Storms, floods, and mudslides can wreak havoc with local water supplies. The force of flooding and mud damages water supplies, septic systems, forces emergency evacuations of families, businesses, and livestock, and can create environmentally toxic situations that last for months or longer. Recently, storms that hit California’s Inland Empire caused flooding in the desert community of Phelan. Custom-made galvanized water storage tanks from A-1 Tank can be an effective solution for storing drinking water while water delivery systems are being restored.

Phelan is a rural community located in the Mojave Desert, within the Inland Empire region of San Bernardino County. In late December, the region was struck by a storm that caused severe flooding in the San Gabriel Mountain community of Wrightwood. Mud, water, and debris roared down the mountainside, turning the quiet Phelan community into a disaster zone in a very short time. Some residents required emergency rescue, while others lost or had severely damaged homes. Although the Phelan Water District lifted its boil water order within a few weeks of the disaster, property recoveries are still underway three months later, and not every well has been restored.

Water storage tanks are an economical post-disaster solution for water storage, and due to their durability, they will continue to serve water storage needs for 20 to 30 years after recovery. Water is a precious commodity in the Mojave Desert, and water storage tanks play an important role in the Inland Empire.

The region spans over 27,000 square miles across Riverside and San Bernardino counties. While it is home to around 4.7 million people, it is also populated with small, water-deprived communities, many with contaminated wells, a lack of water delivery infrastructure, and high water costs. Drinking water depends on bottled water programs.

Dedicated galvanized water storage tanks from A-1 Tank are ideal for desert climates. The benefits of A-1 water storage tanks include:

• Custom-manufactured water storage tanks in sizes from 1000 to 20,000 gallons.
• Flat-bottomed, vertical tanks with either an open or closed top.
• Non-corrosive tanks and accessories.
• Rugged, impact-resistant one-piece seamless construction.
• Above-ground or underground tanks.
• We manufacture both above-ground and underground steel water storage tanks.
• Optional exterior colors offer UV inhibitors and customization to environmental conditions such as heat, humidity, weather conditions, and temperature variance.
• An optional interior epoxy coating, certified by the National Sanitation Foundation by the ANSI/NSF Standard for potable water contact, is available. 
• Optional water level gauges, gravel rings for tank seating, and pipe fittings up to 4 inches NPT at no additional cost. The cost of larger fittings is calculated when the tank is ordered.
• Our tanks and accessories are non-corrosive.
• Free delivery anywhere in California, including rough and difficult terrain.

Durable, versatile water storage for desert environments

Unlike temporary plastic bladders that are prone to damage, A-1’s tanks are engineered to provide years of safe water storage to the Inland Empire and desert communities. A-1’s galvanized water storage tanks are:

• Safe for drinking water, especially when the interiors are coated with a special epoxy coating that is certified by the National Sanitation Foundation.
• Useful in rural settings that rely on wells and provide easily accessible water supplies for livestock and other needs.
• Used by national and state parks for remote wilderness camping and other adventures where fresh drinking water isn’t readily available.
• Useful for collecting rainwater and graywater.

A-1 Tank delivers anywhere in California. Custom-designed 4×4 delivery trucks can handle rugged terrain and set your tank precisely on its prepared site.  

Contact us today for a customized quote.