What Challenges Do Water Treatment Facilities Face?

Towns, cities, and municipalities rely heavily on local water treatment facilities to supply clean water for various purposes. Even the slightest disruptions or problems with water treatment facilities can cause major delays in the water treatment process and inconvenience hundreds, if not thousands, of residents and businesses who depend on a steady water supply every day.

Water treatment facilities can experience cracks, corrosion, and other damages caused by exposure to different elements and lead to significant delays. Polyurea waterproofing protective coatings are the most reliable, cost-effective, and durable line of defense to maintain and repair vulnerable water treatment facility components.

Here are four of the most common problems water treatment facilities face that can be solved or avoided altogether with polyurea waterproofing solutions.

Large-Scale Damages

Water treatment facilities are constructed of concrete structures and metal components such as storage tanks and pipelines. Over time, heavy water and chemical contact can erode concrete and cause it to crack. Moreover, water and chemical mixtures can also cause rust formations on metal fixtures and components. In addition to contaminating local water supplies, these damages are expensive to repair and will result in potentially extensive facility shutdowns in the meantime. Expediency is vital in repairing these damages, however, because they can worsen over time and result in even more expensive repairs.

Natural Disasters

Natural disasters such as hurricanes, floods, and tornadoes can also cause extensive damages in water treatment facilities. Ageing concrete is already prone to cracking or splitting. All it takes is a little bit of added pressure from heavy winds or inclement weather conditions to topple over an already frail house of cards. Plus, extreme cold and hot temperature fluctuations can speed up the freeze/thaw cycle of water moving through pipelines. Frozen or ice water can cause the pipes to burst, leading to extremely hazardous situations.

Microbiologically Induced Corrosion (MIC)

MIC develops when concrete-eating germs or bacteria produce sulfuric acid inside water treatment facilities and their components. In extremely warm or hot conditions, sulfuric acid develops destructive properties that can severely damage steel, non-ferrous metals, and breakdown or warp concrete structures.

Maintenance Issues

Inadequate or lack of routine maintenance results in serious structural and financial repercussions for water treatment facilities. To maintain strong and safe performance standards, it’s important to administer proper maintenance practices on a regular basis. This includes scheduling pre-filtration cartridge replacements, monitoring proper water flow throughout the system, repairing minor damages immediately, and upgrading outdated components.

Why Polyurea Protective Waterproofing Coating Is the Best Solution for Water Treatment Facilities

Polyurea protective coatings are quick and easy to apply using a spray-on application process. They boast fast curing and drying times, which means they’re ready for use in a matter of hours and can cut down your facility’s downtime in the process. When fully dry and cured, polyurea protective coatings form a strong and flexible seamless membrane that’s impervious to water penetration and damages. With proper maintenance and cleaning, it can last for many decades and reduce your operation’s maintenance costs while simultaneously boosting productivity and profitability.

At IMC Distributors, we are the exclusive partner of ISOMAT and Nukote Coating Systems in Canada. Contact us today to learn more about our products. 

Karli Logan is the Owner and President of IMC Distributors which is the exclusive partner of Nukote Coating Systems in Canada. With a B.Sc and M.Sc, as well as a demonstrated history of working across a number of industries, she has a passion to drive significant gains and benefits for IMC’s clients.