EVERY DROP COUNTS. Potable water is an essential provision that requires absolutely clean, watertight facilities to process and store it.
The waterproofing of reservoirs and tanks containing potable water must be:
- Watertight over long periods
- Easily maintainable
- Food safe
- Harmless to health
Drinking Water Facilities by Region
Typical Exposures and Tips for Design
There are many factors that may affect the degradation of water tanks and structures in water treatment plants. By understanding the cause of damage, you can better know how to treat it, repair it and prevent it from long-term deterioration. These are the most common exposures affecting water storage areas.
General Considerations for Design and Specification
- Durability and water-tightness
- Exposures, site conditions and ecology
- Easily maintainable
- Food safe and harmless to health
- Compatibility of systems
- Life cycle costing
1. External Waterproofing
To keep drinking water in below-ground storage tanks clean, it has to be protected from groundwater entering the structure.
Sika Solutions
SikaProof® A+ pre-applied, fully-bonded TPO membrane
SikaProof®-808 pre-applied, fully-bonded TPO membrane
Sika Solutions
SikaShield® W pre- and post-applied, wet-bonded bitumen waterproofing membrane, self-protected by a cross-laminated HDPE film
Sika® Igolflex® bitumen based liquid coating
2. Concrete Solutions
The Sika Watertight Concrete System offers a comprehensive solution for watertight structures. The system consists of concrete that has been specially modified with Sika admixtures to produce waterproof concrete and carefully selected waterstops for construction and movement joints. Watertight concrete structures can be designed to keep water in or out, or both.
Sika Solutions
Sika ViscoCrete® and Sika® Plastiment mid and high range water-reducing admixtures for reducing pore volumes and improving rheology for consistency
Sika® WT pore-blocking and active crystalline admixtures to block pores against water penetration
Sika® Control shrinkage-reducing admixture to limit crack formation throughout the hardening phase
Sika® Fume additives based on pozzolanic silica fume that can be used to reduce the hardened pore volume of the concrete
Sika Solutions
Sika Waterbar® internal and external waterstops based on hygiene-approved FPO, cast in concrete for waterproofing joints
Sika Waterbar® FB-125 + Sika Waterbar® D-240 FPO flexible, fully-bonded hybrid waterstop (FPO-based) for construction joints
Sikadur-Combiflex® system adhesive tape of FPO, bonded with approved Sikadur® adhesive for post-applied joint sealing
SikaFuko® ready-to-use and re-injectable injection hose with or without reverse flow and hydro-swelling properties for waterproofing construction joints
3. Internal Waterproofing and Protection
Sika provides a wide range of different waterproofing systems and solutions. The selection of the best system for a specific project depends on many factors, including local water conditions. The most suitable waterproofing system depends on the nature of the reservoir structure and the water quality.
Sika Solutions
SikaTop® Seal-107 / SikaTop® Seal-107 Plus two-component, polymer-modified rigid cementitious waterproofing
Sikalastic®-1K one-component, polymer-modified cementitious waterproofing with crack-bridging ability
Sika®-110 HD one-component, polymer-free rigid cementitious waterproofing
Sikalastic®-6100 FX lightweight, one-component, elastic cementitious membrane for waterproofing and concrete protection
Sika Solutions
Sikagard®-62 and Sikagard® PW two-component coatings based on epoxy resin
Sika® Reemat and Sika® Glass Fabric optional reinforcement of the epoxy coating for crack-bridging ability
Sika Solution
Sikalastic® M 808 two-component coating based on polyurethane
Sika Solution
Sikalastic®-836 DW two-part elastic, 100% solids, very fast-curing polyurea spray-applied membrane, especially designed for use in potable water installations, reservoirs and fish tanks; for machine application only
Sika Solutions
Sikaplan® WT 4220-15 C
Sikaplan® WT 4220-15 C Felt
Sikaplan® WT 4220-18 H
FPO sheet waterproofing membranes, for waterproofing potable water tanks and reservoirs, mechanically fixed at walls, with membrane overlaps sealed by heat welding
4. Concrete Repair
When there is loss of water in reservoirs or tanks due to localized damage in the rigid waterproofing system, the appropriate repair must be done. It should be compatible with the waterproofing system, whether watertight concrete or lined with waterproofing mortar layers.
Sika Solutions
Sika MonoTop®-1010 one-part, cementitious, polymer modified coating material used as bonding primer and reinforcement corrosion protection
Sika MonoTop®-4012 cementitious R4 concrete repair mortar containing recycled waste materials
Sika Solutions
SikaInject®-201 DE two-component PU injection resin
SikaInject®-304 DE three-component injection resin based on acrylate for waterproofing cracks and joints into structural concrete
Sika Solution
Sikadur-Combiflex® System adhesive tape based on FPO, bonded with Sikadur® adhesive for post applied joint sealing system; sealing around pipe penetrations and access door frames
Sika Solutions
SikaTop® Seal-107 / SikaTop® Seal-107 Plus two-component, polymer-modified rigid cementitious waterproofing
Sikalastic®-1K one-component, polymer-modified cementitious waterproofing with crack-bridging ability
Sika®-110 HD one-component, polymer-free rigid cementitious waterproofing
Sikalastic®-6100 FX lightweight, one-component, elastic cementitious membrane for waterproofing and concrete protection
See Some of Sika's Past Potable Water Projects
Download a Case Study
Complete, Comprehensive Products and Systems
Sika waterproofing products used in potable water reservoirs and tanks comply with the strict regulations of public water authorities. The food and beverage industry relies on the high performance of Sika waterproofing systems in their process water tanks.
As the global leader in providing structural waterproofing solutions, Sika has the most complete, comprehensive range of products and systems. They are designed and can be adapted to meet the specific needs and requirements of owners of water reservoirs, architects, engineers and contractors on site.
Systems Plus Knowhow: Sika's Holistic Approach to Water Infrastructure
Sika empowers water infrastructure owners, architects, engineers, operators, and contractors with comprehensive support, ensuring project success.
Our commitment extends beyond providing high-quality products; we offer:
Expert Guidance
- In-depth technical advice and assistance throughout the project lifecycle.
- Comprehensive support for refurbishment projects, including specification development, detailing, method statements, and application guidance.
- Expertise in designing new structures for long-term durability.
Cost-Effective Solutions
- Sika's expertise minimizes overall project costs by optimizing performance and extending service life.
Comprehensive Product Portfolio
Sika delivers a complete range of durable and reliable solutions specifically engineered for demanding water infrastructure applications, including:
- Concrete admixtures
- Waterproofing membranes
- Concrete protection coatings
- Watertight joint systems
- Concrete repair and reinforcement systems
Contact Us
Local Contact
Contact a Sika expert near you for technical support and locally available products and systems.
Global Project Support
Sika’s Project Support Team provides in-depth consultative support for our full product range and represents a single point of contact into the extensive Sika network of experts. Please contact us to learn more or inquire specifically on your current project(s).
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¹Source: Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation SDC