TANKS FOR DRINKING WATER - LEGAL REQUIREMENTS, CERTIFICATES AND CHOICE OF MATERIAL

Tanks for drinking water -legal requirements, approvals and material selection

The safe storage of water for human consumption requires appropriate technical solutions. The drinking water tank must meet certain sanitary, material and formal requirements.

In this article we explain:

• which drinking water tank requirements apply in Poland,
• what a PZH-certified tank is,
• what kind of drinking water storage tank to choose,
• what to look for when selecting the material,
• How to ensure safe water storage at home.

What is a drinking water storage tank?

A drinking water tank is a specialised container designed for the storage of water intended for human consumption. Unlike standard technical tanks, it must be made of materials approved for contact with drinking water and meet strict sanitary standards.

This means that both the design and the raw material of the polyethylene or steel drinking water tank must guarantee no impact on water quality.

Drinking water tank and health regulations - what do the regulations say?

A drinking water storage tank is regarded as part of the water supply system for human consumption. This means that it is subject to sanitary regulations arising from, among other things:

• regulations on the quality of drinking water,
• guidelines of the Chief Sanitary Inspectorate,
• regulations on materials in contact with food.

In practice, sanitary regulations mean that only solutions that:

• do not adversely affect the taste, odour and colour of the water,
• do not cause the migration of harmful substances,
• are easy to clean and disinfect,
• are resistant to the growth of micro-organisms.

This applies to tanks for domestic use as well as in industry, agriculture, public facilities or emergency water supply systems.

PZH-certified tank - why is it so important?

One of the key documents confirming product safety is the PZH (National Hygiene Institute) certificate. A PZH-approved tank has a hygienic opinion confirming that it can come into contact with water intended for human consumption.

In practice, this means that:

• the tank material has been tested for substance migration,
• the product meets current sanitary standards,
• the tank can be used in drinking water installations without any negative health risks.

The lack of PZH approval in the case of drinking water installations may result in the sanitary authorities questioning the solution, especially in public or commercial facilities. Therefore, when choosing a solution, it is always worth ensuring that it is a tank with a current hygienic opinion.

Which drinking water storage tank should I choose?

Choosing the right solution depends on several factors:

• the intended use (home, business, agriculture, emergency stock),
• capacity,
• installation conditions (indoor/outdoor, aboveground or underground),
• construction material,
• regulatory requirements.

Those considering which tank for the storage of drinking water will be suitable should first and foremost pay attention to certification and use.

Polyethylene drinking water tank - the most common choice

The polyethylene drinking water tank is currently very popular. This is due to the properties of the material itself:

• polyethylene is chemically inert,
• does not corrode and does not react with water,
• is lightweight yet strong,
• makes it possible to produce seamless (monolithic) tanks,
• easy to keep clean.

Polyethylene tanks designed for drinking water are manufactured from raw material approved for contact with food and have the relevant PZH certificate. As a result, they meet the requirements of a drinking water tank for both domestic and professional use.

What about steel drinking water tanks?

Steel drinking water tanks can also be used, but provided that additional requirements are met:

• the application of suitable protective coatings,
• regular inspection of the surface condition,
• cleaning and disinfection procedures.

For this reason, in many applications users opt for a polyethylene drinking water tank, which is less demanding to operate and resistant to corrosion.

Safe water storage at home - what to keep in mind?

To ensure safe water storage at home, attention should be paid not only to the drinking water tank itself, but also to the tank accessories and the way it is used:

• the tank should be airtight and protected against light (limiting algae growth),
• periodic cleaning and disinfection is necessary,
• the installation should prevent secondary contamination of the water,
• the manufacturer's operating recommendations should be followed.

Proper operation is key to maintaining water quality and compliance with sanitary regulations.

Summary - which drinking water tank requirements are most important?

In summary, a drinking water tank should:

• meet current sanitary requirements,
• be certified by the National Institute of Hygiene,
• be made of material approved for contact with drinking water,
• be adapted to the conditions of use.

Aquatechnika's offer includes proven solutions - including drinking water tanks with PZH approval and tanks for the transportation of drinking water - which meet the above criteria and allow for the selection of a tank for both domestic and professional use. Feel free to contact us, we will help you choose the right model!

Frequently asked questions - drinking water tanks with PZH approval (FAQ)

Is every tank suitable for storing drinking water?

No. The drinking water tank must be made of materials approved for contact with drinking water and be certified.

Why is a tank with PZH approval required?

PZH approval confirms the safety of the material and the absence of negative effects on water quality.

Is a polyethylene drinking water tank safe?

Yes, provided it is made from a material approved for contact with drinking water and has a current approval.

Are drinking water tanks and sanitary regulations relevant in a single-family house?

Yes. Even in domestic applications, sanitary solutions must be used.