Until the early 20th century, all liquid storage relied on wood, steel, or concrete tanks. These materials were strong but still vulnerable to corrosion, cracking, and leaks. Polyethylene entered the piping market in 1955, paving the way for plastic innovation.
Less than a decade later, Owens Corning Fiberglass (OCF) invented the first fiberglass storage tank in 1964 after the American Petroleum Institute (API) asked OCF to develop a rust‑proof vessel that wouldn’t leak petroleum products into the ground. At that time, manufacturers were mainly concerned with the cost of lost product; by the 1970s, the environmental benefits of corrosion‑resistant fiberglass tanks were widely recognized. A second manufacturer, Xerxes, entered the market, and Underwriters Laboratories introduced Listing 1316 for hazardous liquid storage.
Milestones in Fiberglass Tank History and Development
Several events during the 1960s and 1970s set the stage for fiberglass tanks’ dominance
- In 1964, Owens Corning developed the first fiberglass tank.
- By the 1970s, the environmental advantages of corrosion‑resistant tanks became well known.
- Throughout the 1970s and 1980s, competitor Xerxes entered the field, and UL established Listing 1316 for hazardous liquids.
Fiberglass Tanks Become the Industry Standard
Over the next 30 years, OCF and Xerxes competed directly for the U.S. regulated gasoline storage market. Steel tanks, susceptible to rust and leaks, steadily lost market share. In 1989, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) mandated corrosion resistance for all underground tanks storing hazardous liquids, making fiberglass tanks the preferred choice for major petroleum operators across America.
Expanding Applications Beyond Petroleum
By the 1990s, fiberglass tank manufacturers sought new industrial markets beyond petroleum and chemicals. One natural opportunity was the concrete industry, which traditionally supplied tanks and pipes for water and wastewater applications. Although concrete tanks have never been approved for hazardous liquids like gasoline, they are widely used for the storage of human waste in residential septic systems. However, concrete’s tendency to crack and leak makes plastics a superior alternative for single‑family septic tanks—the segment where most polyethylene tanks are sold today.
Fiberglass tanks proved even more advantageous for large‑volume wastewater systems. In rural multi‑home collections and small community treatment systems, fiberglass (in sizes from 10,000 to 50,000 gallons) offers lightweight, corrosion‑resistant durability that outperforms concrete and steel. Rotationally molded polyethylene tanks entered the water storage market in the late 1980s, but production and structural constraints limited them to smaller volumes (around 1,000 to 2,000 gallons).
Fiberglass vs. Concrete in Wastewater Applications
While concrete remains common, fiberglass has steadily gained ground because of its long-term reliability. Key differences include:
- Concrete tanks are affordable but eventually develop cracks.
- Fiberglass tanks are lightweight, non‑corrosive, and engineered for long‑term structural performance.
- Polyethylene tanks are often used for smaller residential systems (about 1,000–2,000 gallons) but are less practical for large installations.
Fire Suppression and Emergency Water Storage
In recent years, fiberglass tanks have gained significant market share in fire suppression and emergency water storage. Designers, regulators, and property owners need absolute assurance that water will be available when an emergency strikes. Steel tanks are prone to rust, and concrete vaults often crack or leak; both materials prove unreliable for critical fire‑protection applications. Fiberglass tanks maintain a watertight seal, resist corrosion, and perform dependably in varied conditions, making them the preferred solution for many municipalities and builders.
Advantages of Fiberglass in Fire Protection
Compared to steel and concrete, fiberglass offers clear benefits for fire safety:
- It remains watertight and corrosion-resistant, ensuring availability of stored water.
- Its lightweight construction allows easier installation on remote or uneven terrain.
- It requires less maintenance over decades, reducing long-term operating costs.
Supporting Remote and Growing Communities
As populations expand and new homes push into remote woodland and wildland areas, the need for large‑volume water storage becomes more critical. Fiberglass tanks (ranging from 10,000 to 50,000 gallons) provide dependable storage for fire suppression systems, rainwater collection, and potable water supply. They support both residential and commercial developments, especially in the arid Western United States where water scarcity and fire risk demand robust storage solutions.
Reliable Fiberglass Water Storage Solutions from Darco Tanks
Darco Tanks brings over forty years of experience to every project, providing application, design, logistics, and installation support for underground water storage. With decades of successful projects behind us, we design and fabricate durable fiberglass tanks for engineers, contractors, regulators, and end‑users alike.
Looking for the right storage solution? Browse our full line of fiberglass tanks ranging from 3,000 to 80,000 gallons plus accessories to find the perfect fit. When you’re ready, request a detailed quote through our online form to discuss your specific project needs.
