Pillow Water Tanks: Emergency Flood Water Storage and Mitigation

Storing Water with Pillow Tanks

As climate change leads to more extreme weather events like flooding, having an emergency water supply is becoming increasingly important. Pillow tanks, also known as bladder tanks, offer a flexible and space-efficient way to store large volumes of fresh water for household or emergency use.

What Are Pillow Water Tanks?

Pillow tanks, as their name suggests, are large pillow-shaped containers made from durable synthetic materials like vinyl, polyester, or PVC. They consist of an outer protective shell and an inner water bladder. As water is pumped in, the inner bladder expands to store from 100 to over 10,000 gallons, depending on the size. When needed, the stored water can be drawn out via a hose or pipe fitting.

Benefits of Pillow Water Tanks

Compared to rigid tanks, pillow tanks offer some key advantages:

• Take up less space - They conform to available space and don't require a supporting structure.
• Lightweight - Even when full they weigh much less than rigid tanks.
• Easy to install - They can be set up on any level surface indoors or outdoors.
• Mobile - Smaller tanks can be moved to wherever they are needed.
• Durable - Multi-layer construction stands up to wear and tear.

These features make pillow tanks a flexible option for water storage in areas prone to flooding or water shortages.

Using Pillow Tanks for Flood Mitigation

Pillow tanks are increasingly being used to help mitigate and prepare for flooding events which are becoming more frequent globally. Here are some of the main ways they can help with flood defense and response:

Emergency Water Reserves

Pillow tanks create an ready reserve of clean water when standard supplies get contaminated or cut off during a flood. Their lightweight, mobile design allows them to be quickly deployed as needed in flooded areas. Water stored in pillow tanks can provide affected families and communities with the gallons they need for drinking, cooking, bathing, cleaning, and toilet flushing.

Flood Barrier Protection

Stacking multiple pillow tanks in rows can create effective barriers to divert floodwaters away from homes and infrastructure. As they inflate with water, the weight of the tanks makes the barriers even more stable and watertight.

Post-flood Water Storage

After flooding disasters, pillow tanks can provide temporary but critical water storage while regular piped distribution systems are repaired. Storage on site means neighborhoods don't have to solely rely on trucked-in bottled water in the aftermath.

Prepared with properly stored spare water in pillow tanks, both residences and whole communities will be better equipped to handle flooding events when they inevitably occur.

Choosing the Right Pillow Water Tank

If you're considering a pillow tank for household backup water or flood mitigation, keep these key factors in mind:

Capacity

How much emergency water does your residence or community need? Small tanks hold 100-500 gallons. Intermediate tanks store 800 to 5000 gallons. Large-capacity community tanks can hold 10,000 gallons or more.

Space

Make sure you have an adequate indoor or outdoor space to situate tanks when empty and full. Measure proposed spaces carefully as capacity can expand 8-10 times when filled.

Materials

Industrial-grade vinyl, PVC, polyester, and fabric blends provide reliable water containment and long tank lifespans. Opt for multi-layer constructions.

Fittings

Tanks should have corrosion-resistant valves and pipes. Camlock, quick connect and wide couplings allow fast filling and draining. Access hatches make inspection and cleaning easier.

Mobility

Consider portable tank options on wheels or skids allowing repositioning. But keep in mind that filled tanks can weigh over 6000 pounds requiring equipment to move.

Choosing the most appropriate pillow tank for your situation will ensure reliable and sufficient water reserves when faced with floods or shortages.

Installing Pillow Water Tanks

One of the appeals of pillow tanks is how quick and simple they are to install compared to permanent rigid tanks. Here are considerations for getting your pillow tank up and running:

Siting

For indoor use, ensure the floor can handle the weight when filled. Outside placement should be on firm, flat ground or a pad. Allow space around tanks for access and drainage if needed.

Anchoring

While pillow tanks are self-supporting, temporary anchors or sandbags around the base prevent shifting. Permanent installations can use tiedowns and turnbuckles secured to the ground.

Pipework

Fit intake, outlet and overflow pipes or hoses to tank valves. Run piping to water supply for filling and to end application - residence, water truck or irrigation system. Install a pump if needed.

Treatment

For long term water storage, adding chlorine bleach or other approved chemicals helps prevent bacteria and algae growth.

With proper setup and maintenance, pillow tanks provide reliable water reserves to be prepared for local emergencies or widespread flooding events.

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FAQs

How much water can a pillow tank hold?

Pillow tanks hold anywhere from 100 gallons for smaller household units up to over 10,000 gallons for large community systems. Most tanks range from 500-5000 gallons for reasonable home backup capacity.

Where is the best place to install a pillow tank?

Pillow tanks can be installed both indoors and outdoors as long as the location is level, stable and has adequate space around the tank. Indoors they should only go in a basement or first floor, not upper levels that can’t handle the weight.

How long can water stay safe in a pillow tank?

With proper containment conditions and occasional chemical treatment, water can be stored clean and fresh in pillow tanks for several months at a time. Follow manufacturer recommendations for long term storage.

Do I need a pump to get water out of my tank?

You can fill and drain pillow tanks with just gravity by adjusting relative heights. But installing an electric or manual pump allows you to move stored water over longer distances and uphill if needed.