Posted on June 26, 2026 by Brent Phillips

As municipalities plan capital budgets for the second half (H2) of 2026, water asset managers and city water managers are reassessing how often their elevated and ground storage tanks get evaluated. A disciplined water tank inspection program protects public health, extends asset life, and provides finance departments with hard numbers rather than guesswork. Cunningham Sandblasting Inc., headquartered in Joplin, Missouri, breaks down what a thorough program should cover this season.

How Often Should Municipal Water Tanks Be Inspected?

The Missouri Department of Natural Resources (DNR) requires sanitary, safety, security, and structural checks every year, with coating condition and tank cleaning evaluated every two to five years, depending on silt buildup. These intervals align with standards from the American Water Works Association (AWWA), including AWWA D101-24 for steel tank evaluation and AWWA D102 for coatings.

The AWWA standards are commonly used in other states as well. In other words, a consistent water tank inspection schedule will help keep a municipal water system compliant by catching deterioration early.

Modern Inspection Methods: ROV, Drone & Robotic Tech

OSHA classifies most water storage tanks as permit-required confined spaces under 29 CFR 1910.146, requiring trained personnel, atmospheric testing, and rescue planning for entry. A remotely operated vehicle (ROV) tank inspection avoids that exposure: ROV carries cameras into a full tank without draining it or sending in a diver, documenting interior conditions while the tank stays in service. This cuts both safety risk and downtime.

What Inspectors Look For: Common Defects and Checklist

A complete water tank inspection covers five categories that the Missouri DNR outlines for every storage facility:

• Sanitary conditions, including vents, hatches, and screening
• Structural integrity of the shell, roof, and foundation
• Safety and security features, such as ladders, fencing, and access points
• Coating system condition, including rust, blistering, or breakdown
• General facility details, including dimensions and overflow specifications

Documenting each category consistently turns an inspection into usable data rather than a one-time snapshot.

In-House vs. Third-Party Inspections: What to Weigh

Some utilities keep inspections in-house; others contract with a third-party tank inspection firm, such as Cunningham Sandblasting. Although standards can vary from state to state, the Missouri DNR advises that any inspection service provide documentation of its qualifications, including contracts that clearly define the scope, reporting format, equipment responsibilities, and disinfection duties. Concrete storage facilities also require inspectors specifically trained in assessing concrete, which is worth confirming before signing.

Whether your city or municipality is in Missouri or another state, Cunningham is equipped with inspection certifications to work anywhere in the lower 48.

Turning Inspection Data Into Capital Planning & Funding

The EPA defines asset management as managing infrastructure to minimize total ownership cost while meeting service levels, built on an asset inventory, condition evaluations, and funded maintenance and replacement plans. A water tank inspection report, dated and itemized by category, provides the finance department with evidence to justify a recoating line item or a revolving fund application rather than an assumption.

Schedule Your Inspection

Water tank inspection deadlines and recoating timelines don’t wait for budget season. Cunningham Sandblasting Inc. of Joplin, Missouri, inspects municipal water tanks and towers across the United States and will provide a documented condition assessment alongside a firm recoating quote, so your finance department has real numbers before budgets close. Call Cunningham Sandblasting today to schedule an on-site inspection and get your town’s water asset on the books for H2 2026. Call today at (620) 848-3030.