Finding certified water tank insulation specialists requires understanding industry standards, municipal procurement processes, and the expertise needed to protect critical water infrastructure
When municipalities and industrial facilities need water tank insulation services, selecting the right contractor involves more than just comparing prices. AWWA Standards are consensus documents created by volunteer committees and accredited by ANSI. They offer minimum requirement guidelines on all facets of water. As technologies evolve, AWWA Standards are a trusted resource that reflect the state of the industry. Understanding these standards and proper procurement procedures ensures your water storage systems meet safety requirements while delivering long-term performance.
AWWA Standards: The Foundation of Water Tank Insulation
The American Water Works Association’s D100 standard serves as the primary specification for welded carbon steel tanks used in potable water service. This standard addresses critical aspects of tank design and construction that directly impact water quality. For insulation contractors, compliance with these standards is essential when working on municipal water storage projects.
The AWWA D102 coating standards are established to ensure the comprehensive protection and extended longevity of water storage tanks, which are critical components in water supply systems. By following these standards, the risk of corrosion is significantly minimized, which in turn reduces the frequency and cost of maintenance activities. Moreover, adherence to these standards plays a vital role in ensuring the safety and purity of the water stored within the tanks, safeguarding public health and maintaining the integrity of the water supply.
This standard covers the inspection of steel water storage tanks, standpipes, reservoirs, and elevated tanks prior to repair or repainting and at any time when leakage or any other type of deterioration occurs. Water tanks should be thoroughly inspected every five years. These inspection requirements directly impact insulation maintenance and replacement schedules.
Municipal Procurement Guidelines and Best Practices
Municipal procurement of water tank insulation services follows specific guidelines designed to ensure fair competition and optimal value. The Purchasing Division is responsible for the acquisition of materials, supplies, equipment and services in support of District activities. Purchasing follows the administrative policies and procedures adopted by the Board of Directors of Eastern Municipal Water District. Policy guidelines are summarized below for your information and assistance.
Produced by the WCDA Best Practices Committee, our procurement guides provide owners with templates and best practices for developing requests for qualifications (RFQ) and requests for proposals (RFP) for water and wastewater projects using design-build and construction management at-risk delivery methods. These procurement methods help municipalities select qualified contractors while maintaining competitive pricing.
Key procurement considerations include contractor insurance requirements, safety certifications, and compliance with local building codes. The District’s Risk Management Division is responsible for determining the minimum safety and insurance requirements for work performed by outside forces. The determination is based on job specific risk factors and potential liability exposure. Contractors, having one or more employees, are required to submit an Injury and Illness Prevention Program (Refer to OSHA, Title 8, sub 7, 3203) to EMWD addressing safety issues for all aspects of their work.
Certification Requirements for Water Tank Insulation Specialists
Professional certifications demonstrate a contractor’s commitment to industry standards and safety protocols. Several certifications can enhance a candidate’s qualifications, including: Certified Insulation Energy Appraiser from the National Insulation Association, which focuses on assessing the energy efficiency of existing insulation systems and recommending improvements. Insulation Contractor Certified Professional (ICCP) program, which provides comprehensive training in installation techniques, building science, and safety practices.
NIA’s Thermal Insulation Inspector Certification Program educates participants on how to evaluate installation work and determine whether it complies with mechanical insulation specifications. For water tank projects, this certification ensures contractors understand the specific requirements for potable water storage systems.
BIG is fully insured, OSHA compliant and ISNetworld Certified A+ with documented safety conformance. We train and certify our crews continuously, and subject them to regular drug and alcohol surveillance. In short, you can be sure they have the required qualifications to get your job done safely. These safety certifications are particularly important for water infrastructure projects where public health is at stake.
Thermacon: A Leader in Water Tank Insulation Systems
When searching for qualified Water tank insulation specialists, companies like Thermacon demonstrate the expertise and experience municipal clients should seek. With over forty years of experience insulating tanks, our company has developed specialized tank insulation systems and sidewall / roofing designs to provide the best insulation system for your tanks and vessels. For over 40 years, our tank insulation systems have been installed all over the world.
Despite the location or size of your project, Thermacon’s crews have successfully completed tank insulation system installations throughout the US, including Alaska and Hawaii, as well as Canada, Europe, the Caribbean, and the Middle East. This extensive geographic experience demonstrates their capability to handle complex municipal projects regardless of climate conditions or logistical challenges.
Our sidewall and roofing insulation systems are designed and engineered by our engineering staff. Thermacon will take all of your requirements into account and bring you a system that will meet your needs, no matter if you store petroleum products, gases, chemicals, beverages or wastewater treatment. This engineering approach ensures compliance with AWWA standards while meeting specific municipal requirements.
Selecting the Right Contractor
When evaluating potential contractors, municipalities should verify several key qualifications. All team members are OSHA & MSHA Certified with extensive aerial lift and safety training. Outstanding Craftsmanship – All of our crew members are highly trained on all of our products and their proper installation and maintenance. Outstanding Safety All of our crew members are trained in OSHA certified safety course and put the safety of our customers and fellow crew first.
The contractor should demonstrate experience with water storage applications specifically. We have designed and installed products for various industries including wastewater, energy, food and beverage, fire protection, petrochemical and water storage. This specialized experience ensures understanding of potable water requirements and NSF compliance standards.
It’s important to us that you receive only the finest materials possible, and that’s why we manufacture all of our sidewall and roofing panels in our own plant. Thermacon will always endeavor to meet any deadlines you have and leave you with a finished product of the highest quality. Our attention to detail results in a superior product. Manufacturing capabilities and quality control processes are essential factors in contractor selection.
Conclusion
Successfully procuring water tank insulation services requires understanding AWWA standards, following proper municipal procurement guidelines, and selecting certified specialists with proven experience. Success requires understanding the interplay between federal regulations, such as AWWA D100 and NSF 61, state and local requirements, and industry best practices. Whether you’re planning a new tank installation, upgrading an existing system, or developing a comprehensive maintenance program, professional expertise ensures compliance while optimizing system performance and longevity.
By focusing on contractors with appropriate certifications, extensive water storage experience, and demonstrated compliance with industry standards, municipalities can ensure their water tank insulation projects protect public health while delivering long-term value. The investment in qualified specialists pays dividends through reduced maintenance costs, extended tank life, and reliable water storage performance for the communities they serve.