Potable water tank linings are used to ensure that the H2O stored for agriculture, hydroponics, and public consumption is safe. But while you already know that having these liners will prove necessary, do you know what to look for in a high-quality potable water tank liner? There are many features to consider, but you’ll certainly want to ask the following three questions before making your final decision.

Do these potable water tank liners follow environmental recommendations?

According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, underground storage tanks of 110 gallons or less aren’t subject to federal regulations. But whether or not compliance is required by law, it’s still a good idea to keep sustainability in mind. With so many liners on the market, it’s recommended that you choose one that’s sustainable. That means it should be free of volatile organic compounds (VOCs), bisphenol A (BPA), solvents, and toxins. The NSF-61 certification also ensures that any antioxidants, UV stabilizers, and polymers used in the production of the liner are given the seal of safety approval. Otherwise, the liner you use might end up being harmful to humans and/or to the environment.

How durable are these water tank liners?

Aside from environmental considerations, tank liners for water systems also need to withstand certain hardships. They need to be waterproof and prevent the possibility of leaks. They’ll also need to be weather-resistant in order to avoid sun and temperature damage. This is especially important if your water tank is located in a challenging climate. If a given tank liner is not able to withstand extremely cold or hot conditions, you could end up needing to replace the liner sooner than you’d like or even compromise the integrity of the water being stored. You may also need to consider whether a given liner is durable enough for a tank that needs to be moved frequently. In cases like these, a liner that offers excellent flexibility is a must.

Will these liner products require repairs (and if so, can they be performed)?

With any luck, you won’t ever need to worry about making repairs to your potable water tank lining. But it may still be important to consider whether such repairs will even be possible. There are some water tank liners that literally cannot be repaired — or if they can, the amount of time one has to repair them is quite limited. A potable water tank lining that has a longer repair window can help keep costs down and may require less downtime than having to completely replace the lining at a later date. Of course, choosing a more durable lining from the start will help. But the material of your potable water tank lining should be one that’s both easy and safe to repair, should the worst occur.

The truth is that there are several considerations to keep in mind when deciding on a water tank liner. But if you remember to ask these questions prior to making your final choice, you’ll increase your chances of ending up with a quality product that will stand the test of time and provide the highest standard of safety and environmental responsibility.