Steel tank pioneers, Aquadam, are transitioning away from galvanising their ladders, pipes, and flanges. Instead, they now coat these components with Fusion-Bonded Epoxy (FBE) – a durable, non-toxic alternative that offers superior protection without contributing to excessive zinc in water systems.
Understanding the Zinc issue
Zinc is a naturally occurring metal, essential to human health in small amounts. However, excessive zinc in water sources has become a growing concern, especially in environments where galvanised steel is widely used. Here is how zinc finds its way into water:
- Natural weathering: Zinc-bearing minerals in rocks and soil can leach into rivers, lakes, and groundwater over time.
- Industrial and agricultural activity: Mining, metal processing, and the use of zinc-based fertilizers can all contribute to elevated zinc levels in surface and groundwater.
- Corrosion of galvanised materials: Galvanised steel, often used in plumbing and fittings, can corrode over time, releasing zinc into water supplies.
- Old household plumbing: Many older buildings still contain galvanised pipes that leach zinc as they deteriorate.
- Airborne deposition: Industrial emissions containing zinc particles can settle into water systems through rain or dust.
Why excess Zinc is a problem
While trace amounts of zinc are safe – even necessary – high concentrations can lead to:
- Unpleasant taste or odour in drinking water
- Gastrointestinal discomfort from prolonged exposure
- Potential harm to aquatic ecosystems.
As concerns around water quality grow, industries worldwide are re-evaluating materials and methods that may contribute to contamination. Galvanised coatings, though effective for corrosion resistance, have come under scrutiny for this reason.The
The FBE advantage
Aquadam steel tanks with Fusion-Bonded Epoxy
Fusion-Bonded Epoxy (FBE) is a game-changer for water infrastructure. Applied through an electrostatic process and heat-cured to form a strong, protective barrier, FBE offers several key advantages:
- No zinc leaching: Safe for potable water and food-grade applications
- Superior corrosion resistance: Protects against both internal and external corrosion
- Longer lifespan: More durable in aggressive environments
- Environmentally responsible: Reduces metal contamination risks in water sources.
By switching to FBE, Aquadam not only enhances the durability of their products but also contributes to cleaner, safer water systems for everyone.
This transition is part of Aquadam’s broader mission to engineer water storage solutions that meet the highest standards of safety, sustainability, and performance. Whether installing a tank in a remote agricultural area or a dense urban environment, customers can trust that every component is built with long-term health and environmental safety in mind.
