Posted on September 5, 2025 by Brent Phillips

When water asset managers and city water authorities strategically plan infrastructure for water storage, selecting the right water tank or tower substrate types becomes a pivotal decision. Concrete and steel are the primary materials of choice for storing city water. 

Each has inherent advantages and drawbacks, which significantly affect:

• Durability and Longevity
• Costs Considerations
• Installation and Construction Timelines
• Maintenance and Repairs
• Environmental Impact and Design Factors

These conditions matter most to decision-makers, empowering them to make informed, strategic choices for sustainable and reliable water storage tanks or towers.

Durability and Longevity

Concrete tanks are massive, sturdy structures that can withstand high compression forces. Although some concrete water tower designs are reinforced with steel rebar that will corrode over time and cause cracking, this will reduce a tank’s lifespan without vigilant maintenance.

Steel’s malleability, on the other hand, makes it less prone to cracking under stress, a vital factor for towers subject to dynamic loads. Steel tanks, particularly those fabricated from galvanized or stainless steel, offer superior tensile strength and flexibility. 

Although properly applied protective coatings will defend either substrate against corrosion. 

Cost Considerations

Initial construction costs often favor concrete tanks because the raw materials—cement and aggregates—are typically sourced locally and are relatively inexpensive. However, concrete can incur higher lifecycle costs due to maintenance, mainly if corrosion and cracks occur.

Steel tanks, however, require a higher upfront investment cost due to manufacturing and transportation costs. Afterward, maintenance and repair are far more affordable and under budget for many municipalities. For city water authorities, balancing initial budget constraints against long-term operational expenditures is crucial when choosing between concrete or steel for water infrastructure.

Installation and Construction Timelines

Steel tanks are commonly prefabricated off-site, enabling faster, often modular assembly on-site. That will accelerate the installation, minimize water supply downtime, and reduce project labor costs. For projects demanding rapid deployment, steel tanks hold clear advantages.

Concrete tanks typically require on-site curing and extended construction periods, which can sometimes delay project completion. Additionally, concrete tanks require stable foundations to prevent future cracking, which further complicates site logistics.

Maintenance and Repair

Concrete tanks require routine inspections for cracks, leaks, and rebar corrosion, especially as the concrete ages. Repairing concrete water towers requires specialized crews and materials, including sandblasting, welding, and sealant repairs, all of which must meet the requirements, standards, and regulations of protective coating inspections. All processes that temporarily disrupt water service delivery.

Steel tanks require protection against corrosion, usually through coatings or galvanization, and periodic inspections to maintain integrity. Although typical repairs are less invasive and quicker compared to concrete restoration, protective coatings still wear over time, and a steel substrate is just as vulnerable to corrosion. Therefore, a steel structure may still require sandblasting to remove any corroded material, and welding repairs may be necessary, depending on the age of your water tower structure.

Although the downtime may be less for a steel structure than a concrete one, offering water managers more flexibility in scheduling maintenance, it’s best to talk with a water tank and tower inspector at Cunningham Sandblasting & Painting Co. to get an accurate assessment of a project timeline.

Environmental Impact and Design Factors

Concrete’s high thermal mass allows it to absorb significant amounts of heat and release it at a slower rate, while not significantly impacting water storage temperatures. It’s also inherently fire-resistant, and once cured, the design is limited compared to steel.

Steel offers significant design versatility and recyclability, which appeals to sustainability goals. Steel’s environmental footprint, however, includes energy-intensive manufacturing and vulnerability to corrosion, necessitating the use of protective treatments.

Notable considerations for water asset managers:

• Concrete tanks have a lower upfront cost and excellent thermal properties. Still, they are prone to cracking and require protective coatings and other maintenance, which can result in longer installation timelines.
• Steel tanks have a higher upfront cost, quicker installation, greater flexibility, longer lifespan with proper protective coating maintenance, and other maintenance requirements.
• Maintenance regimes differ significantly, influencing lifecycle costs and operational planning.
• Environmental impacts and design needs vary based on project requirements and location.
• Both require professional inspection from a water tower and tank expert—like the professionals at Cunningham Sandblasting & Painting Co.

Understanding the pros and cons of water tank or tower substrate types—such as concrete or steel—enables water asset managers and city water authorities to make informed, strategic decisions.

Considering durability, cost, installation, maintenance, and environmental factors enables the selection of substrates that best align with operational priorities and long-term sustainability goals. Making the right choice is essential for securing reliable water storage infrastructure today and into the future.

If your organization is ready to schedule your next water tank or tower inspection, call the experts at Cunningham Sandblasting & Painting Co. at (620) 848-3030.