William Atkins, E.I.
Project Engineer of Tank Industry Consultants
Actions
Will Atkins is a graduate of Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology earning a Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering. He joined Tank Industry Consultants as a project engineer, preparing engineering reports for the rehabilitation of water storage tanks. Will has written nearly 50 technical reports addressing the condition of water storage tanks. These reports included recommendations for safety, sanitary, and aesthetic improvements to meet applicable industry standards. Will is familiar with OSHA regulations, American Water Works Association standards, and individual state regulations concerning water storage tanks.
Structural Assessments and Asset Preservation Strategies for Steel Water Tanks
Tank assessments typically include several review categories addressing structural, seismic, and corrosion-related factors that influence performance and longevity. This presentation focuses on three key areas that most directly impact structural integrity and long-term asset preservation: common structural deficiencies, seismic vulnerabilities, and corrosion protection methods that improve coating performance and service life.
Attendees will examine how some minimum requirements in AWWA standards can inadvertently result in construction details that complicate coating application, hinder maintenance, and shorten tank life. The session will highlight design elements and detailing practices that improve durability and extend asset performance.
Participants will gain a clearer understanding of:
(1) Common structural and seismic deficiencies;
(2) Tank components vulnerable to corrosion; and
(3) Recommended construction and detailing improvements.
By implementing these recommendations, owners and operators can identify and mitigate vulnerabilities, enhance corrosion control, and achieve safer, longer-lasting tank performance.
AWWA Manual M42, Steel Water Storage Tanks
Following the withdrawal of AWWA Standard D101, water-storage tank owners and operators were left without published inspection guidance. To address this gap, AWWA published the M42 Steel Water-Storage Tanks Manual in 1998 and revised it in 2013. Since then, industry changes and emerging technologies have underscored the need for a comprehensive update. In 2012, an AWWA subcommittee began developing a new M42 to replace—not just revise—the existing manual and to complement a new D101 Standard for the inspection of steel water tanks and related facilities.
After more than a decade of collaboration among industry experts, the new M42 is now ready for publication.* It expands on prior editions with updated guidance on roof construction for improved corrosion protection, antennas and communication devices, tank security modifications, rescue and retrieval design, and roof and bottom plate replacement.
This presentation will provide an overview of the upcoming manual, demonstrate how it can be applied to improve the design, operation, and maintenance of water-storage facilities, and highlight how it supports the AWWA D101 Standard (2024) to promote consistent, safe, and effective inspection practices.
*As of this writing, M42 is in the balloting stage and anticipated for publication in 2025-2026.
AWWA Standards and Manuals Supporting Water Storage Tank Inspection and Cleaning
History: Water-storage tank owners and operators are aware of the need to properly maintain these critical components of their water system and have looked to the American Water Works Association (AWWA) for guidance on inspection and cleaning of tanks. The first AWWA tank inspection standard was AWWA D101-53, Standard for Inspecting and Repairing Steel Water Tanks, Standpipes, Reservoirs, and Elevated Tanks, for Water Storage. In 1998, AWWA Manual M42, Steel Water-Storage Tanks, was published as a guidance document. The handbook Steel Water Storage Tanks: Design, Construction, Maintenance, and Repair was published in 2010 by McGraw Hill in conjunction with AWWA.
Inspection Recommendations: AWWA recommendations, call for water-storage tanks to be professionally inspected at intervals not more than every 5 years.
Cleaning: Prior to conducting a field evaluation, it is recommended that the sediment be removed from the tank.
Inspections: The dry evaluation is the most thorough evaluation since all the tank surfaces are visible. Underwater evaluations of tank interiors are an alternative when tanks cannot be drained.
New AWWA D101: Practices and technology have evolved since the standard was published in 1953. The new standard doesn’t just apply to water-storage tanks, but also to related structures such as Aldrich units, clarifiers, clearwells, filter beds, and hydropneumatic tanks along with more traditional styles of tanks including bolted and welded steel structures.
WATERCON 2026 Sessionize Event Upcoming
William Atkins, E.I.
Project Engineer of Tank Industry Consultants
Actions
Please note that Sessionize is not responsible for the accuracy or validity of the data provided by speakers. If you suspect this profile to be fake or spam, please let us know.
Jump to top