nearly 30 years of experience in enamel research and development, with a dedicated R&D department that tailors custom enamel formulas to meet specific storage requirements. For the Costa Rica drinking water project, the company used a specialized enamel formula designed to ensure the highest levels of safety for drinking water storage.

Efficient Installation and Superior Service

One of the key benefits of Center Enamel’s GFS tanks is the ease of installation. The tank panels are manufactured at the company’s production facility and then transported to the project site for assembly. The enamel-coated steel plates are bolted together without the need for heavy equipment or large labor forces, making installation, disassembly, and relocation simple and efficient.

To guarantee the success of the project, Center Enamel provided on-site support in San Jose, Costa Rica. An experienced installation guidance engineer was sent to oversee the installation process and provide comprehensive training to the local team. This ensured the timely and successful completion of the drinking water project, which is now fully operational and delivering clean drinking water to local residents.

Making a Difference in Costa Rica and Beyond

The drinking water storage tanks provided by Center Enamel have already made a significant impact on improving access to clean water in San Jose. The project has helped solve the issues of water shortages and poor water quality, enhancing the overall utilization of water resources in the region. Local residents have expressed their appreciation for the superior quality of the tanks and the quick, efficient service provided by Center Enamel.

Beyond Costa Rica, Center Enamel’s GFS tanks are used worldwide, in countries like Australia, Canada, Panama, and many others. Their versatility makes them ideal for various applications, including drinking water storage, biogas tanks, wastewater tanks, industrial wastewater tanks, landfill leachate tanks, and municipal sewage tanks. With advantages like short construction periods, low cost, excellent corrosion resistance, easy installation, expandable tank volume, and customizable colors, GFS tanks continue to be a preferred choice for water storage solutions globally.

By partnering with municipalities like San Jose, Costa Rica, Center Enamel continues to demonstrate its commitment to delivering high-quality, safe, and sustainable solutions for water storage projects worldwide.