High-Performance Coatings for Wastewater Facilities: Why Quality Matters & The Systems That Solve Real Problems

Wastewater infrastructure works harder than almost any other part of a municipality’s utility network. Tanks, influent channels, clarifiers, headworks, pump stations, and digester, EQ tanks, SBR tanks etc. are constantly exposed to hydrogen sulfide (H₂S), sulfuric acid attack, abrasion, high moisture, extreme pH swings, and continuous immersion.

These conditions destroy concrete and steel faster than most people realize. The right high-performance coating system isn’t just a “nice to have”—it’s a critical part of asset protection, compliance, and long-term operational reliability.

This article breaks down why high-quality coatings are essential for wastewater applications and highlights several Tnemec and Epoxytec systems that are proven problem-solvers in the industry.

Why High-Performance Coatings Are Critical in Wastewater Facilities

1. Corrosion Never Stops — Especially in Wastewater

Wastewater environments create ideal conditions for corrosion. H₂S gas forms biogenic sulfuric acid, which aggressively attacks concrete. Continuous moisture promotes microbial induced corrosion (MIC), and steel components face rapid pitting and oxidation.

Without the proper coating system, facilities often experience concrete loss, structural deterioration, premature equipment failure, safety hazards, and costly shutdowns. High-performance linings create a barrier that isolates the substrate from corrosive elements, preserving infrastructure for decades.

2. Downtime Is Expensive

A clarifier, headworks structure, or pump station going offline isn’t just inconvenient — it is costly. High-quality coating systems allow longer maintenance cycles, predictable asset management, and fewer emergency repairs. Investing in premium coatings upfront saves municipalities significant money over the life of the structure.

3. Not All “Epoxy” Is Created Equal

Generic epoxies fail quickly in wastewater environments due to poor chemical resistance, inadequate film thickness, low adhesion, and weak structural qualities. This is why engineered solutions from Tnemec and Epoxytec dominate in wastewater applications — they’re designed specifically for aggressive service conditions.

Product Spotlight:

Tnemec Series G435 Perma-Glaze

Features:

• 100% solids modified-polyamine epoxy.

• Thick-film lining: 15–40 mils standard; 40–80 mils high-build.

• Micro‑fiber reinforcement for added integrity.

• Designed for domestic wastewater immersion and H₂S environments.

• Low permeation and MIC resistance.

Benefits:

• Robust durability in harsh wastewater conditions.

• Flexible application thickness.

• Improved long-term performance and reduced maintenance.

• Simplifies specification for concrete or steel substrates.

Tnemec Series G436 Perma-Shield FR

Features:

• 100% solids fiber‑reinforced modified polyamine epoxy.

• 50–125 mils high-build lining in one or two coats.

• Excellent resistance to H₂S gas, MIC, and chemical attack.

• Superior physical strength from fiber reinforcement.

Benefits:

• Ideal for severe wastewater structures needing max protection.

• Fiber reinforcement enhances crack resistance and durability.

• Extends asset life and reduces rehab cycles.

• Adaptable to varying substrate conditions.

Epoxytec CPP (Trowel-Liner / Sprayliner)

Features:

• 100% solids ultra-high build FRP epoxy.

• Can be applied up to ½'' (500 mils) per pass.

• NSF 61 potable-water certified variants available.

• Compatible with concrete, steel, brick.

• Performs well on SSD substrates.

Benefits:

• Structural-grade high-build liner for deteriorated structures.

• Works across multiple substrates for rehab versatility.

• Reduced downtime with SSD tolerance and fast cure.

• Potable-water options expand system applicability.

• Long-term corrosion resistance reduces life-cycle costs.