The Evolution of Water Tanks - Displaying Man's Glorious Ingenuity

By Isabella James


When it comes to the human body, it is made up of 55 to 78 percent of water and so the importance of this precious liquid for humanity's survival is simply invaluable. When it comes to this, such is reason enough for people to continually develop ways to gather, supply, and conserve water. When it comes to water tanks, these are great displays of man's survival instincts and they show the ingenuity of even the earliest civilizations on earth.

To be seen in ancient Rome and India are several aweinspiring aqueducts. Responsible for building amazing architectural and engineering feats for the effective acquisition and supply of water were our forefathers hundreds of years ago. Across the world, you will find ancient tanks fabricated from wood, stone, and ceramic.

In this case, such tanks have been constructed to last for decades, centuries even. It was a wooden water tank dating back to the 1880s that was discovered in a Californian state reserve. It was because of the significance of such historical artifacts that the Ano Nuevo wooden tank was successfully restored and after being buried under a thick veil of ivies, it is fully functional nowadays.

Besides human consumption, it is possible to use water tanks for other needs. With regard to the most common uses for water tanks, these include agricultural irrigation and industrial factories. You can also make use of tanks for storing water and fire safety operations.

In this case, depending on how the owner intends to use them, tanks can be made out of different materials. Normally, steel and plastic tanks are the top choices for households. Tanks of choice when it comes to more elaborate set ups include fiberglass, concrete, and stone water tanks.

Usually, water treatment facilities make use of tanks made out of polyethylene. This kind of material allows exposure to chemicals used to treat water. After the right period of curing, water formerly unsuitable for human consumption becomes potable.

Including ground tanks and elevated tanks, these are the kinds of water tanks. Rural areas make use of ground water tanks and these take supply from underground wells or even open waters like clear streams and rivers. Considering elevated tanks, these are also referred to as water towers and they come with pumps that provide pressurized hydro supply for domestic homes and even industrial factories.

When it comes to this, the mobile or portable water tanks are also available. With regard to these, they are used for delivery, nomad living situations, and during long trips in an RV or a plane. Their design is meant for short term usage since they are considerably smaller in size compared to permanent, nonmovable variations.

Usually, water tanks for homes hold a minimum of 50 gallons. Normally, horizontal tanks of steel that hold 100 to a thousand gallons are utilized by industrial factories and compound homes like condominiums and apartments. Usually making use of elongated tanks designed to hold maximum liquid while maintaining vehicle equilibrium for road safety purposes are trucks as well as other big vehicles for transport.

From the stone and wooden tanks of the past, to the modern polyethylene of today, water tanks have definitely gone a long way. We will surely be able to develop even more efficient materials and designs considering our progression at this time. A lot of history, research, and inspiration definitely went into the development of these manmade marvels even if these tanks may seem mundane and insignificant to the naked eye.




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