In Canada, the cost of water tanks can vary depending on the size, material, and manufacturer. Here is a more detailed overview of some of the common materials used for water tanks, along with estimated cost ranges:
In this Article:
Polyethylene (PE) Plastic
Lightweight, durable, and resistant to corrosion and UV rays.
PE Plastic is a popular material used for water tanks, particularly for residential and commercial use. PE plastic is a lightweight and durable material that is also resistant to corrosion and UV rays, making it an ideal choice for outdoor use. The material is also flexible, which allows for the creation of tanks in a variety of shapes and sizes.
In terms of cost, PE plastic water tanks are often more affordable than other types of tanks, with prices ranging from CAD$ 300 to CAD$ 2000 or more, depending on the size and features of the tank. Some of the factors that can affect the cost of a PE plastic water tank include its size, capacity, and any additional features such as built-in pumps, filters, or monitoring systems.
Quick Tip: Ask your local tank dealer for Canadian made options. These tanks can cost anywhere from 5%-15% less due to the reduction of freight cost.
PE plastic water tanks are easy to install and maintain, and they are also recyclable, making them a more environmentally friendly option. They are also resistant to bacteria and algae growth, and they do not require any special coatings or linings to prevent contamination.
Overall, PE plastic water tanks offer a cost-effective solution for storing water, making them a popular choice for residential, agricultural, and industrial applications.
Common Brands: Rotoplas, Norwesco, Snyder Industries, Chem-Tainer Industries & Bushman USA
Fibreglass
Durable, corrosion-resistant, and non-reactive to water, making it a good option for storing drinking water.
Fibreglass is another material that is commonly used for water tanks, especially for the storage of drinking water. Fibreglass is a durable material that is resistant to corrosion, making it a good option for storing water for a long period of time. It is also non-reactive to water, which helps to maintain the quality and purity of the stored water.
Fibreglass water tanks are manufactured by molding fibreglass into a desired shape, making them available in a range of sizes and shapes. They can be purchased for CAD$ 1000 to CAD$ 5000 or more, depending on the size of the tank and its features. Compared to other materials such as PE plastic, fibreglass tanks can be more expensive, but they are also known to be more long-lasting and durable.
In terms of maintenance, fibreglass water tanks require very little maintenance, as they are resistant to corrosion, UV rays, and bacteria growth. They are also relatively easy to install and can be transported to remote locations for installation.
Another advantage of fibreglass water tanks is their aesthetic appeal. Fibreglass tanks can be molded into a variety of shapes, and they can be painted or finished to blend in with their surroundings. They are also lightweight compared to other materials such as concrete or steel, which makes them easier to transport and install.
Overall, fibreglass water tanks are a good option for those who are looking for a durable and long-lasting solution for storing water. They are ideal for residential, agricultural, and industrial applications, and they are a good choice for storing drinking water due to their non-reactive nature and resistance to bacteria growth.
Common Brands: Containment Solutions, National Storage Tank, Enduro Composites, A. O. Smith, Fiber Technology Corporation & Xerxes
Concrete
 
Heavy-duty, long-lasting, and good for large, above-ground tanks.
Concrete is a heavy-duty material that is known for its durability and long-lasting nature. It is also resistant to corrosion and can withstand harsh environmental conditions, making it an ideal choice for outdoor & underground use.
Concrete water tanks are typically made by pouring concrete into a mold, and they can be customized to fit a wide range of sizes and shapes.
They can be purchased for CAD$ 5000 to CAD$ 20,000 or more, depending on the size of the tank and its features. Compared to other materials such as PE plastic or fibreglass, concrete tanks can be more expensive, but they are also known for their long lifespan and durability.
In terms of maintenance, concrete water tanks require very little maintenance, as they are resistant to corrosion, UV rays, and bacteria growth. They are also relatively easy to install and can be transported to remote locations for installation.
Another advantage of concrete water tanks is their aesthetic appeal. Concrete tanks can be finished with paint or other materials to blend in with their surroundings, and they can also be molded into a variety of shapes. They are also ideal for large-scale water storage applications, as they can be designed to hold large quantities of water.
Overall, concrete water tanks are a good option for those who are looking for a heavy-duty and long-lasting solution for storing water. They are ideal for residential, agricultural, and industrial applications, and they are a good choice for large-scale water storage applications due to their durability and resistance to environmental factors.
Stainless Steel
Non-reactive and resistant to corrosion, making it ideal for storing drinking water.
Stainless steel is a strong, corrosion-resistant material that is ideal for storing water for a long period of time. It is also non-reactive to water, which helps to maintain the quality and purity of the stored water.
Stainless steel water tanks are typically made from high-quality stainless-steel sheets, and they are available in a range of sizes and shapes. They can be purchased for CAD$ 5000 to CAD$ 20,000 or more, depending on the size of the tank and its features. Compared to other materials such as PE plastic or fibreglass, stainless steel tanks can be more expensive, but they are also known for their long lifespan and durability.
In terms of maintenance, stainless steel water tanks require very little maintenance, as they are resistant to corrosion, UV rays, and bacteria growth. They are also relatively easy to install and can be transported to remote locations for installation.
Another advantage of stainless-steel water tanks is their aesthetic appeal. Stainless steel tanks have a sleek, modern appearance that can enhance the aesthetic of any property. They are also ideal for storing drinking water due to their non-reactive nature and resistance to bacteria growth.
Overall, stainless steel water tanks are a good option for those who are looking for a strong, durable, and long-lasting solution for storing water. Like the above two options, they are ideal for residential, agricultural, and industrial applications, and they are a good choice for storing drinking water due to their non-reactive nature and resistance to bacteria growth.
Galvanized steel
Less expensive than stainless steel but can react with the water and cause corrosion over time.
Galvanized steel is a material that is often used for water tanks, especially for large, above-ground tanks. Galvanized steel is a durable material that is treated with a protective coating of zinc to resist corrosion and rust, making it an ideal choice for outdoor use.
Galvanized steel water tanks are typically made from high-quality steel sheets, and they are available in a range of sizes and shapes. They can be purchased for CAD$ 5000 to CAD$ 20,000 or more, depending on the size of the tank and its features.
Compared to other materials such as PE plastic or fibreglass, galvanized steel tanks can be more expensive, but they are also known for their long lifespan and durability.
In terms of maintenance, galvanized steel water tanks require some maintenance to ensure that the zinc coating remains intact and continues to protect the steel from corrosion. Over time, the zinc coating can degrade, exposing the steel to corrosion, and the tank may need to be repainted or coated with a protective material.
Another advantage of galvanized steel water tanks is their aesthetic appeal. Galvanized steel tanks have a sleek, modern appearance that can enhance the aesthetic of any property. They are also ideal for large-scale water storage applications, as they can be designed to hold large quantities of water.
Overall, galvanized steel water tanks are a good option for those who are looking for a strong, durable, and long-lasting solution for storing water.
It's important to note that the above cost ranges are only estimates and can vary widely based on a variety of factors. It's also worth mentioning that in addition to the cost of the tank itself, there may be additional costs associated with installation, maintenance, and repair.
Closing
At BARR Plastics, we focus on the first two options and supply most of the pacific north-west with the most popular brands.
If you need help deciding which tank is best for you or need help with accessories such as piping, fittings, pumps, or anything else for your water storage system, don't be afraid to reach out!