Practical safety and maintenance guidance for anyone storing water above ground on a UK site, covering hygiene, ground preparation, weather exposure, fittings and what to do if a tank fails.
This 5000 litre heavy duty water storage tank gives commercial and agricultural sites a durable, space efficient way to store bulk water outdoors.
- WRAS approved material for potable water storage
- One piece moulded body for added strength
- Made from UV stabilised HDPE
- Suitable for rainwater harvesting and recycled water storage
- Above ground installation, space efficient footprint
- Can be fitted with a tap outlet or pipework insert
5000 Litre Heavy Duty Water Storage Tank
This 5000 litre heavy duty water storage tank gives commercial and agricultural sites a durable, space efficient way to store bulk water outdoors.
- WRAS approved material for potable water storage
- One piece moulded body for added strength
- Made from UV stabilised HDPE
- Suitable for rainwater harvesting and recycled water storage
- Above ground installation, space efficient footprint
- Can be fitted with a tap outlet or pipework insert
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A large capacity water storage tank built for commercial and agricultural sites needing a serious bulk water reserve without a sprawling footprint. At 5000 litres, it holds enough water for sustained rainwater harvesting or general site use, moulded in one piece from UV stabilised HDPE for long term outdoor durability. The material carries WRAS approval, so the tank is rated for both potable and recycled water storage.
How a compact base holds this much water
A 5000 litre tank sounds like it needs a huge amount of ground space, which puts many sites off considering one. This tank keeps its footprint to a 1900mm diameter base by building capacity upward instead of outward, so it fits into a corner or against a boundary without dominating the site. That space efficient shape makes a genuinely large water reserve realistic even where ground space is limited.
Key Features
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WRAS approved material: Independently verified as safe for potable water storage, not just general use
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UV stabilised HDPE: Built for long term durability under permanent outdoor exposure
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One piece moulded body: No seams or joints that could weaken under the weight of a full tank
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Space efficient footprint: Holds 5000 litres in a compact 1900mm diameter base
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Insert ready base: Can be fitted with a tap outlet or connecting pipework
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Dual use capacity: Suited to rainwater harvesting, irrigation and recycled water storage
Who is this for
Trades and roles:
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Site managers
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Facilities managers
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Farmers and smallholders
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Groundworkers
Industries:
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Construction
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Agriculture
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Facilities management
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Commercial premises
Specifications
| Specification | Detail |
| Product Name | 5000 Litre Heavy Duty Water Storage Tank |
| SKU | GW100016 |
| Tank Type | Heavy duty water storage tank, round |
| Capacity | 5000 litres |
| Material | UV stabilised HDPE, WRAS approved |
| Construction | One piece moulded |
| Installation | Above ground |
| Water Suitability | Potable and recycled water storage |
| Diameter | 1900mm |
| Height | 2200mm |
Compatibility
| Application or condition | Status |
| Potable drinking water storage | Compatible, WRAS approved |
| Recycled water storage | Compatible |
| Rainwater harvesting | Compatible |
| Agricultural and irrigation use | Compatible |
| Bulk commercial water storage | Compatible |
| Below ground or buried installation | Not recommended |
| Storage of chemicals or fuel | Not recommended |
| Connection to pressurised water systems | Not recommended |
Who is this for
This tank suits commercial and agricultural sites needing a genuinely large water reserve, whether for rainwater harvesting, irrigation or backup potable supply, without dedicating a large area of ground to it. Facilities teams use it to hold recycled water for washdown or dust suppression, while farms rely on the capacity for irrigation systems or livestock demand across a working day. It's built for sites that need bulk storage but still have to work around limited or valuable ground space.
Typical applications
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Storing bulk rainwater collected from large roof areas for later use across the site.
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Supplying irrigation systems across agricultural plots and larger commercial grounds.
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Holding WRAS approved potable water as a backup supply for facilities and rural properties.
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Storing recycled water for wash down, dust suppression or non drinking site use.
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Providing a bulk water reserve for farms with high daily irrigation or livestock demand.
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Acting as an emergency water store for commercial and agricultural sites.
How to use
Step 1: Position the tank on firm, level ground capable of bearing the weight of a full tank, roughly 5 tonnes at 5000 litres.
Step 2: Fit a tap outlet or connecting pipework insert at the base for irrigation, washdown or general use.
Step 3: Connect the inlet to a rainwater diverter or mains fill point, depending on the water source.
Step 4: Check the lid is fully seated before use to keep out debris and prevent algae growth.
Step 5: Inspect the tank periodically for cracking, discolouration or leaks after long UV exposure.
Common mistakes
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Installing on ground that isn't level or load bearing, which can stress the base once the tank is full.
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Leaving the lid loose or missing, which lets in debris, insects and sunlight that encourages algae.
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Fitting a tap or pipework insert without following the correct method, which can compromise the seal.
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Assuming the tank is rated for burial and installing it below ground, which it is not built for.
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Underestimating daily water demand and undersizing the tank for the site's actual usage.
Safety
This tank is designed for above ground installation only and is not rated for burial or below ground use. A full 5000 litre tank weighs approximately 5 tonnes, so the ground must be firm, level and capable of bearing that load without settling. It is not suitable for storing chemicals, fuel or any liquid outside its intended water storage use, and the lid should stay fitted at all times to prevent contamination.
Maintenance
Rinse the interior periodically to remove sediment and prevent algae build up, especially where the tank collects rainwater. Check the lid seal, tap outlet and any fitted pipework for wear every few months. Keep the surrounding area clear of overhanging vegetation and confirm the ground hasn't shifted or settled under the tank's weight.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Is this tank approved for storing drinking water?
A: Yes. The material used in this tank carries WRAS approval, confirming it meets UK water quality standards for water it comes into contact with. That makes it suitable for potable water storage as well as recycled water, irrigation and general site use.
Q: What does WRAS approval actually mean?
A: WRAS stands for the Water Regulations Advisory Scheme, the body responsible for assessing materials and fittings against UK water supply regulations. A WRAS approved material has been independently tested to confirm it won't contaminate water it holds, covering factors like taste, odour and chemical safety. For a tank storing this much water long term, that verification carries more weight than a general potable claim.
Q: What is this tank not suitable for?
A: It's designed for above ground installation only and is not rated for burial or underground use. It should not be used to store chemicals, fuel or any liquid other than water. It is also not designed for direct connection to a pressurised mains water system.
Q: Why choose this tank over splitting the same capacity across two smaller tanks?
A: A single 5000 litre tank uses one footprint, one set of fittings and one inspection point, rather than doubling up on connections and maintenance across two tanks. It also avoids the added cost and complexity of manifolding two tanks together to act as one reserve. For most commercial and agricultural sites, one larger tank is the simpler option once the ground can support it.
Q: Does the ground need any preparation before installing a tank this size?
A: Yes. A full 5000 litre tank weighs around 5 tonnes, so it needs firm, level ground capable of bearing that load without settling or shifting. Uneven or soft ground can stress the base and shorten the tank's working life. It's worth checking ground conditions before delivery, particularly on sites with soft or made up ground.
Q: How long will the tank last outdoors?
A: The UV stabilised HDPE construction is built for permanent outdoor exposure, and the one piece moulded body adds resistance to cracking under the sustained weight of a full tank. Keeping the lid fitted, avoiding overfilling and checking periodically for damage all help extend its working life. Service life will still depend on ground conditions and how the tank is used and maintained.










