Posted on July 17, 2025 by Brent Phillips

Water towers are iconic features of rural American landscapes, often massive structures that loom over the skylines of small towns and countryside. Have you ever wondered why so many communities choose to paint their water towers and tanks blue? The answer is rooted in both tradition and strict regulatory compliance, especially when it comes to protective coatings for potable water systems in rural municipalities.

The Symbolism and Practicality of Blue

Painting water towers and tanks blue is more than an aesthetic choice. It’s a universal color choice associated with water, cleanliness, and safety, making it ideal for structures that store and deliver drinking water. The color blue also helps blend the water tower into its surrounding environment, making these vital infrastructure elements less noticeable.

Regulatory Compliance: Protecting Public Health

The decision to paint water towers and tanks blue is closely tied to industry regulations governing protective coatings for potable water systems. Standards developed by the National Sanitation Foundation (NSF) establish strict limits on the amount of contaminants that can leach from coatings into drinking water, thereby protecting public health. In the United States, all coatings used on the interior surfaces of water storage tanks must comply with the NSF/ANSI/CAN 61 standard. 

Key regulatory requirements include:

• NSF/ANSI/CAN 61 Certification: All coatings in contact with potable water must be certified to this standard.
• American Water Works Association D102 Standard provides detailed specifications for both interior and exterior coatings, including surface preparation, application, and inspection.
• Environmental Protection Agency guidelines enforce the National Primary Drinking Water Regulations that require public water systems to use approved materials and methods.

Why Blue? An Industry Perspective

Although regulatory compliance dictates that the type of protective coatings used is a selective choice, painting water towers and tanks blue is often influenced by tradition and aesthetics. It’s not a regulatory requirement, but it has become a de facto standard in many rural municipalities. The color-coded blue helps reinforce the idea of purity and trust in a municipality’s water supply, which is especially important in small communities where residents are closely connected to their local infrastructure.

Protective Coatings: More Than Just Paint

The process of painting water towers and tanks blue involves more than applying a coat of paint. Protective coatings must:

• Prevent corrosion and extend the tank’s service life.
• Understand harsh weather conditions and UV exposure.
• Be free of harmful chemicals that could contaminate drinking water.
• Meet rigorous testing and certification standards before application.

The Rural Impact: Ensuring Safe Water for All

For rural municipalities, painting water towers and tanks blue is a visible sign of their commitment to safe, clean drinking water. By adhering to strict protective coating standards, communities ensure that their water systems remain reliable and free from contamination. The blue color serves as a daily reminder of the importance of water quality and the rigorous processes in place to protect public health.
The tradition of painting water towers and tanks blue is deeply intertwined with regulatory compliance and community trust. It’s a practice that not only beautifies the landscape but also upholds the highest standards of safety for rural America’s most precious resource. If your municipality is ready to schedule the protective coating paint on your water tower or tank, contact the experts at Cunningham at (620) 848-3030.