Posted on May 9, 2025 by Brent Phillips

As municipalities across the country strive to meet their sustainability goals and reduce environmental impact, the focus on infrastructure maintenance is shifting. Innovation significantly protects municipal water towers, as the industry moves toward renewable, bio-based protective coatings. These advancements safeguard vital water assets and align with municipal green initiatives.

Shifting Toward a Sustainable Infrastructure

Traditionally, water towers have been shielded from corrosion and environmental damage using solvent-based coatings. However, these conventional solutions often contain volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and rely on petrochemical ingredients, raising environmental and health concerns. The industry is now prioritizing coatings that are both effective and eco-friendly, supporting municipal commitments to sustainability and public health.

What Are Bio-Based Protective Coatings?

Bio-based coatings specifically use natural, renewable resources, such as vegetable oils, soybean oil, and other plant-derived materials. These coating designs:

• Reduce reliance on fossil fuels
• Lower VOC emissions
• Offer comparable or improved corrosion resistance
• Enhance the durability of steel structures, such as water towers

Recent research highlights the effectiveness of bio-based polyurethanes and waterborne coatings, which use water as a solvent instead of hazardous chemicals, further minimizing environmental impact.

Benefits of Municipal Water Towers

Applying renewable bio-based protective coatings to water towers offers several advantages:

• Environmental Impact: Reduce pollution-causing raw materials and lower the carbon footprint by using renewable raw materials and fewer toxic substances.
• Improved Durability: The longevity of steel infrastructure reduces the frequency of maintenance and the associated environmental costs of repairs or replacements.
• Health and Safety: Decreased use of hazardous chemicals protects workers and surrounding communities.

These coatings support municipal green initiatives by aligning infrastructure maintenance with climate action and public health goals.

Key Innovations in Protective Coating Technology

The latest advancements in coatings for water towers include:

• Waterborne Epoxy and Polyurethane: These coatings replace traditional solvents with water, significantly reducing VOC emissions while maintaining strong protective properties.
• Bio-Based Corrosion Inhibitors: Derived from natural sources, these additives enhance the anti-corrosive performance of coatings without introducing harmful substances.
• Innovative Additives and Nanotechnology: New formulations incorporate nano-fillers or innovative additives to improve barrier properties and extend coating life.

Municipalities are increasingly adopting these innovative solutions as part of broader efforts to make their operations more sustainable and greener.

Implementing Green Coating Solutions: Considerations for Municipalities

When selecting and applying bio-based coatings for water towers, municipalities should consider the following:

• Compatibility with Existing Structures: Ensuring new coatings adhere well to current materials and previous coatings.
• Performance Under Local Conditions: Evaluating resistance to local weather, temperature fluctuations, and water chemistry.
• Lifecycle Assessment: Analyzing the total environmental impact, from production to eventual removal or recycling of the coating.

Checklist for Municipal Decision-Makers:

• Assess current water tower maintenance practices
• Research available bio-based protective coating options
• Consult with coating manufacturers for environmental certifications
• Pilot test coatings on a small scale before full implementation
• Monitor performance and document maintenance intervals

New Standard for Sustainable Municipal Infrastructure

The move toward renewable, bio-based coatings for municipal water towers represents a significant step in sustainable infrastructure management. By adopting these innovative solutions, municipalities can protect their critical water assets, reduce their environmental impact, and lead the way in transitioning to greener public works. As technology advances, the adoption of bio-based protective coatings is poised to become the new standard for resilient and responsible municipal infrastructure.