High-Performance Coatings for Water Tanks: Protecting Steel, Water Quality, and Long-Term Appearance

Water storage tanks face some of the most demanding environmental conditions of any municipal structure. Whether elevated, ground-level, or standpipe designs, these tanks must withstand constant immersion, fluctuating temperatures, UV exposure, corrosive environments, and weathering—all while maintaining structural integrity and protecting drinking water quality.

For decades, Tnemec has been the industry leader in high-performance coating systems engineered specifically for municipal and industrial water tanks. These solutions provide unmatched corrosion protection, long-term aesthetic performance, and proven service life across thousands of installations nationwide.

Tnemec HydroZinc: Series 91 and 94 H₂O — The Gold Standard for Steel Corrosion Protection

HydroZinc changed the water tank industry by introducing the first zinc-rich primer formulated specifically for potable water service. Today, Series 91-H2O and Series 94-H2O are the go-to primers for engineers, fabricators, and contractors because they offer unmatched steel protection—both inside and outside the tank.

HydroZinc provides:

• Outstanding corrosion resistance through galvanic zinc protection

• Fast dry-to-handle times for shop and field applications

• Long-term adhesion and durability under immersion

• NSF/ANSI/CAN 61 certification for potable water contact

• Superior performance under intermediate and finish coats

HydroZinc primers allow owners and engineers to begin their coating system with the strongest possible foundation. By protecting steel from the start, these primers dramatically extend coating life cycles and reduce maintenance costs.

Series 22 Epoxoline: A Trusted Interior Lining for Potable Water Tanks

Series 22 Epoxoline remains one of Tnemec’s most dependable interior linings for potable water service. Known for long-term immersion performance, smooth film build, and consistent application characteristics, Series 22 is widely specified across the municipal industry.

Key benefits of Series 22 include:

• Exceptional corrosion protection for fully immersed steel

• Smooth, durable lining for improved cleanliness

• Excellent adhesion to zinc-rich primers such as Hydro-Zinc

• Proven long-term performance in thousands of water tanks

• NSF/ANSI/CAN 61 certification for potable water contact

By combining a Hydro-Zinc primer with Series 22 as the interior lining, municipalities get a proven, time-tested coating system that offers decades of corrosion protection and water cleanliness.

This system is ideal for:

• Interior wet areas

• Steel tank interiors

• Weld seams, ladders, and appurtenances

• New construction and full reline projects

Series 700 HydroFlon: Superior Exterior Color and Gloss Retention

Exterior aesthetics matter. Water tanks are community landmarks—often decorated with town logos, mascots, and civic branding. The problem is traditional exterior coatings lose gloss, fade quickly, and require repainting far sooner than anticipated.

Series 700 HydroFlon solves this problem with one of the most advanced exterior finishes available. As a high-performance fluoropolymer polyurethane, HydroFlon delivers exceptional resistance to chalking, fading, and weathering.

Series 700 provides:

• The only fluid applied finish coat that meets AMMA 2605

• Exceptional color and gloss retention in harsh UV conditions

• Long-term resistance to chalking and environmental exposure

• A finish that stays bright and attractive for years longer than standard polyurethanes

• Reduced life-cycle cost due to extended repaint intervals Compatibility with Tnemec’s full line of primers and intermediate coats

HydroFlon is a favorite among municipalities because tanks coated with Series 700 maintain their appearance significantly longer—keeping logos crisp, colors vibrant, and surfaces clean.

Applications include:

• Exterior tank domes and shells

• Logo and graphics areas

• Architectural accents and high-visibility surfaces

• Any exterior surface requiring maximum longevity

A Complete System for Maximum Durability and Water Quality

When combined, these three products create one of the most reliable coating systems in the water tank industry:

1. Primer:Series 91-H2O or Series 94-H2O HydroZinc(Unmatched corrosion protection for steel)

2. Interior Lining:Series 22 Epoxoline(Long-term immersion-grade protection for potable water)

3. Exterior Finish:Series 700 HydroFlon(Exceptional UV resistance and superior appearance retention)

   
   

This combination provides a complete solution—protecting the tank inside and out while extending service life and minimizing maintenance.

Why Tnemec Coatings Continue to Lead the Water Tank Industry

Tnemec’s water tank systems have been used on thousands of municipal and industrial tanks across the country due to their reliability, long-term performance, and proven protection. Engineers, contractors, and owners trust these products because they deliver:

• Extended service life and reduced maintenance costs

• Superior corrosion protection for steel

• Enhanced water quality protection

• Long-lasting exterior aesthetics

• Compliance with rigorous industry standards

When communities invest in water storage infrastructure, they expect decades of reliable service. Tnemec’s HydroZinc primers, Series 22 interior lining, and HydroFlon exterior finish provide the long-term durability and performance needed to protect those investments.