Posted on January 21, 2026 by Sharon McClellan

AWWA and state guidance consistently show that structured inspection, cleaning, coating, and budgeting programs are what keep elevated tanks deliverable, compliant, and predictable for the long term. For water asset managers and city authorities, 2026 is a good time to tighten that playbook so every water tower rehab dollar is planned, not reactive.​

Inspection Cadence

Public health agencies and state drinking water programs commonly recommend comprehensive storage tank inspections at least every three to five years, with more frequent visual and sanitary checks. That inspection rhythm underpins effective water tower maintenance and sets a defensible baseline for water tank inspection frequency in your capital plan.​

• Annual checks for sanitary, structural, safety, and security issues
• Comprehensive interior/exterior inspections every 3–5 years
• Extra inspections after major events (storms, seismic activity, or contamination incidents)

Recoating Timelines for Interior vs. Exterior

Guidance from state agencies and AWWA manuals ties recoating decisions to inspection findings, corrosion activity, and coating condition rather than relying solely on a fixed calendar. Interior linings are constantly immersed and typically drive your water tower recoating schedule, while exterior coatings are more influenced by UV, wind, and freeze–thaw exposure. A proactive water tower rehab program uses condition-based data to sequence interior and exterior projects before failures impact service.​

Preventive Maintenance Tasks Between Recoats

Regulators emphasize that routine interior cleaning of water tanks and exterior housekeeping are essential to prevent sediment buildup, biofilm, and premature coating failure. Between major projects, a disciplined water tower rehab plan includes regular washing, disinfection, spot repairs, and maintenance of tower equipment to extend the coating’s service life.​

Budgeting and Lifecycle Planning

State technical guidance encourages utilities to use inspection reports to prioritize projects and forecast multi‑year costs for storage assets. Translating condition ratings into a long‑range water-tower rehabilitation budgeting roadmap helps you smooth out rate impacts, bundle work efficiently, and justify funding for water-tower rehab before tanks reach crisis mode.​

Regulatory and Safety Considerations

Drinking water agencies and EPA resources stress that storage assets must support safe access, secure hatches and vents, and protect water quality during inspection and cleaning. Aligning water tower rehab projects with applicable state rules, sanitary survey expectations, and safety practices ensures that each phase of water tower maintenance, inspection, and coating work meets regulatory scrutiny.​