A potable water tank is a water storage container designed to hold drinkable water, ensuring it meets the safety standards set by the Dubai Municipality’s food safety regulations. These tanks are used in various settings such as schools, hotels, commercial buildings, and public facilities to store water that is safe for consumption.
There are several common types of potable water tanks, including:
- Reinforced Cement Concrete (RCC) Tanks: Typically installed at ground level or in basements, used for storing raw DEWA water or filtered and chilled water.
- Glass-Reinforced Plastic (GRP) Tanks: Suitable for both ground and upper levels, these are the most common type for water storage.
- Plastic Tanks: Often used in schools due to cost considerations, though they tend to have a shorter lifespan.
- Galvanized Steel Tanks: Rarely used for potable water storage due to corrosion concerns.
Regarding inspections, Dubai Municipality has mandated regular testing and certification of potable water tanks, especially in public and commercial premises. The inspection covers both the chemical properties of the water—such as pH, TDS, chlorine levels, bromate, and E. coli testing—and the physical condition of the tanks, including checking for rust, cracks, and openings.
Obtaining an inspection certificate from an authorized body like B Safe Safety is essential to ensure compliance with local regulations and to avoid potential fines or issues during municipal inspections. The certification process involves initial testing, reporting, and, if satisfactory, issuance of a certificate valid for one year. Re-inspections are conducted if issues are found.