Water Security in East Africa: The Many Factors to Consider Before Choosing a Water Storage Solution

Ever wondered what type of water storage to go for? Well this article is for you! Water storage selection is not one of the easiest decisions to make as there are many factors that need to be considered to arrive at the best option. Once you understand the different implications of available options, especially on safety and cost, this becomes a lot easier. So what options do you have and what are they used for?

1. Fibreglass Tanks

These are mostly underground, though in some cases they could be above the ground. The underground ones are ideal in cases where space is a huge constraint. Construction is much easier if they are part of the building design and can therefore be installed before a building is erected as installing after compromises the structural strength of the building. If you already have your structures built then this is probably not an option you want to consider.

2. Concrete Tanks

These are by far the most common water storage tanks in East Africa. They however suffer from the lyme leaching curse, where after sometime, water starts leaking from the tank walls. This makes them one of the least durable water storage options and in most cases owners end up replacing them with other more durable options. They are costly to construct and store less water per space consumed compared to all the other options.

3. Carbon Welded Steel Tanks

These are strong, durable and don’t suffer from lyme leaching. They are mostly used in the construction industry and usually out of the price range for a domestic user.

4. Steel Tanks

Under these, there are stainless steel tanks and corrugated steel tanks. The high price for stainless steel water tanks makes them only common in industrial use, for instance in winemaking and breweries. Corrugated steel tanks are a viable replacement to the concrete tanks as they are durable and come in just about any size. With steel however being relatively expensive, these may not be your go-to option if you are on a budget.

5. Plastic Tanks

This option gives you more flexibility as plastic tanks come in different volumes and are just as durable and strong as the other options. Their prices however are much lower and therefore ideal for those on a budget. Plastic tanks can be installed virtually anywhere, which makes them the most preferred option in areas where structures have already been erected, whether it is a home or for industrial use.

Verdict based on cost, flexibility, strength and durability: plastic tanks.

Where can you get plastic tanks?

Whether you are capturing rainwater to store for future use or for industrial purposes, a number of plastic water tanks can easily meet your storage requirements. Silafrica, the leading FMCG packaging manufacturer in East Africa, is also one of the leading manufacturers of plastic water tanks in the region. Their plastic tanks, under the Simtank brand, come in different volumes from 3000 litres, 4000 litres, 5000 litres, 6000 litres, 8000 litres to 10000 litres. The Simtank brand is one of the biggest brands in Tanzania, with users choosing it for its quality and affordability. These tanks are also available all over Kenya, and with the different capacity options, one can easily get a tank that meets their water requirements.

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