# Butek Tanks > Butek Tanks is a UK-based manufacturer of high-quality sectional steel water tanks and liquid storage solutions. Designed for durability and global installation --- # Terms & Conditions Source: https://butektanks.com/terms-conditions/ **1. Interpretation** **1.1 Definitions.** In these conditions, the following definitions apply: **Conditions:** These Terms and Conditions as amended from time to time in accordance with clause 13.6 **Contract:** The contract between the Supplier and the Customer for the supply of goods and/or services from the Supplier. **Customer:** The person, firm or company which purchases the goods and/or services from the Supplier. **Goods:** The goods (or any part thereof) set out in the order. **Goods Specification:** Any specification of the goods, including any relevant plans or drawings, that is agreed in writing by the Customer and the Supplier. **Order:** The Customer's order for the supply of goods and/or services whether made orally or in writing, as set out in the Customer's purchase order form, or the Customer's written acceptance of the Supplier's quotation, as the case may be. **Quotation:** A letter sent by the Supplier to the Customer setting out the costs of supplying the goods and/or services to the Customer in the event of an order being placed. **Services:** The services, supplied by the Supplier to the Customer as set out in the Service Specification. **Service Specification:** The description or specification for the Services provided in writing by the Supplier to the Customer. **Supplier:** Butyl Products Ltd., part of the Butyl Products Ltd. Group of companies, registered in England and Wales with company number 03141465. - ** Basis of Contract** 2.1 The Order constitutes an offer by the Customer to purchase goods and/or Services in accordance with these conditions. 2.2 The Order shall only be deemed to be accepted when the Supplier approves the Order, at which point and on which date the Contract shall come into existence (**Commencement Date**). The Supplier may, if it chooses, issue a written acceptance of the Order. 2.3 The Contract constitutes the entire agreement between the parties. The Customer acknowledges that it has not relied on any statement, promise or representation made or given by or on behalf of the Supplier which is not set out in the Contract. 2.4 Any samples, drawings, descriptive matter or advertising issued by the Supplier and any descriptions or illustrations of the Goods or Services contained in the Supplier's catalogues or brochures are issued or published for the sole purpose of giving an approximate idea of the Services and/or Goods described in them. They shall not form part of the Contract or have any contractual force. 2.5 These conditions apply to the Contract to the exclusion of any other terms that the Customer seeks to impose or incorporate, or which are implied by trade, custom, practice or course of dealing. 2.6 A Quotation shall not constitute an offer, and is only valid for a period of 39 business days from its date of issue. 2.7 All of these conditions shall apply to the supply of both Goods and Services except where application to one or the other is specified. - ** Goods** 3.1 The Goods are described in the Goods Specification. 3.2 The Customer shall have the right to inspect and test the Goods at any time before delivery. 3.3 If following such an inspection or testing the Customer considers that the Goods do not conform with the Supplier's warranties at clause 5.1(a) to (d), the Customer shall inform the Supplier and the Supplier shall take such remedial action as is necessary pursuant to clause 5.2(a). - ** Delivery of Goods** 4.1 The Supplier shall ensure that each delivery of the Goods is accompanied by a delivery note which shows the date of the Order, all relevant Customer and Supplier reference numbers, the type and quantity of the Goods and, if the Order is being delivered in instalments, the outstanding balance of Goods remaining to be delivered. 4.2 The Supplier shall deliver the Goods to the location set out in the Order or such other location as the parties may agree (**Delivery Location**) at any time after the Supplier notifies the Customer that the goods are ready. 4.3 Delivery of the Goods shall be completed on the Good's arrival at the delivery location. 4.4 Any dates quoted for delivery of the Goods are approximate only, and the time of delivery is not of the essence. The Supplier shall not be liable for any delay in delivery of the Goods that is caused by a Force Majeure Event or the Customer's failure to provide the Supplier with adequate delivery instructions or any other instructions that are relevant to the supply of the Goods. 4.5 If the Supplier fails to deliver the Goods, its liability shall be limited to the costs and expenses incurred by the Customer in obtaining replacement goods of similar description and quality in the cheapest market available, less the price of the Goods. The Supplier shall have no liability for any failure to deliver the Goods to the extent that such failure is caused by a Force Majeure Event, the Customer's failure to provide the Supplier with adequate delivery instructions for the Goods or any relevant instruction related to the supply of the Goods. 4.6 The Supplier may deliver the Goods by instalments, which shall be invoiced and paid for separately. Each instalment shall constitute a separate contract. Any delay in delivery or defect in an instalment shall not entitle the Customer to cancel any other instalment. - ** Quality of Goods** 5.1 The supplier warrants that on delivery and for a minimum period of 12 months (Steel and Liner Kits are supplied with additional warranties, subject to location), from the date of delivery (**Warranty Period**), the Goods shall: (a) conform with their description and any applicable Goods Specification; (b) be free from material defects in design, material and workmanship; (c) be of satisfactory quality (within the meaning of the Sale of Goods Act 1979); and (d) be fit for purpose held out by the Supplier. 5.2 Subject to clause 0, if the Customer gives notice in writing during the Warranty Period within a reasonable time of discovery that some or all oft he Goods do not comply with the warranty set out in clause 5.1 and the Supplier is given a reasonable opportunity of examining such Goods; the Supplier shall (if it deems necessary), at its option, repair or replace the defective Goods or refund the price of the defective Goods in full. 5.3 The Supplier shall not be liable for the Goods' failure to comply with the warranty in clause 5.1 if: (a) the Customer makes any further use of such Goods after giving notice in accordance with clause 2.7(d); (b) the defect arises because the Customer failed to follow the Supplier's oral or written instructions as to the storage, installation, commissioning, use or maintenance of the Goods or (if there are none) good trade practise; (c) the defect arises as a result of the Supplier following any drawing, design or Goods Specification supplied by the Customer; (d) the Customer alters or repairs such Goods without the written consent of the Supplier; (e) the defect arises as a result of fair wear and tear, wilful damage, negligence or abnormal working conditions. 5.4 Except as provided in this clause 5, the Supplier shall have no liability to the Customer in respect of the Good's failure to comply with the warranty set out on clause 5.1. 5.5 The terms of these Conditions shall apply to any repaired or replacement Goods supplied by the Supplier under clause 2.7(d). - ** Title and Risk** Title of the Goods shall remain with the Supplier until the invoice has been paid in full. The risk in the Goods shall pass to the Customer on completion of delivery, or if the Delivery Location is abroad, at dockside. - ** Supply of Services** 7.1 The Supplier shall provide the Services to the Customer in accordance with the Service Specification in all material respects. 7.2 The Supplier shall use all reasonable endeavours to meet any performance dates for the Services specified in the Order, but any such dates shall be estimates only and time shall not be of the essence for the performance of the Services. 7.3 The Supplier warrants to the Customer that the Services will be provided using reasonable care and skill. - ** Customer's Obligations** 8.1 The Customer shall: (a) ensure that the terms of the Order and (if submitted by the Customer) the Goods Specification are complete and accurate; (b) comply with any instructions provided by the Supplier in respect of the provision of the Services; (c) co-operate with the Supplier in all matters relating to the Services; (d) provide the Supplier with such information as the Supplier may reasonably require to supply the Services, and ensure that such information is accurate in all material respects; (e) prepare the Customer's premises for the supply of the Services; (f) obtain and maintain all necessary licenses, permissions and consents which may be required for the Services before the date on which the Services are to start. 8.2 If the Supplier's performance of any of its obligations in respect of the Services are prevented or delayed by any act or omission by the Customer or failure by the Customer to perform any relevant obligation (Customer Default): (a) the Supplier shall have the right to suspend performance of the Services until the Customer remedies the Customer Default; (b) the Supplier shall not be liable for any costs or losses arising directly or indirectly from the Supplier's failure or delay to perform any of its obligations as set out in this clause 8; and (c) the Customer shall reimburse the Supplier on written demand for any costs or losses sustained or incurred by the Supplier arising directly or indirectly from the Customer Default. - ** Charges and Payment** 9.1 The price of the Goods and/or Services shall be the price set out by the Supplier in the Order or, if no price is quoted, the price set out in the Quotation. The price of the Goods is exclusive of all costs and charges of packaging, insurance, transport of the Goods, which shall be paid by the Customer when it pays for the Goods. 9.2 The Supplier reserves the right to increase the price of the Goods and/or Services, by giving notice to the Customer any time before delivery, to reflect any increase in the cost of the Goods to Supplier that is due to: (a) any factor beyond the control of the Supplier; (b) any request by the Customer to change delivery date(s), quantities or types of Goods ordered, or the Goods Specification; or (c) any delay caused by any instructions of the Customer in respect of the Goods or failure of the Customer to give the Supplier adequate information or instructions in respect of the Goods. 9.3 In the event of the Buyer delaying delivery of the Goods for a period of 14 days or more, for whatever reason, including but not limited to the failure to provide a Delivery Location, the Supplier may: (a) invoice the Customer; and (b) charge the Customer the reasonable costs of storage of the Goods and any other costs attributable to the delay. 9.4 The Supplier reserves the right to demand payment in part or full for the Goods and/or Services upfront at the time the Order is placed. In such circumstances the Supplier shall not process the Order until payment has been received. 9.5 Subject to clauses 9.3 and 9.4, the Supplier shall invoice the Customer on or at any time after completion of delivery in respect of both Goods and Services. 9.6 The Customer shall pay each invoice submitted by the Supplier: (a) Within 30 days of the date of the invoice; and (b) in full and in cleared funds to a bank account nominated in writing by the Supplier, and time for payment shall be of the essence in the Contract. 9.7 All amounts payable by the Customer under the Contract are exclusive of amounts in respect of value added tax chargeable from time to time (**VAT**). Where any taxable supply for VAT purposes is made under the Contract, the Customer shall, on receipt of a valid VAT invoice from the Supplier, pay to the Supplier such additional amounts in respect of VAT as are chargeable at the same time as payment is due for the Goods and for Services. 9.8 Without limiting any other right or remedy of the Supplier, if the Customer fails to make any payment due to the Supplier under the Contract by the due date for payment (Due Date), the Supplier shall have the right to charge interest on the overdue amount at the rate of 4 per cent per annum above the then current National Westminster Bank PLC's base rate accruing on a daily basis from the Due Date until the date of actual payment of the overdue amount, whether before or after judgement, and compounding quarterly. 9.9 The Supplier may, without limiting its other rights or remedies, set off any amount owing to it by the Customer against any amount payable by the Supplier to the Customer. - ** Limitation of Liability** 10.1 Nothing in these Conditions shall limit or exclude the Supplier's liability for: (a) death or personal injury caused by its negligence, or the negligence of its employees, agents or subcontractors; (b) fraud or fraudulent misrepresentation; (c) breach of the terms implied by section 2 of the Supply of Goods and Services Act 1982 (title and quiet possession); (d) breach of the terms implied by section 12 of the Sale of Goods Act 1979 (title and quiet possession); or (e) defective products under the Consumer Credit Act 1987. 10.2 Subject to clause 10.1: (a) The Supplier shall under no circumstance whatever be liable to the Customer, whether in contract, tort (including negligence), breach of statutory duty, or otherwise, for any loss of profit, or any indirect or consequential loss arising under or in connection with the Contract; and (b) the Supplier's total liability to the Customer in respect of all other losses arising under or in connection with the Contract. whether in contract, tort (including negligence), breach of statutory duty, or otherwise, shall in no circumstance exceed £25,000.00. 10.3 Except as set out in these Conditions, all warranties, conditions and other terms implied by statute or common law are, to the fullest extent permitted by law, excluded from the Contract. 10.4 This clause 10 shall survive termination of the Contract. - ** Termination** 11.1 Without limiting its other rights or remedies, each party may terminate the Contract with immediate effect by giving written notice to the other party if: (a) the other party commits a material breach of its obligations under this Contract and (if such breach is remediable) fails to remedy that breach within 7 days after receipt of notice in writing of the breach. (b) the other party suspends, or threatens to suspend, payment of its debts or is unable to pay its debts as they fall due or admits inability to pay its debts or (being a company) is deemed unable to pay its debts within the meaning of section 123 of the Insolvency Act 1986 or (being an individual) is deemed either unable to pay its debts or as having no reasonable prospect of so doing, in either case, within the meaning of section 268 of the Insolvency Act 1986 or (being in partnership) has any partner to whom any of the foregoing apply; (c) the other party suspends, threatens to suspend, ceases or threatens to cease to carry on, all or substantially the whole of its business. 11.2 Without limiting its other rights or remedies, the Supplier may suspend the supply of Goods and/or Services, or terminate the Contract with immediate effect by giving written notice to the Customer if the Customer fails to pay any amount due under this Contract on the due date for payment, or the Customer becomes subject to any of the events listed in clause 11.1, or the Supplier reasonably believes that the Customer is about to become subject to any of them. - ** Consequences of Termination** On the termination of the Contract for any reason: (a) he Customer shall immediately pay to the Supplier all of the Supplier's outstanding unpaid invoices and interest and, if no invoice has yet been submitted, the Supplier shall submit an invoice, which shall be payable by the Customer immediately upon receipt. (b) the accrued rights and remedies of the parties as at termination shall not be affected, including the right to claim damages in respect of any breach of the Contract which existed at or before the date of termination or expiry; and (c) clauses which expressly or by implication have effect after termination shall continue in full force and effect. - ** General** **13.1** **Force Majeure:** (a) For the purposes of this Contract, **Force Majeure Event** means an event beyond the reasonable control of the Supplier including but not limited to strikes, lock-outs or other industrial disputes ( whether involving the workforce of the party or any other party), failure of a utility service or transport network, act of God, war, riot, civil commotion, malicious damage, compliance with any law or governmental order, rule, regulation or direction, accident, breakdown of plant or machinery, fire, flood, storm or default of suppliers or subcontractors. (b) The Supplier shall not be liable to the Customer as a result of any delay or failure to perform its obligations under this Contract as a result of a Force Majeure event. (c) If the Force Majeure Event prevents the Supplier from providing any of the Services and/or Goods for more than 4 weeks, the Supplier shall, without limiting its other rights or remedies, have the right to terminate this Contract immediately by giving written notice to the Customer. **13.2** **Assignment and Subcontracting:** (a) The Supplier may at any time assign, transfer, charge, subcontract or deal in any other manner with all or any of its rights under the Contract and may subcontract or delegate in any manner any or all of its obligations under the Contract to any third party. (b) The Customer shall not, without the prior written consent of the Supplier, assign, transfer, charge, subcontract or deal in any other manner with all or any of its rights or obligations under this Contract. **13.3** **Notices:** (a) Any notice or other communication required to be given to a party under or in connection with this Contract shall be in writing and shall be delivered to the other party personally or sent by a prepaid first class post, recorded delivery or by commercial courier, at its registered office (if a company) or (in any other case) its principal place of business, or sent by fax to the other party's main fax number. (b) Any notice or other communication shall be deemed to have been duly received if delivered personally, when left at such address or, if sent by prepaid first class post or recorded delivery, at 9.00am on the second business day after posting, or if delivered by commercial courier, on the date and at the time that the courier's delivery receipt is signed, or if sent by fax, on the next business day. (c) This clause 13.3 shall not apply to the service of any proceedings or other documents in any legal action. For the purpose of this clause, 'writing' shall not include e-mails and for the avoidance of doubt, notice given under the Contract shall not be validly served if sent by e-mail. **13.4** **Severance:** (a) If a court or any other competent authority finds that any provision of the Contract (or any part of any provision) is invalid, illegal or unenforceable, that provision or part-provision shall, to the extent required, be deemed deleted, and the validity and enforceability of the other provisions of the Contract shall not be affected. (b) If any invalid, unenforceable or illegal provision of the Contract would be valid, enforceable and legal if some part of it were deleted, the provision shall apply with the minimum modification necessary to make it legal, valid and enforceable. **13.5** **Third Parties:** A person who is not party to the Contract shall not have any rights under or in connection with it. **13.6** **Variation:** Except as set out in these Conditions, any variation to the Contract shall only be binding when agreed in writing and signed by the Supplier. **13.7** **Governing Law and Jurisdiction:** This Contract, and any dispute or claim arising out of or in connection with it or its subject matter or formation (including non-contractual disputes or claims), shall be governed by, and construed in accordance with, English Law, and the parties irrevocably submit to the exclusive jurisdiction of the courts of England and Wales. --- # Home Page Source: https://butektanks.com/ --- # Blog Source: https://butektanks.com/blog/ Coming Soon... --- # Resources Source: https://butektanks.com/resources/ --- # Steel Roof Kit Source: https://butektanks.com/steel-roof-kit/ --- # Aqua-Float Source: https://butektanks.com/aqua-float/ --- # EPDM Liner Kit Source: https://butektanks.com/epdm-tank-liner/ --- # Butyl Liner Kit Source: https://butektanks.com/butyl/ --- # Installation Services Source: https://butektanks.com/installation-services/ --- # Aqua-Shield Source: https://butektanks.com/aqua-shield/ --- # Online Brochure Source: https://butektanks.com/online-brochure/ --- # Anti-Algae Cover Source: https://butektanks.com/anti-algae-cover/ --- # Size Guide Source: https://butektanks.com/size-guide/ --- # Landflex® ES Liner Kit Source: https://butektanks.com/landflex-es/ --- # Quality Source: https://butektanks.com/about-butek-tanks/quality/ --- # Environmental Source: https://butektanks.com/about-butek-tanks/environmental/ --- # Case Studies Source: https://butektanks.com/case-studies/ --- # Sectors Source: https://butektanks.com/sectors/ --- # Products Source: https://butektanks.com/products/ --- # Return Policy Source: https://butektanks.com/butek-tanks-return-policy/ ###### If You Need to Return or Cancel Items In Your Order Under the Sale of Goods Act 1979, you are entitled to a refund, replacement and/or repair where goods are found to be faulty or not as described. We offer a 14 day returns policy for most of our products available for sale in the UK via our website. The 14 day period begins the day after you take delivery of your order. This policy does not apply outside of the United Kingdom, as we do not sell directly from our website to international customers. We want you to be entirely happy with the goods and services you receive from us, so in addition to your legal rights as a consumer – if you change your mind and wish to cancel your order, our 14-day refund policy still applies rather than the standard 7-day cooling-off period required by law. If you wish to cancel/ return your order or notify us of damaged / faulty goods, please tell us in writing by email at [**web@butylproducts.co.uk**](mailto:web@butylproducts.co.uk). A telephone call is not enough, and your refund may be delayed as a result. Please note that some of our products are non-returnable and cannot be refunded or exchanged. **Goods that cannot be returned or exchanged** are those that have been made to order, such as non-standard sized products, tank liners and pond liners. ###### Damaged / Faulty Goods Please inspect your goods thoroughly upon receipt. Damages / Faults must be notified by email to [**web@butylproducts.co.uk**](mailto:web@butylproducts.co.uk) within 48 hours of receipt to enable us to take appropriate action on your behalf. ###### Returns Costs Once we acknowledge notification and a return has been authorised, goods must be sent back to our warehouse within 14 days. Unless the item is reported as damaged or faulty, the cost of returns will be borne by the customer. We reserve the right to make a charge not exceeding our direct costs in recovering the goods if they have been returned at our expense or without requesting the necessary authorisation. Goods returned more than 14 days after your acceptance of delivery will not be refunded.  ###### How to return your item/s: 1. Your item must be unused/undamaged (unless notified) and in the same condition that you received it. Please use the original packaging where possible. Your return must include a copy of your receipt/proof of purchase. We need your full contact details in case we need to talk to you about your return. 2. Please contact us at [**web@butylproducts.co.uk**](mailto:web@butylproducts.co.uk) to obtain authorisation to return your goods. When you have received authorisation, you may make your own arrangements to return items and pay the appropriate charges, or for large/bulky goods, you can ask us to make collection arrangements on your behalf (we will require payment for this service). If you decide to make your own arrangements to return goods, we strongly advise using a trackable method as we cannot refund goods that do not reach us. 3. The address for returns must be displayed clearly on the packaging as follows: **Butyl Products Ltd** **GOODS INWARDS** **11 Radford Crescent** **Billericay**  **Essex CM12 0DW** [www.butylproducts.co.uk](https://www.butylproducts.co.uk/about-butyl-products-ltd/) --- # Privacy Policy Source: https://butektanks.com/privacy-policy/ This website is owned and operated by Butyl Products Limited. Respecting your privacy and ensuring the confidentiality of your personal information is critical to us. The purpose of this Privacy Policy is to ensure that we interact with you in line with current data protection legislation and in accordance with your wishes. Current legislation includes the Data Protection Act 1998 and more recently the General Data Protection Regulations (May 2018). This Privacy Policy applies between you, the user of the website and Butyl Products Limited, the owner and provider of [www.butektanks.co.uk](https://butektanks.com). Butyl Products Limited takes the privacy of your information very seriously, and this Privacy Policy applies to our use of any and all Data collected by us or provided by You in relation to the use of these websites. In this Privacy Policy the following definitions are used: **DATA - **Collectively all information that you submit to Butyl Products Limited (incorporating Butyl Products Ltd. and Butek Landline) via their respective websites. This definition incorporates, where applicable, the definitions provided in the Data Protection Laws. **DATA PROTECTION LAWS - **Any applicable law relating to the processing of personal data, including but not limited to the Directive 96/46/EC (Data Protection Directive) or the GDPR, and any national implementing laws, regulations and secondary legislation for as long as the GDPR is effective in the UK. **GDPR - **The General data Protection Regulations (EU) 2016/679 **Butyl Products Limited, we or us - **Butyl Products Limited(incorporating Butyl Products Ltd. and Butek Landline), a company incorporated in England and Wales under registration number GB3141465, whose registered address is Lingfield House, 11 Radford Crescent, Billericay, Essex, CM12 0DW. **User or You - **Any third party that accesses the website and is not either i) employed by Butyl Products Limited and acting in the course of their employment or ii) engaged as a consultant or otherwise providing services to Butyl Products Limited. **WEBSITE - **Either [www.butektanks.co.uk](https://butektanks.com), [www.butylproducts.co.uk](http://www.butylproducts.co.uk) or [www.butek-landline.co.uk](http://www.butek-landline.co.uk) and any sub-domain of the aforementioned sites unless expressly excluded by their own terms and conditions. ###### 1. Scope of this Privacy Policy This Privacy Policy applies only to the actions of Butyl Products Limited and Users with respect to www.[butylproducts.co.uk](http://www.butylproducts.co.uk) and [www.butek-landline.co.uk](http://www.butek-landline.co.uk) . It does not extend to any websites that can be accessed from these websites including, but not limited to, any links we may provide to social media or other websites. For the purposes of the applicable Data Protection Laws, Butyl Products Limited is the ‘data controller’. This means that Butyl Products Limited determines the purposes for which, and the manner in which your Data is processed. ######  2. How We Collect Data We collect Data in the following ways: Data is given to us by you, and Data is collected automatically ######  3. Data that is given to us by You Butyl Products Limited will collect your data in a number of ways, for example: When you contact us through the website, by telephone, post, e-mail or any other means. This may include your name and address, telephone numbers and email addresses. ###### 4. Data that is collected automatically We automatically collect some information about your visit to our websites. This information helps us to make improvements to the website content and navigation, and includes your IP address, the date, times and frequency with which you access the websites and the way you use and interact with its content. ###### 5. Use of your Data Whether we have collected you Data online, by phone, by email or in a letter, we will never use it without a lawful reason to do so. We will never share your information with third parties unless legally required to do so. ###### 6. Keeping your data secure We use technical and organisational measures to safeguard your Data, for example: - Access to your online account is controlled by a password and a user name that is unique to you. - Your Data is stored on secure servers with no unauthorised access. - Hard copies and paper documents that we hold containing your Data are safely stored in locked secure units on our own sites with no unauthorised access. Safe and secure disposal and destruction processes are employed when these documents are no longer required. Technical and organisational measures include measures to deal with any suspected data breach. If you suspect any misuse or loss or unauthorised access to your Data, please let us know by contacting us immediately via this email address: [enquiries@butylproducts.co.uk](mailto:enquiries@butylproducts.co.uk) or by writing to us at: Lingfield House, 11 Radford Crescent, Billericay, Essex, CM12 0DW, UK. ###### 7. Data Retention Unless a longer retention period is required or permitted by law, we will only hold your Data on our systems for the period necessary to fulfil our own legitimate interests or until you request that the Data be deleted. Even if we delete your Data, it may persist on backup or archival media for legal, tax or regulatory purposes. ###### 8. Your rights You have the following rights in relation to your Data: - **Right to access** – the right to request i) copies of the information we hold about you at any time, or ii) that we modify, update or delete such information. If we provide you with access to the information we hold about you, we will not charge you for this, unless your request is manifestly unfounded or excessive. Where we are legally permitted to do so we may refuse your request. If we refuse your request, we will tell you the reason why. - **Right to correct** – the right to have your data rectified if it is inaccurate or incomplete. - **Right to erase **– the right to request that we delete or remove your Data from our systems. - **Right to restrict our use of your Data **– the right to ‘block’ us from using your Data or limit the way in which we can use it. - **Right to Data portability **– the right to request that we move, copy or transfer your Data. - **Right to object **– the right to object to our use of your Data including where we use it for our legitimate interests. To make enquiries, exercise any of your rights set out above, or withdraw your consent to the processing of your Data (where consent is our legal basis for processing your Data), please contact us via this email address: [enquiries@butylproducts.co.uk](mailto:enquiries@butylproducts.co.uk) or write to us at: Lingfield House, 11 Radford Crescent, Billericay, Essex, CM12 0DW, UK. If you are not satisfied with the way a complaint you make in relation to your Data is handled by us, you may be able to refer your complaint to the relevant data protection authority in the UK. For the UK, this is the Information Commissioners Office (ICO). The ICO’s contact details can be found on their website at [https://ico.org.uk/](https://ico.org.uk/) . It is important that the Data we hold about you is accurate and current. Please keep us informed if your Data changes during the period for which we hold it. ###### 9. Links to other websites Our websites may, from time to time, provide links to other websites. We have no control over such websites and are not responsible for the content of those websites. This Privacy Policy does not extend to your use of such websites. You are advised to read the Privacy Policy or statement of other websites prior to using them. ###### 10. Changes of Business ownership and control Butyl Products Limited may, from time to time, expand or reduce our business and this may involve the sale and/or the transfer of control of all or part of Butyl Products Limited. Data provided by Users will, where it is relevant to any part of our business so transferred, be transferred along with that part and the new owner or newly controlling party will, under the terms of this Privacy Policy, be permitted to use the Data for the purpose for which it was originally supplied to us. We may also disclose Data to a prospective purchaser of our business or any part of it. In the above instances, we will take steps with the aim of ensuring your privacy is protected. ###### 11. General You may not transfer any of your rights under this Privacy Policy to any other person. We may transfer our rights under this Privacy Policy where we reasonably believe your rights will not be affected. If any court or competent authority finds that any provision of this Privacy Policy (or part of any provision) is invalid, illegal or unenforceable, that provision or part provision will, to the extent required, be deemed to be deleted, and the validity and enforceability of the other provisions of this Privacy Policy will not be affected. Unless otherwise agreed, no delay, act or omission by a party in exercising any rights or remedy will be deemed a waiver of that, or any other right or remedy. This Agreement will be governed by and interpreted according to the Law of England and Wales. All disputes arising under the Agreement will be subject to the exclusive jurisdiction of the English and Welsh courts. ###### 12. Changes to this policy Butyl Products Limited reserves the right to change this Privacy Policy as we may deem necessary from time to time or as may be required by law. Any changes will be immediately posted on the Websites and you are deemed to have accepted the terms of the Privacy Policy on your first use of the Websites following the alterations. You may contact Butyl Products Limited by email at [enquiries@butylproducts.co.uk](mailto:enquiries@butylproducts.co.uk) or by writing to us at:  **Butyl Products Limited, **Lingfield House, 11 Radford Crescent, Billericay, Essex, CM12 0DW, United Kingdom --- # Contact Source: https://butektanks.com/contact/ --- # History Source: https://butektanks.com/about-butek-tanks/history/ --- # About Source: https://butektanks.com/about-butek-tanks/ --- # PVC Roof Kit Source: https://butektanks.com/pvc-roof-kit/ --- # PVC Liner Kit Source: https://butektanks.com/pvc-liner-kit/ --- # HDPE Liner Kit Source: https://butektanks.com/hdpe/ --- # Sitemap Source: https://butektanks.com/sitemap/ --- # What is Trade Effluent? UK Compliance and Storage Requirements Source: https://butektanks.com/blog/what-is-trade-effluent/ More than 300,000 businesses in the UK discharge liquid waste from industrial and commercial processes to the public sewer every year. For the majority of those businesses, that discharge is not simply wastewater. It is trade effluent, and it is subject to a separate legal framework that sits entirely apart from the rules governing ordinary domestic sewage. Getting this wrong is not a minor administrative issue. Discharging trade effluent without consent from your sewerage undertaker is a criminal offence under the Water Industry Act 1991, and the consequences range from enforcement notices to unlimited fines and prosecution. Businesses operating off the mains sewer, or those managing large volumes of industrial liquid waste, often find that on-site containment in a [corrugated steel water storage tank](https://butektanks.com/products/steel-water-tanks/) is a more practical and cost-effective approach than navigating the consent process entirely. This guide covers everything you need to know: what trade effluent is, who it applies to, how the consent process works, what charges to expect, and when on-site storage is the right solution for your site. ## What is Trade Effluent? Trade effluent is any liquid waste, other than domestic sewage or uncontaminated surface water, that is discharged from premises used for a trade or industrial process. The key phrase is "trade or industrial process." If the liquid is produced as part of a manufacturing, processing, cleaning, or treatment operation carried out at your premises, it is trade effluent regardless of how diluted it is or how harmless it may appear. The definition is deliberately broad. It covers liquid waste from food production, metal finishing, vehicle washing, pharmaceutical manufacturing, laundry and laundrette operations, and any other industrial process that produces liquid as a byproduct or waste stream. Even relatively benign effluent such as cooling water or rinsing water from a production line falls within the definition if it originates from a trade or industrial process. For businesses handling large volumes of industrial liquid, the choice of containment matters as much as the consent process. The[ liner kit](https://butektanks.com/products/liner-kits/) inside any storage tank must be chemically compatible with the specific effluent being stored, whether that is acidic process water, hydrocarbon-contaminated runoff, or high-strength food production waste. Getting the liner specification right from the start prevents costly failures and compliance breaches. What is not trade effluent is equally important to understand. Domestic sewage from toilets, sinks, and kitchen facilities on the same premises is not trade effluent. Uncontaminated surface water that has not come into contact with any trade process is not trade effluent. The distinction matters because domestic sewage can be discharged to the public sewer without consent, while trade effluent cannot. Common examples of businesses that produce trade effluent include car washes, takeaways and caravan parks, metal finishing operations, food processing facilities, industrial laundries, and any premises where chemicals, greases, and food waste enter the drainage system as part of the trade being carried on. ## The Water Industry Act 1991 and Why It Governs Trade Effluent The legal framework for trade effluent in England and Wales is set out in the Water Industry Act 1991. Under this legislation, no business may discharge trade effluent to the public sewer without first obtaining consent from the sewerage undertaker responsible for that sewer. The sewerage undertaker in your area is typically a regional water company such as Thames Water, Severn Trent, or United Utilities. The Act places the full responsibility to obtain consent prior to commencing any trade effluent discharge on the occupier of the premises. It does not matter whether you own the building, lease it, or have recently taken it over. The consent obligation falls on whoever is carrying on the trade at the time of discharge. Responsibility to obtain consent prior to commencing operations is non-negotiable, and "I did not know" is not a recognised legal defence. For sites where the consent process is lengthy or where consent has been refused, [professional installation of an on-site containment system](https://butektanks.com/installation-services/) by a specialist team gives businesses a compliant interim or permanent solution while their regulatory position is resolved. Butek Tanks designs and installs trade effluent containment systems across the UK, typically within days rather than the weeks or months a consent application can take. The Act also gives sewerage undertakers the power to impose conditions on any consent they grant, to vary those conditions, to levy charges for receiving and treating the effluent, and to refuse consent entirely where the effluent would damage the sewer network or the sewage treatment works downstream. ## Who Needs to Apply for Trade Effluent Consent? Any business that discharges, or intends to discharge, trade effluent to the public sewer needs to apply for trade effluent consent before that discharge begins. There are no volume thresholds that exempt small businesses. The obligation applies equally to a small car wash discharging a few hundred litres a day and a large industrial facility discharging thousands of cubic metres. The question of whether your liquid waste is classed as trade effluent is one your sewerage undertaker will assess based on what your premises are used for and what processes produce the discharge. If you are unsure whether your discharge requires consent, contact your sewerage undertaker before commencing any trade effluent discharge. Discharging first and asking later is the most common and most costly mistake businesses make. Businesses that have changed use, expanded their operations, or taken on new industrial processes should review their existing consent. A consent granted for one type of effluent does not automatically cover additional or different discharges from new processes introduced later. ## How to Apply for Trade Effluent Consent The application process is managed by your local sewerage undertaker. You will need to provide details of the nature of the trade effluent, its likely volume and flow rate, the hours during which discharge will take place, the point of discharge to the sewer, and any pre-treatment you intend to carry out on-site before discharge. Your sewerage undertaker will assess the application against the capacity of the receiving sewer and the sewage treatment works. If the effluent contains materials such as chemicals, heavy metals, or other substances that could damage the sewer infrastructure or affect sewage treatment processes downstream, the undertaker may impose conditions or refuse consent. If your application is unsuccessful, you must either modify your process, provide additional pre-treatment, or consider alternative arrangements for managing your effluent on-site. Site drainage plans and safety data sheets for any chemicals used in your process will typically be required as part of the application. ## Trade Effluent Consent Conditions and Charges When consent is granted, it comes with conditions. These typically specify the maximum volume of trade effluent you may discharge, the permitted hours of discharge, the maximum concentration of specific substances, pre-treatment requirements, and monitoring and record-keeping obligations. Trade effluent charges are a separate matter from the consent itself. Sewerage undertakers charge for receiving and treating trade effluent based on the volume and strength of the discharge. Most undertakers in England and Wales use the Mogden formula to calculate charges. The Mogden formula accounts for the volume of the discharge, its chemical oxygen demand, and its suspended solids content. The stronger and more voluminous your discharge, the higher the charge. For high-strength industrial effluent, trade effluent charges can represent a significant and ongoing operating cost that makes on-site storage and offsite disposal by a licensed waste carrier a commercially attractive alternative. ## The Offence of Discharging Without Consent Discharging trade effluent to a public sewer without consent, or in breach of consent conditions, is a criminal offence under the Water Industry Act 1991. The sewerage undertaker may issue enforcement notices, apply for injunctions, and bring criminal prosecutions. Businesses found discharging in breach of their consent conditions are subject to legal action, and individual directors can be personally liable in serious cases. The offence applies regardless of whether the effluent actually causes harm to the sewer or the environment. The act of discharging trade effluent without the necessary consent or in breach of conditions is itself the offence. Enforcement has become more rigorous as pressure on sewage treatment infrastructure has increased across the UK in recent years. ## When On-Site Storage is the Right Solution For many commercial and industrial sites, obtaining trade effluent consent and managing an ongoing discharge is the right approach. But there are circumstances where on-site containment and storage before disposal by a licensed waste carrier, or pre-treatment before discharge, is more practical and cost-effective. If your application is refused because the effluent is too strong or incompatible with the receiving sewer, you need an alternative. If your site is remote and not connected to a public sewer, consent-based discharge is not an option. If your effluent volumes are highly variable with periodic surges from production processes, on-site storage provides a buffer that enables controlled, compliant discharge rather than unmanaged peaks. Our corrugated steel storage tanks, fitted with chemically resistant liner kits such as the Landflex ES liner, provide high-capacity, structurally certified containment for trade effluent and industrial liquid waste. Tanks are available from 2m3 to 5,000m3 and can be deployed on-site without extensive groundworks. A full range of [accessories](https://butektanks.com/products/accessories/) including inlet and outlet valves and pump connections are available for every tank configuration. For sites requiring treatment before storage or discharge, our [Modular Wastewater System (MWS)](https://butektanks.com/products/modular-wastewater-system-m-w-s/) provides a complete, deployable treatment solution installable in as little as 7 to 20 days, producing treated water that is 99.99% pathogen-free and suitable for discharge directly to an existing drainage system. ## Frequently Asked Questions About Trade Effluent ### What is the difference between trade effluent and domestic sewage? Domestic sewage is wastewater from toilets, sinks, baths, and kitchen facilities used for ordinary domestic purposes. Trade effluent is liquid waste produced by a trade or industrial process. Both may be present at the same site, but only domestic sewage can be discharged to the public sewer without consent. Trade effluent requires a separate consent from the sewerage undertaker under the Water Industry Act 1991. ### Does trade effluent consent cover all liquids from my site? No. Trade effluent consent covers only the specific discharge it was granted for. If you introduce new processes, new chemicals, or increase your discharge volume beyond the conditions of your consent, you must apply to vary your consent. Discharging anything other than domestic waste that falls outside your consent conditions is an offence. ### Can on-site storage replace trade effluent consent? On-site storage does not replace the consent requirement if you are discharging to the public sewer. However, if you are storing effluent for collection by a licensed waste carrier rather than discharging to the sewer, consent is not required for the storage itself. For sites where sewer connection is not viable, on-site containment followed by licensed collection and offsite treatment is a fully legal alternative. ### What is the Mogden formula? The Mogden formula is the calculation used by most sewerage undertakers in England and Wales to determine trade effluent charges. It takes account of the volume, chemical oxygen demand, and suspended solids content of the discharge. Businesses with high-strength or high-volume discharges typically face the highest charges under the formula, which is one reason on-site pre-treatment before discharge is commercially attractive. ## Need Large-Scale Trade Effluent Storage or Treatment? Butek Tanks Can Help Whether you are managing high-strength industrial effluent, responding to a refused consent application, or operating a site with no sewer connection, Butek Tanks has the expertise to deliver the right storage or treatment solution quickly. As a specialist division of Butyl Products Ltd, we design, manufacture, and install corrugated steel storage tanks for trade effluent, industrial wastewater, and liquid waste applications across the UK and internationally. Our solutions are ISO 9001:2015 certified, CE marked, and deployable globally. Get in touch today. Call us on [+44 (0)1277 653 281](tel:+44(0)1277653281) or email [enquiries@butektanks.co.uk](mailto:enquiries@butektanks.co.uk), or visit our [contact page](https://butektanks.com/contact/) to submit your project requirements. Our team will respond promptly to discuss your needs. --- # What is WRAS Approval? UK Water Tank Compliance Explained Source: https://butektanks.com/blog/what-is-wras-approval/ Any tank, fitting, or component connected to the mains water supply in the UK must comply with the Water Supply (Water Fittings) Regulations 1999. These regulations exist to protect public drinking water from contamination and to prevent waste, misuse, and undue consumption of water from the public mains. WRAS approval is the certification scheme that confirms a product meets those requirements, and it applies to everything from a domestic tap to a large-scale commercial or industrial water storage tank. For facilities managers, water utility operators, and commercial site operators specifying large-scale potable water storage, understanding what WRAS approval is and what it requires is not optional. It is a legal duty on everyone involved in the specification, installation, and use of mains-connected water fittings and storage systems. [Butek Tanks' corrugated steel water storage tanks](https://butektanks.com/products/steel-water-tanks/), fitted with WRAS-approved liner kits, are the specification trusted by water utility companies, local authorities, and food production facilities across the UK precisely because every component in contact with the stored water has been independently tested and approved. ## What is WRAS Approval? WRAS stands for the Water Regulations Advisory Scheme, formally known as Water Regulations Approval Scheme Ltd. It is a UK certification body that tests and approves water fittings and materials for compliance with the Water Supply (Water Fittings) Regulations 1999. A product that carries WRAS approval has been independently tested and confirmed to meet the standard required for use in contact with drinking water in the UK. WRAS approval applies to any water fitting: taps, valves, pipes, tanks, liners, seals, and any other material or component that comes into contact with water intended for human consumption. The scope covers both the materials used in construction and the performance of the fitting under normal operating conditions. A water storage tank used for potable water must be WRAS-approved not just in its outer shell but in every component that contacts the stored water, including the liner itself. WRAS approval is not the same as NSF certification, which is the equivalent standard used in North America. For UK mains-connected installations, WRAS approval is the required certification. NSF certification does not satisfy the requirements of the Water Fittings Regulations in England, Wales, or Scotland. ## Why WRAS Approval Exists: The Legal Framework The Water Supply (Water Fittings) Regulations 1999, which replaced the earlier water byelaws, set out the legal framework governing all water fittings connected to the public mains supply in England and Wales. Scotland operates under the Scottish Water Byelaws 2014, and Northern Ireland under NIEA regulations, but the core principle is consistent across all four nations: fittings connected to mains water must not contaminate, waste, misuse, or cause undue consumption of water from the public supply. The Regulations create a legal duty on everyone involved in the installation and use of water fittings. This includes the retailer or plumber who installs the fitting, the business that specifies it, and the organisation that uses it. Ignorance of the requirement is not a defence. If a non-compliant fitting is installed and causes contamination of the mains supply, enforcement action and liability fall on those responsible for specifying and installing it. The reason contamination is treated so seriously is straightforward. Non-compliant materials in contact with drinking water can leach chemicals into stored water, affect the smell of drinking water, and promote the growth of microorganisms including Legionella and other pathogens. Backflow from a non-compliant storage system can carry contaminated water back into the public mains, putting a much wider population at risk. ## What WRAS Approval Covers in a Water Storage Tank System For large-scale commercial and industrial water storage, WRAS approval must cover the full installation, not just the tank shell. Every component in contact with the stored potable water must be independently assessed and approved. In a corrugated steel tank system, the liner is the most critical component. The liner sits inside the steel tank and forms the watertight chamber that actually contacts the stored water. For potable water use, the liner must be manufactured from WRAS-approved materials that will not contaminate water, will not support microbial growth, and will not degrade under normal storage conditions over the expected service life of the installation. [Our WRAS-approved liner kits](https://butektanks.com/products/liner-kits/) are manufactured in-house and are the correct specification for any corrugated steel tank storing drinking water or mains-connected water supplies. Beyond the liner, the valves, fittings, and connections used on the tank must also comply with the Water Fittings Regulations. This includes inlet valves, outlet valves, overflow fittings, and any draw-off point. [Our tank accessories range](https://butektanks.com/products/accessories/) covers gate, ball, and butterfly valves in all sizes, specified to match the application and the stored liquid. [Roof kits](https://butektanks.com/products/roof-kits/) are equally important: an open or poorly covered potable water tank is vulnerable to airborne contamination, bird access, and UV-driven algal growth. A correctly specified roof cover is part of any compliant potable water storage installation. ## WRAS Approval and Plumbing Systems: From Domestic to Large-Scale Commercial WRAS approval applies equally to plumbing systems in homes and to large-scale commercial and industrial storage. The same Water Fittings Regulations govern both. The scale of the installation does not change the legal requirement. What changes is the complexity of demonstrating compliance and the consequences of non-compliance. For a domestic plumber fitting a replacement tap, WRAS compliance is typically handled through product selection. For a commercial operator specifying a 500,000-litre potable water storage tank for a water utility, hospital, or food production facility, demonstrating compliance requires documentation of every component, the liner material, the installation method, and the ongoing maintenance regime. UK regulations also specify that suitable water fittings must be used at all points of contact and that the system as a whole must not contaminate the water. This is why whole-system compliance, rather than component-by-component checking, is the correct approach for large-scale installations. [Professional tank installation services](https://butektanks.com/installation-services/) with full handover documentation of WRAS-compliant components give commercial operators the audit trail they need for regulatory and insurance purposes. ## How to Verify WRAS Approval WRAS maintains a publicly accessible approved products register on the WRAS website. Any product or material that has been tested and approved carries a WRAS approval number that can be verified against the register. When specifying tanks, liners, or fittings for potable water use, always request the WRAS approval number and verify it before installation. For bespoke or large-scale storage systems where individual components may have been approved separately, it is the responsibility of the specifier to confirm that every element in contact with UK water is covered. If a component is not on the approved products register, it should not be used in a mains-connected potable water installation. WRAS approvals are time-limited and must be renewed. Manufacturers are responsible for maintaining approval status. Specifiers should verify the current status of any product's approval at the time of installation, not just at the time of initial specification. Where a product has not previously been approved, the manufacturer must submit it for testing, and if the initial submission does not pass, they can resubmit after making the necessary changes. ## Non-Metallic Materials and Why They Matter for Potable Water Tanks Non-metallic materials including rubber liners, plastic fittings, sealants, and coatings that contact drinking water are subject to particular scrutiny under the WRAS approval process. The risk from non-metallic materials is significant because they can leach chemical compounds into stored water and may promote the growth of microorganisms if not manufactured to the approved specification. For agricultural operations requiring both potable water storage and non-potable liquid storage on the same site, it is essential that both supplies are stored in clearly labelled, physically separate tanks. [Slurry tanks](https://butektanks.com/products/slurry-tanks/) and trade effluent storage must never share infrastructure with potable water systems. Our team designs multi-tank sites to ensure compliant separation from the outset, protecting both the potable supply and the operator's regulatory position. The Byelaws 2014 in Scotland and equivalent regulations elsewhere reinforce the same principle: components and materials used in contact with mains water must be approved and fit for purpose, and the installation conditions under which approval was granted must be followed in the field. ## Frequently Asked Questions About WRAS Approval ### Does every water storage tank need WRAS approval? Any tank connected to the mains supply and used to store water intended for human consumption must comply with the Water Fittings Regulations 1999, and every component in contact with the water must be WRAS-approved. Tanks used for non-potable purposes that are not connected to the mains supply do not require WRAS approval, but must be clearly labelled as non-potable and kept physically separate from any potable supply. ### What is the difference between WRAS approval and the old byelaws? The Water Supply (Water Fittings) Regulations 1999 replaced the old water byelaws in England and Wales. WRAS approval is the modern certification route confirming compliance with the 1999 Regulations. Any new product or installation must comply with the current Regulations rather than the superseded byelaw standards. ### Does WRAS approval apply to the liner inside a steel tank? Yes. The liner is the component that directly contacts the stored drinking water and it must be manufactured from WRAS-approved materials. This is one of the most frequently overlooked compliance points on large-scale storage installations. A steel tank shell that is structurally certified but fitted with a non-approved liner does not meet the requirements of the Water Fittings Regulations for potable water use. ### Is WRAS approval valid indefinitely? No. WRAS approvals are time-limited and must be renewed by the manufacturer. Specifiers should verify the current approval status of any product at the time of installation rather than relying on historical documentation. ### Need a WRAS-Compliant Potable Water Storage Tank? Whether you are specifying a new potable water storage system, upgrading an existing installation to meet current Water Fittings Regulations, or managing a large multi-tank site, Butek Tanks provides bespoke corrugated steel water tanks with WRAS-approved liner kits for every potable water application. Our tanks are ISO 9001:2015 certified, CE marked, and trusted across the UK water industry. Call us on [+44 (0)1277 653 281](tel:+44(0)1277653281), email [enquiries@butektanks.co.uk](mailto:enquiries@butektanks.co.uk), or visit our [contact page](https://butektanks.com/contact/) to discuss your requirements. --- # What is Water Abstraction? UK Licensing & Regulations Explained Source: https://butektanks.com/blog/what-is-water-abstraction/ The UK abstracts billions of litres of water from rivers, lakes, and underground aquifers every single day. Farming, industry, public water supply, and energy generation all depend on the ability to take water from natural sources. But those natural sources are finite, and over-abstraction causes serious and lasting damage to river habitats, aquatic species, groundwater levels, and the ecological health of entire catchments. This is why water abstraction is one of the most tightly regulated activities in the UK, governed by the Environment Agency under the Water Resources Act 1991. For any farm, business, or operator that takes water directly from a river, stream, lake, borehole, or groundwater source, understanding what water abstraction is, when a licence is required, and what the alternatives are is both a legal and operational necessity. For many UK farms and commercial sites, investing in [rainwater harvesting storage](https://butektanks.com/sector/rainwater-harvesting/) has already reduced or removed their dependence on licenced abstraction entirely, providing water security without the regulatory burden of a formal licence application or the risk of suspension during drought periods. ## What is Water Abstraction? Water abstraction is the process of taking water from a natural source, whether surface water such as a river, stream, canal, or lake, or groundwater held in underground aquifers below the land surface. To abstract water means to remove it from its natural environment for use in agriculture, industry, public water supply, or any other purpose. The Water Resources Act 1991 defines abstraction as the removal of water from inland waters or groundwater, and it is this definition the Environment Agency applies when determining whether a licence is needed. Water abstraction is distinct from using mains water supplied by a water utility. When you use mains water, the water company has already abstracted that water, treated it, and distributed it under its own licence. Water abstraction as a regulated activity applies when you are taking water directly from the environment yourself. For operators looking to reduce their reliance on abstracted water, [corrugated steel water storage tanks](https://butektanks.com/products/steel-water-tanks/) sized for rainwater harvesting provide a practical and cost-effective alternative. By capturing and storing rainfall before it enters a watercourse, businesses can supply a significant proportion of their operational water demand without triggering the abstraction licensing framework at all. ## When is an Abstraction Licence Required? Not every act of abstracting water requires a formal licence. The Environment Agency applies thresholds below which abstraction is considered exempt from the licensing requirement. The key threshold is 20 cubic metres per day, equivalent to 20,000 litres per day. Abstracting up to this volume from any single source is generally exempt from the need for an abstraction licence, provided the abstraction meets the conditions of the relevant exemption. Above that threshold, a full abstraction licence from the Environment Agency is required before any water is taken. Groundwater abstraction is subject to additional controls. Taking water from underground aquifers carries greater environmental risk than equivalent surface water abstraction because groundwater replenishment is much slower. The water table can be permanently lowered by over-abstraction from boreholes and wells, with consequences that are difficult and expensive to reverse. Water abstraction and impounding are regulated separately. Impounding means storing water by damming or blocking a watercourse, and it requires its own licence from the Environment Agency in addition to, or instead of, an abstraction licence depending on the nature of the activity. ## How the Environment Agency Regulates Water Abstraction The Environment Agency is the regulatory body responsible for issuing, monitoring, and enforcing abstraction licences in England. SEPA performs this role in Scotland, Natural Resources Wales in Wales, and NIEA in Northern Ireland. The EA grants abstraction licences based on whether the proposed abstraction is environmentally sustainable. River basin management plans, developed under Water Framework Directive principles that the UK retained after Brexit, set out the water availability in each catchment and the environmental flow requirements that must be maintained. The EA will not grant an abstraction licence if doing so would reduce river flows or groundwater levels to a point that causes an undesirable impact on river habitats and species or damages the ecological health of the water body. Licence conditions are specific and binding. They typically state the maximum volume of water that may be abstracted per day, the time of year during which abstraction is permitted, the source from which water may be taken, and the purpose for which it may be used. Use in agriculture, for example, is a permitted purpose that must be stated in the licence. The licence holder must keep records of volumes abstracted and comply with any restriction notices issued by the EA during periods of low flow or drought. The Environment Agency may suspend or revoke a licence if conditions change, if the water body comes under environmental stress, or if the licence holder fails to comply with conditions. Abstraction without a licence, or in excess of licence conditions, carries significant financial penalties and the potential for enforcement action. ## Applying for an Abstraction Licence To apply for an abstraction licence, you must submit an application to the Environment Agency setting out the source, the proposed volume, the purpose, and the likely environmental impact. The EA assesses each application against the available water resource in the relevant river basin management plan and the sustainability of the proposed abstraction. The application process can take several months and there is no guarantee of success. The EA may refuse an application where water resources are already fully committed in a catchment, or where the proposed abstraction would only be viable during periods of high flow, leaving the source inadequate during dry periods. Environmental protection considerations, including the needs of river habitats and species and the long-term sustainable management of water resources, take precedence over commercial demand. For businesses that need water now, the length and uncertainty of the licence application process is itself a strong argument for investing in on-site rainwater harvesting storage to reduce or eliminate the volume that needs to be licenced. A correctly sized steel water storage tank installed ahead of the wet season can capture enough rainfall to cover a substantial share of annual water demand, reducing the licenced abstraction volume needed and in some cases bringing a site below the 20 cubic metres per day threshold entirely. ## How Rainwater Harvesting Reduces or Eliminates the Need for an Abstraction Licence Rainwater collected from rooftops, hardstanding, and other impermeable surfaces does not count as water abstraction under current Environment Agency guidance. Harvesting rainwater before it enters a watercourse is not taking water from the environment in the sense that the Water Resources Act regulates. This distinction is commercially significant for any site that currently abstracts, or plans to abstract, water for agricultural, industrial, or commercial purposes. If rainwater harvesting supplies enough of your site's water demand to bring your daily abstraction volume below the 20 cubic metres per day threshold, you may no longer need a full abstraction licence at all. If your licenced abstraction volume is substantially above that threshold, rainwater harvesting reduces your reliance on licenced sources, lowers your environmental footprint, and provides resilience against licence suspension during low-flow periods or drought restrictions. Our corrugated steel water storage tanks provide high-capacity rainwater harvesting storage from 2m3 to 5,000m3, designed for agricultural, commercial, and industrial applications. Fitted with the appropriate [liner kits](https://butektanks.com/products/liner-kits/) for the intended use and covered with a [roof kit](https://butektanks.com/products/roof-kits/) to prevent contamination and evaporation loss, a correctly specified harvesting system can deliver year-round water security without the regulatory burden of a new or expanded abstraction licence. Sizing the right storage volume is critical to maximising the benefit of harvested rainfall during wet periods and sustaining supply through dry months. Our [size guide](https://butektanks.com/size-guide/) provides capacity guidance for common applications, and our team provides site-specific calculations as part of the design process. A full range of [accessories](https://butektanks.com/products/accessories/) including first-flush diverters, inlet filters, and outlet valves are available for every rainwater harvesting installation. ## The Environmental Case for Reducing Water Abstraction Limited water resources, increasing demand from a growing population, and the effects of climate change on rainfall patterns and river flows mean that sustainable use and management of water is no longer just a regulatory obligation. It is a genuine operational risk for any business dependent on a stable water supply. The Environment Agency and UK government have both signaled that existing abstraction licences in over-abstracted catchments will be reviewed and in some cases reduced or revoked. Businesses that have invested in on-site rainwater harvesting and reduced their dependence on licenced abstraction are significantly better placed to absorb those changes without disruption to their operations. Water from natural sources is not unlimited. River basin management plans across England already show multiple catchments where water resources are at or beyond sustainable limits. The regulatory direction of travel is clearly toward tighter abstraction limits and more active management of remaining water resources, and businesses that act now are the ones best protected against future licence restrictions. ## Frequently Asked Questions About Water Abstraction ### What is the difference between water abstraction and using mains water? Mains water is water that has already been abstracted by a licenced water utility, treated to drinking water standard, and supplied through the public distribution network. When you use mains water, you are not abstracting. Water abstraction as a regulated activity applies when you take water directly from a river, lake, stream, borehole, or other natural source yourself, without going through the mains supply network. ### Do I need a licence to abstract groundwater from a borehole? In most cases yes, if you are abstracting more than 20 cubic metres per day. Groundwater abstraction from boreholes and wells is subject to the same licensing framework as surface water abstraction. Groundwater is regulated particularly carefully because underground aquifers replenish slowly, and excessive abstraction can permanently lower the water table and affect water availability for neighbouring users and natural ecosystems. ### What happens if I abstract water without a licence? Abstracting water without the required licence, or abstracting in excess of your licence conditions, is an offence under the Water Resources Act 1991. The Environment Agency may issue enforcement notices, require you to cease abstraction immediately, and pursue financial penalties. In serious cases involving significant environmental damage, criminal prosecution is possible. ### Can rainwater harvesting completely replace abstracted water on a farm? It depends on the scale of water demand and the rainfall characteristics of the site. In many agricultural contexts, a correctly sized rainwater harvesting tank can meet a substantial proportion of irrigation and livestock water demand, reducing licenced abstraction significantly. Whether it can eliminate the need for abstraction entirely depends on site-specific demand and rainfall patterns. Our team can carry out a site assessment to model the relationship between your water demand, your roof catchment area, and the optimal storage volume. ## Reduce Your Reliance on Abstracted Water with Butek Tanks Whether you are looking to reduce your abstraction licence dependency, build resilient on-site water storage, or eliminate the need for an abstraction licence entirely, Butek Tanks has the expertise and product range to deliver the right solution. As a specialist division of Butyl Products Ltd, we have been designing and manufacturing corrugated steel storage tanks for agricultural, commercial, and industrial water management since 1965. Our tanks are ISO 9001:2015 certified, CE marked, and installed across the UK and internationally. Call us on [+44 (0)1277 653 281](tel:+44(0)1277653281), email [enquiries@butektanks.co.uk](mailto:enquiries@butektanks.co.uk), or visit our [contact page](https://butektanks.com/contact/) to discuss your water storage requirements. --- # What is Aquaculture? UK Fish Farming and Water Storage Solutions Source: https://butektanks.com/blog/what-is-aquaculture/ Aquaculture is the farming of aquatic organisms including fish, shellfish, seaweed, and other aquatic plants in controlled freshwater and marine environments. It is one of the fastest-growing food production systems in the world, already supplying more than half of all seafood consumed globally. Whether you have heard it called fish farming, mariculture, or simply aquafarming, this guide covers everything you need to know: the types of aquaculture, the UK fish farming landscape, the regulations every operation must meet, water quality standards, and the tank storage infrastructure that makes it all work. ## What is Aquaculture?  Aquaculture is the farming of aquatic organisms including fish, molluscs, crustaceans, aquatic plants, and algae in controlled or semi-controlled aquatic environments. It is the water-based equivalent of agriculture, applied to rivers, lakes, coastal waters, and enclosed land-based tank systems. The key distinction between aquaculture and conventional fishing is one of control. Capture fisheries rely on harvesting wild aquatic organisms from open seas and rivers. Aquaculture involves deliberate cultivation: stocking, feeding, managing water quality, and harvesting under regulated conditions. The Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) recognises aquaculture as the single most important source of growth in global food fish supply, with worldwide aquaculture production now exceeding capture fisheries in volume for the first time in recorded history. ## Types of Aquaculture: What Are the Main Methods? Aquaculture is not a single method but a broad category of farming practices. The main types of aquaculture vary by species, environment, and production system. ### Fish Farming Fish farming is the most common form of aquaculture, involving species such as salmon, trout, tilapia, and catfish raised in net pens, ponds, or enclosed tank systems. It takes place across both freshwater and marine environments. Freshwater aquaculture typically produces trout, tilapia, and catfish; marine aquaculture most commonly produces Atlantic salmon in coastal net pen systems. On-land fish farming operations rely on correctly specified tank infrastructure to maintain water quality throughout the production cycle. [HDPE-lined corrugated steel tanks](https://butektanks.com/hdpe/) are the industry standard for holding, treatment, and recirculating systems, chosen for their non-toxic surface, ease of cleaning, and large capacity range. ### Shellfish Aquaculture Shellfish aquaculture covers the cultivation of oysters, mussels, clams, and scallops. Shellfish feed by filtering nutrients from the water column, requiring no supplementary feed, making shellfish aquaculture one of the most environmentally benign production methods available. In the UK, oyster and mussel farming is well established in Wales, Scotland, and Cornwall. ### Seaweed Farming Seaweed farming (algaculture) is the cultivation of marine algae and aquatic plants. It requires no land, freshwater, fertiliser, or feed, making it one of the lowest-impact food production methods available. Seaweed absorbs excess nitrogen and phosphorus from surrounding waters and sequesters carbon at impressive rates. UK waters offer excellent conditions for seaweed farming, and commercial-scale operations are growing rapidly. ### Shrimp Farming Shrimp farming is one of the most economically significant aquaculture sectors globally. Intensive shrimp farming production systems typically operate in coastal ponds or enclosed tank systems with careful management of water quality, salinity, and dissolved oxygen. The management practices required mean that robust water storage infrastructure is essential for any viable operation. ### Recirculating Aquaculture Systems (RAS) Recirculating aquaculture systems (RAS) represent the most technologically advanced production method in modern aquaculture. Rather than drawing continuously on natural water sources, RAS filter, treat, and recirculate water within a closed loop, dramatically reducing water consumption, effluent discharge, and disease risk. A recirculation aquaculture system typically incorporates mechanical filtration, biological filtration, UV sterilisation, and oxygenation. These systems require reliable, large-capacity tank infrastructure. Butek Tanks [corrugated steel tanks](https://butektanks.com/products/steel-water-tanks/), available from 2m3 to 5,000m3, are well suited to RAS installations due to their modular sectional design and compatibility with standard pipework fittings. ## Why is Aquaculture Important? The most pressing reason aquaculture matters is straightforward: the world's wild fish stocks can no longer meet global demand for seafood. According to the Food and Agriculture Organization, over 35% of the world's fisheries are now classified as overfished. Global aquaculture production has therefore become essential to food security, with aquaculture and fisheries together employing an estimated 600 million people worldwide. Aquaculture also offers a compelling feed conversion advantage over land-based livestock. It takes approximately 6.8 pounds of feed to produce a pound of beef, but only around 1.1 pounds of feed to produce a pound of farmed fish, making fish production one of the most resource-efficient sources of animal protein available. ## UK Fish Farming: The State of the Aquaculture Industry in Britain The UK aquaculture industry is diverse and economically significant. Scotland dominates salmon aquaculture, producing around 200,000 tonnes of Atlantic salmon per year, making it the third-largest salmon-producing nation in the world. Salmon production faces growing regulatory pressure around sea lice, fish escapes, and water quality, driving operators towards more controlled land-based steel tank systems with closed-loop water treatment. Freshwater aquaculture in the UK primarily involves rainbow trout farming, as well as smaller-scale production of carp, tilapia, and catfish in heated indoor facilities. Offshore aquaculture is an emerging frontier, with submersible cage systems being piloted in UK waters for salmon and sea bass production. The UK also has a well-established shellfish sector with oyster and mussel farming across Wales, Scotland, and South-West England, alongside a rapidly growing seaweed farming industry supported by government and conservation bodies. ## UK Aquaculture Regulations and National Legislation Anyone establishing or operating an aquaculture farm in the UK must navigate a clear regulatory framework. National aquaculture legislation exists to protect human health, wild fish populations, and the wider aquatic environment. **Key regulatory bodies include:** - **DEFRA** (Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs) is the primary body responsible for aquaculture policy in England. - **The Food Standards Agency (FSA)** regulates food safety standards for farmed fish and shellfish destined for human consumption. Its standards broadly align with food and drug administration requirements for export markets. - **The Environment Agency** governs water discharge consents and abstraction licences for aquaculture operations in England. - **The Marine Management Organisation (MMO)** oversees marine licensing for offshore cage systems and coastal aquaculture infrastructure. Core legislation includes the Aquatic Animal Health Regulations 2009, the Environmental Permitting Regulations 2016 (governing effluent discharge), and Water Framework Directive requirements retained in UK law post-Brexit. Standards from the national oceanic and atmospheric administration and Food and Agriculture Organization also inform UK policy development, particularly for aquaculture operations targeting export markets. ## Water Quality in Aquaculture: Standards Every Fish Farm Must Meet Water quality is the single most critical determinant of production success in aquaculture. Without consistently high-quality water, farmed fish and shellfish will suffer stress, disease, and mortality regardless of the quality of feed or management. The following parameters must be monitored continuously across all aquaculture systems. This is also where the choice of [tank liner material](https://butektanks.com/products/liner-kits/) becomes critically important, as the wrong liner can leach contaminants that disrupt these parameters. - **Dissolved Oxygen: **Most farmed species require DO levels above 7 mg/L. Salmon and trout require 8 to 10 mg/L for optimal growth. - **Temperature: **Atlantic salmon perform best at 8 to 14 degrees C; tilapia prefer 25 to 30 degrees C. Temperature management is especially critical in freshwater aquaculture and RAS facilities. - **Ammonia: **Fish excrete ammonia as a metabolic waste product. Total ammonia nitrogen must be maintained below 0.02 mg/L unionised ammonia to avoid gill damage. - **Nitrate and Nitrite: **Elevated nitrite is highly toxic. In RAS systems, nitrate accumulation must be managed through partial water exchange or denitrification. - **pH: **Most marine and freshwater species tolerate pH 6.5 to 8.5. Extremes suppress immune function and increase susceptibility to pathogens. - **Turbidity: **High turbidity impairs gill function and reduces feed efficiency. Mechanical filtration and settling systems manage suspended solids in enclosed aquaculture systems. Clean, correctly lined storage tanks play a vital role in maintaining these standards. HDPE liner kits are the preferred choice in aquaculture because HDPE is non-toxic, non-leaching, and easy to disinfect, making it the global standard for fish farming tank liners. For operations storing liquid fertilisers or chemicals alongside water, [Landflex ES liners](https://butektanks.com/landflex-es/) offer excellent chemical resistance, while [Butyl rubber liners](https://butektanks.com/butyl/) are the premier choice for potable and clean water contact. ## Aquaculture Facilities and Tank Storage Solutions The physical infrastructure of an aquaculture facility is fundamental to operational performance. Tanks serve multiple roles: holding and treating source water, housing live stock, supporting recirculation and filtration, and containing effluent before discharge. Butek Tanks, a UK steel tank manufacturer operating since 1965, supplies corrugated steel water storage tanks used across the aquaculture sector, with volumes ranging from 2m3 to 5,000m3, the largest range available in the UK. HDPE-lined tanks are the aquaculture industry standard. HDPE is chemically inert, has no leachable substances that could affect fish health, and is the easiest liner material to clean and disinfect between production cycles. Butek Tanks manufactures HDPE liner kits in-house, combining them with Magnelis coated corrugated steel shells that offer superior corrosion resistance in the humid conditions typical of fish farms. ### Roof Kits for Aquaculture Tanks Open-top tanks in fish farming environments are susceptible to algae growth, contamination from wildlife, and evaporative water loss. [Butek Tanks roof kits](https://butektanks.com/products/roof-kits/) include Anti-Algae Covers that block sunlight without restricting access, Aqua-Float covers that prevent up to 98% of evaporation, and heavy-duty Steel Roof Kits for outdoor tanks in exposed locations. ### Accessories for Aquaculture Systems A complete aquaculture tank system needs more than a shell and a liner. [Butek Tanks accessories](https://butektanks.com/products/accessories/) include inlets and outlets from 2 to 12 inches compatible with Camlock, BSP, and Bauer fittings; gate, ball, and butterfly valves for flow control between RAS stages; level indicators; vortex inhibitors to protect pump equipment; and lockable low-level man-ways for tank cleaning and maintenance. Rainwater harvesting kits are also available for operations looking to reduce mains water dependency. Butek Tanks provides a full [installation service](https://butektanks.com/installation-services/) using directly employed, fully accredited site teams, including a free site survey, RAMS documentation, and ongoing maintenance support. ## The Environmental Impacts of Aquaculture Aquaculture carries both positive and negative environmental implications. On the positive side, it reduces pressure on wild stocks from capture fisheries, enables local food production, and creates economic opportunity in coastal communities. Shellfish aquaculture actively improves water quality, and seaweed farming sequesters carbon while absorbing nutrient runoff. RAS systems eliminate effluent discharge to natural water bodies entirely. Challenges include water pollution from poorly managed effluent, disease and sea lice spread from farmed to wild fish, and the historical use of wild-caught fish meal in aquafeed. The shift to land-based enclosed aquaculture operations with properly lined and covered tank systems directly addresses many of these issues in aquaculture. Closed tanks eliminate fish escape risk, allow effluent collection and treatment, and enable far more precise water quality management than open-water systems. ## The Future of Aquaculture in the UK The FAO projects that aquaculture will account for over 60% of global seafood production by 2030. In the UK, several trends are shaping the sector's next decade: large-scale land-based RAS projects for Atlantic salmon production are in planning across Scotland and England; seaweed farming is moving from niche to commercial scale; offshore aquaculture development is being piloted in open UK waters; and sustainable aquafeed innovation is reducing dependence on wild-caught fish meal. The consistent requirement across all of these developments is reliable, scalable, and correctly specified water storage infrastructure. ## Frequently Asked Questions About Aquaculture ### What is aquaculture in simple terms? Aquaculture is the farming of aquatic organisms including fish, shellfish, seaweed, and other aquatic plants in controlled freshwater or marine environments. It is the water-based equivalent of agriculture. ### What are the main types of aquaculture? The main types of aquaculture are fish farming (salmon, trout, tilapia, catfish), shellfish aquaculture (oysters, mussels), seaweed farming, shrimp farming, and recirculating aquaculture systems (RAS). ### What aquaculture species are farmed in the UK? The main species farmed in the UK are Atlantic salmon, rainbow trout, oysters, mussels, and seaweed. Smaller-scale production of tilapia, catfish, and carp also exists in land-based indoor facilities. ### What water quality standards must UK fish farms meet? UK fish farms must comply with the Environmental Permitting Regulations (for water discharge), the Aquatic Animal Health Regulations, and Water Framework Directive requirements. Key parameters including dissolved oxygen, ammonia, temperature, and pH must be maintained within species-specific safe ranges. ### What type of tank is best for aquaculture? HDPE-lined corrugated steel tanks are the industry standard. HDPE is non-toxic, non-leaching, and easy to clean. Butek Tanks supplies HDPE-lined steel tanks in sizes from 2m3 to 5,000m3, fully customisable for freshwater, marine, and RAS applications. ## Conclusion Aquaculture is already essential to global food production and the UK sector is set to grow significantly across fish farming, shellfish, seaweed, and land-based RAS operations over the coming decade. None of this growth is possible without the right infrastructure. Whether you are establishing a new aquaculture farm or expanding an existing [aquaculture facility](https://butektanks.com/sector/aquaculture/), Butek Tanks has the products, expertise, and installation capability to support your project. [Contact our team today](https://butektanks.com/contact/) for a free site survey on [+44 (0)1277 653 281](tel:+44(0)1277653281). --- # What is Surface Water Drainage? Guide to SuDS and Attenuation Source: https://butektanks.com/blog/what-is-surface-water-drainage/ Every time it rains, water lands on your roof, car park, roads, and hard surfaces. In a field, most of it soaks into the soil. On a commercial site, it has nowhere to go unless a drainage system takes it away. That is what surface water drainage does. Without it, you get standing water, flooding, and damage. With a poorly designed system, you get the same problems but more slowly. This guide explains what surface water drainage is, how it differs from foul water drainage, who is responsible, what SuDS means in practice, and how attenuation works. For commercial and industrial sites that need large-scale surface water storage as part of their drainage strategy, [corrugated steel water tanks](https://butektanks.com/products/steel-water-tanks/) offer a practical and scalable solution, and we cover what to look for when specifying them. When rainwater that falls onto a roof flows into gutters and downpipes, it is already entering the surface water drainage system. Keeping that first stage working properly, with the right roof and gutter accessories, is where good water management starts. ## What is Surface Water Drainage? Surface water drainage is the system that collects and removes water that falls on properties and cannot soak directly into the ground. Rain that lands on a driveway, patio, car park, or road becomes runoff. If the drainage system cannot handle it quickly enough, it builds up and causes problems. The surface water drainage system collects that runoff and moves it to an outfall - a public surface water sewer, a watercourse such as a river or stream, or a soakaway that lets water infiltrate directly into the ground gradually. On rural land, natural drainage through permeable soil handles most of this. On commercial sites with hard surfaces, a managed system is needed. ## Surface Water Drainage vs. Foul Water Drainage: What is the Difference? This is the question most businesses ask first, and getting it wrong has serious consequences. The two systems must always be kept completely separate. ### Surface Water Drainage Surface water drainage handles rainwater runoff from rooftops, car parks, and roads. This water is relatively clean and can be discharged directly to a watercourse, a soakaway, or a public surface water sewer without treatment, provided it has not picked up significant contaminants such as oil from an industrial yard. ### Foul Water Drainage Foul water is wastewater from toilets, sinks, and kitchens. It contains sewage and effluent that need treatment before discharge. Foul water must go to the public sewer and on to a treatment works or a septic tank. It must never reach a watercourse directly. ### Why They Must Stay Separate Mixing the two systems causes serious problems. Connecting foul water to a surface water drain sends raw sewage into rivers, which is a criminal offence. Connecting surface water to the sewerage system pushes extra volume into treatment works and increases the risk of sewage overflows during heavy rainfall. Both are misconnections that water companies and the Environment Agency have powers to enforce against. ## Who is Responsible for Surface Water Drainage? Responsibility depends on where the asset sits. For commercial sites, it is important to know these boundaries before disputes arise or drainage work is planned. - On your property: The property owner or business is responsible for gutters, downpipes, gullies, channels, private pipework, and soakaways within the site boundary. For leased premises, always check whether the lease assigns drainage maintenance to the tenant or landlord. - Public drainage systems: Water companies maintain public surface water drains and foul sewers. They are not responsible for private property drains, private car parks, or drainage on private land. - Highway drainage: Local authorities maintain highway drainage on public roads and footpaths. Your business is not responsible for drains serving the public road outside your boundary. - Drainage charges: Most businesses pay sewerage charges through their water meter bill. Businesses that can demonstrate less surface water entering public drainage systems through SuDS or attenuation may qualify for reduced drainage charges. - Planning: New commercial developments must include a compliant surface water drainage strategy in their planning application. Without one, planning permission is typically refused. ## What is SuDS? Sustainable Drainage Systems Explained Sustainable drainage systems, known as SuDS, manage surface water in a way that mimics natural drainage. Instead of rushing surface water runoff straight into surface water drainage systems, SuDS slow it down, store it temporarily, filter it, and release it gradually. This reduces flood risk, improves water quality, and reduces the load on stormwater drains downstream. Under the Flood and Water Management Act 2010 and the updated National Standards for SuDS (2025), new major developments in England must include SuDS-compliant drainage and get approval before construction starts. SuDS should be in your drainage plans from day one of any planning application, not bolted on at the end. Common SuDS features used on commercial sites: - Permeable paving: Lets surface water pass through the surface rather than run off. Used in car parks, access roads, and pedestrian areas. - Green roofs: Retain rainfall at the source and slow the rate it enters the drainage system. - Swales: Shallow vegetated channels that slow and filter surface water run before it reaches surface water drains. - Soakaways and soakaway systems: Allow water to drain directly into the ground gradually, provided soil conditions support it. - Detention basins and retention ponds: Store surface water above ground and release it slowly. Detention basins are typically dry between events; retention ponds hold water permanently and also improve water quality. - Filter drains: Underground trenches filled with permeable material that slow and filter surface water runoff from roads before it reaches stormwater drains. ## What is Attenuation in Surface Water Drainage? Attenuation means temporarily storing surface water runoff and releasing it slowly, so it does not overwhelm the drainage system all at once. A field absorbs rainfall gradually into the soil. A car park or warehouse roof sheds it almost immediately. Attenuation recreates that slow release by storing water in a tank, basin, or pond and letting it out at a controlled rate. Without attenuation, new development pushes extra stormwater into nearby drains faster than they can handle, increasing the likelihood of surface water flooding downstream. Planning authorities require that post-development surface water runoff does not exceed greenfield rates, which means the attenuation system must compensate for the full increase caused by development. The main types of attenuation used commercially: - Attenuation tanks: Underground tanks or modular crate systems that store surface water during peak rainfall and release it at a controlled rate. Typically installed beneath car parks where surface space is limited. - Detention basins: Above-ground basins that fill during heavy rainfall and empty slowly. Usually dry between events and can serve as landscaped areas. - Retention ponds: Permanent ponds providing both retention capacity and water quality treatment through natural filtration. - Above-ground storage tanks: Where underground drainage installation is not practical, above-ground steel water tanks provide attenuation capacity with a smaller site footprint. They are available from 2m3 to 5,000m3, can be fitted with [surface water attenuation liner kits](https://butektanks.com/products/liner-kits/) to contain stored water safely, and [steel tank roof kits](https://butektanks.com/products/roof-kits/) to prevent contamination from debris and wildlife. ## What Happens When Surface Water Drainage Fails? Drainage failure rarely happens all at once. Systems block up gradually, or get overloaded as a site develops, until a heavy rainfall event finally exposes the problem. Here is what goes wrong when surface water drainage cannot cope. - Standing water: Water that sits on car parks, yard areas, and access roads for hours after rainfall means blocked gullies, undersized pipework, or a soakaway that has failed. - Flooding of buildings: When surface water has nowhere to flow, it backs up and enters buildings through doors and ground-floor openings, causing stock loss and business disruption. - Pollution of watercourses: Runoff from car parks and industrial yards carries oil and other contaminants into surface water drains and on to streams and rivers. This is an offence under the Water Resources Act. - Pressure on public drainage systems: Excess surface water entering the public sewerage system during heavy rain contributes to combined sewer overflows where raw sewage reaches watercourses. Water companies can trace contributing property owners and take enforcement action. - Structural damage: Water sitting around foundations and under roads undermines infrastructure over time, causing subsidence and surface deterioration that is far more expensive to fix than regular drainage maintenance. ## Large-Scale Surface Water Storage for Commercial Sites For commercial and industrial sites that need significant surface water attenuation capacity, above-ground corrugated steel water tanks are worth considering alongside underground options. They are quicker to install, easier to expand, and practical when excavation is not feasible. They also work well as temporary storage during construction phases before a permanent drainage system is in place. When choosing a tank for surface water storage, the liner kit material matters. For general surface water attenuation where water is discharged to a watercourse or soakaway, a Butyl or EPDM liner gives a long service life. For sites where runoff may carry contaminants such as oils or chemicals, a Landflex ES or HDPE liner offers better chemical resistance. Covering the tank is important for both water quality and safety. An open tank collects debris and allows algae to grow. A roof kit keeps stored water clean and reduces evaporation. The right fittings and accessories, including flow control outlets, level indicators, and overflow connections, integrate the tank into the wider surface water drainage system properly. ## Maintaining Your Surface Water Drainage System Most surface water drainage failures come down to blocked gullies and blocked gutters rather than anything structural. Simple regular checks prevent the vast majority of problems. - Clear gutters and downpipes seasonally: Leaf build-up in autumn is the biggest cause of blocked surface water drainage. A blocked gutter overflows at the surface and soaks into walls and ground instead of draining away. - Clear gullies regularly: Gullies block with silt and debris. On busy car parks and roads, check them at least twice a year. - Check soakaways after rain: A soakaway that stays full for days after rainfall has either blocked or the ground conditions have changed. Either way, it needs looking at before the next downpour. - Watch for misconnections: If toilets gurgle or drains back up during heavy rain, surface water may be entering the foul water system. Get it checked and corrected quickly. - Keep drainage plans updated: Update drainage plans after any site works. Inaccurate records lead to contractors accidentally cutting or misconnecting surface water drainage pipes. ## Frequently Asked Questions About Surface Water Drainage ### What is the difference between surface water drainage and foul water drainage? Surface water drainage handles rainwater from roofs, roads, and hard surfaces. Foul water drainage handles wastewater from toilets, sinks, and appliances containing sewage. Surface water can drain to a watercourse or soakaway. Foul water must go to the sewerage system and treatment works. They must never be mixed. ### Who is responsible for surface water drainage on a commercial site? The property owner or business is responsible for all drainage within the site boundary. Water companies look after public drainage systems. Local authorities maintain highway drainage on public roads. If a surface water problem on your site is affecting nearby drains or a watercourse, you are responsible for fixing it. ### Is SuDS mandatory for commercial developments in England? Yes. Under the National Standards for SuDS (2025) and the Flood and Water Management Act 2010, new major developments need SuDS approval before construction starts. Drainage plans must show that post-development surface water runoff does not exceed pre-development greenfield rates. ### What is attenuation in drainage? Attenuation is temporary storage of surface water to slow the rate it enters the drainage system. Tanks, basins, and ponds hold water during heavy rainfall and release it gradually, reducing the likelihood of surface water flooding downstream. ### Can surface water drain into a foul sewer? No. This is a misconnection prohibited under Building Regulations Part H. It overloads the sewerage system and increases the risk of sewage flooding at treatment works. Water companies have powers to trace misconnections and require property owners to fix them. ### What causes surface water flooding? Surface water flooding happens when rainfall arrives faster than the drainage system can handle it. Blocked gullies, undersized pipework, and lack of attenuation are the most common causes. Climate change is making the problem worse by increased surface water flooding risk through more intense and more frequent heavy rainfall events. ## Managing Surface Water Drainage on Your Commercial Site Surface water drainage often gets overlooked until something goes wrong. A blocked gully, a flooded car park, or a planning rejection because the drainage strategy was not up to scratch. Getting it right is not complicated, but it does require understanding what you are dealing with. Know whether your site needs surface water drainage attenuation, SuDS features, or simply better maintenance, and tackle it before it becomes a problem rather than after. Where large-scale surface water storage forms part of that solution, corrugated steel water storage tanks are used across commercial, agricultural, industrial, and construction sites as practical above-ground attenuation. They are quick to install, easy to expand, and do not require excavation. Whether you are planning a new development, managing a construction phase, or simply need more surface water capacity on an existing site, we can help you find the right solution and size it correctly for your site. Get in touch today. Call us on [+44 (0)1277 653 281](tel:+44(0)1277653281), email [enquiries@butektanks.co.uk](mailto:enquiries@butektanks.co.uk), or visit our [contact page](https://butektanks.com/contact/) to discuss your surface water drainage requirements. --- # What is an Attenuation Tank and How Does It Work? Source: https://butektanks.com/blog/what-is-an-attenuation-tank/ Across the UK, rainfall is becoming more intense and urban development is expanding faster than ever. Roads, rooftops, driveways and car parks now cover vast areas of land that once allowed water to drain naturally into the ground. The result is that surface water runoff has no natural route away from our towns and cities, putting enormous pressure on drainage systems that were never designed to handle today's rainfall volumes. This is exactly why the attenuation tank has become one of the most important tools in modern water management. Hidden underground and requiring very little maintenance when properly installed, millions of people benefit from [stormwater attenuation tanks](https://butektanks.com/products/steel-water-tanks/) without even knowing they exist. Without them, the risk of flood events in built-up areas would be dramatically higher. In this guide, we cover everything you need to know: what an attenuation tank is, how it works, the different types available, how installation works, legal requirements, maintenance, and how attenuation tanks compare to soakaways. ## What is an Attenuation Tank? The word "attenuation" means to reduce or weaken something. In water management, it refers to reducing the peak flow of stormwater before it enters a sewer, watercourse or river. An attenuation tank is a sealed underground storage structure that captures excess rainwater and surface water runoff during heavy rainfall, holds it temporarily, and then releases it back into the drainage system at a slow, controlled rate. The sealed chamber is created using an [impermeable attenuation tank liner](https://butektanks.com/products/liner-kits/), which prevents any stored water from escaping into the surrounding ground. The problem it solves is straightforward. Modern development has replaced huge areas of permeable land with impermeable surfaces like roads, rooftops and car parks. Rain that would once have soaked gradually into the ground now becomes instant runoff, rushing into drainage networks faster than they can cope. An attenuation tank acts as a buffer, absorbing that surge and releasing it slowly, much like natural undeveloped land would. Attenuation tanks are a core part of Sustainable Drainage Systems (SuDS), the framework the UK uses to manage surface water runoff in a way that protects both the built and natural environment. They are also commonly referred to as stormwater attenuation tanks, surface water attenuation tanks or simply attenuation storage tanks. ## How Does an Attenuation Tank Work? The process comes down to three stages: capture, store and release. The engineering behind the release stage is what makes these systems genuinely effective. **1. Capture** Rainwater and surface water from hard surfaces such as roofs, roads and car parks flows into the tank through gullies and drains. **2. Storage** The tank holds this water underground until the storm passes. Capacity can range from a few cubic metres on a small residential site to thousands of cubic metres on a large commercial development. **3. Controlled Release** A [flow control device](https://butektanks.com/products/accessories/) fitted to the outlet regulates exactly how fast water leaves the tank. This controlled rate matches the limit set by the local authority, known as the "greenfield runoff rate," which is the rate at which water would naturally drain from the land before it was developed. The tank fills up during a storm and slowly empties afterwards. This simple principle is what stops drainage networks downstream from being overwhelmed. ### Online vs Offline Attenuation Systems Attenuation tanks are set up in one of two ways: - **Online attenuation system:** All water from the drainage network passes through the tank continuously. - **Offline attenuation system:** The tank only fills during heavy rainfall when flow in the drainage network exceeds normal levels. This gives more precise control and is often preferred on sites where accuracy matters. ### How Flow Control Works in an Attenuation Tank Two types of devices are commonly used to control the release of water: - **Orifice plate:** A plate with a small opening that physically restricts flow. The smaller the hole, the slower the release. - **Vortex flow regulator:** A more advanced device that creates a swirling vortex at higher flow rates, which slows the discharge automatically. It also has a self-cleaning action, which reduces maintenance. Without one of these devices, stored water would simply drain away at the same speed it arrived and the whole system would be pointless. The flow control device is really the heart of how an attenuation tank functions. ## What Are Attenuation Tanks Used For? Attenuation tanks are used wherever impermeable surfaces create significant surface water runoff and the existing drainage network cannot cope with peak storm flows on its own. Common applications include: - **Residential developments:** New housing estates install attenuation tanks beneath roads or green spaces to manage runoff across the whole site before it reaches public sewers. - **Commercial and retail sites:** Large car parks and service yards generate significant runoff. Attenuation tanks installed beneath these surfaces prevent that water from overwhelming local drainage. - **Infrastructure projects:** Hospitals, schools, highways and railways all depend on reliable drainage. Attenuation systems protect these assets from flood risk. - **Urban regeneration:** Brownfield and city centre redevelopment sites must show how post-development runoff will be managed. Attenuation is frequently the answer. ## Is an Attenuation Tank a Legal Requirement in the UK? In most cases, yes. The Flood and Water Management Act 2010 requires developers to incorporate sustainable drainage systems into new developments. Local planning authorities assess every application to ensure that post-development runoff will not negatively affect surrounding infrastructure or the environment. In practice, this has made attenuation tanks a standard requirement on a huge number of new-build projects across England and Wales. With 1 in 6 homes in England currently at risk of flooding and storm events becoming more frequent, the importance of managing stormwater properly continues to grow. ## Types of Attenuation System The right type of system depends on the size of the site, ground conditions, load-bearing requirements and how much water needs to be stored. ### Geocellular Crate Systems The most common solution for residential and smaller commercial sites. Interlocking plastic crates are stacked to form a void structure underground, then wrapped in an impermeable liner to create a sealed storage chamber. These systems are lightweight, easy to configure and can be scaled to most standard requirements. ### Modular Steel Tanks For larger commercial, industrial or infrastructure projects, modular corrugated steel water tanks offer far greater capacity and structural strength. They can handle volumes from a few cubic metres up to 5,000m³ or more and are built to withstand heavy loads, making them suitable for installation beneath car parks, industrial yards and roads. They are also assembled on-site from sections, which makes transport and installation practical even for large volumes. ### Oversized Pipes and Concrete Vaults Used mainly on major infrastructure projects like highways and airports, large diameter concrete or plastic pipes provide robust storage that can sit beneath heavily trafficked surfaces. ### Above-Ground Attenuation Basins Open basins and ponds serve the same purpose as underground tanks but at ground level. They are less common in urban areas due to land constraints but offer added biodiversity and landscape benefits where space and planning allow. ## Attenuation Tanks vs Soakaways: What is the Difference? These two solutions are often confused but they work in completely different ways. A soakaway works through infiltration. Water is directed into a crate structure wrapped in permeable geotextile fabric and allowed to seep back into the surrounding soil, gradually recharging groundwater. For this to work, the ground must be permeable, typically sandy or gravelly soil. Soakaways do not work on clay ground or where the water table is high. An attenuation tank is sealed. It holds water in a watertight structure and releases it at a controlled rate into the sewer or watercourse. Because it does not rely on the soil absorbing anything, it works in any ground conditions including clay, areas with a high water table and contaminated land. The key difference is this: a soakaway returns water to the ground, an attenuation tank returns water to the drainage system. In some projects, both are used together. The attenuation tank manages the main peak flow, while a soakaway handles smaller volumes where ground conditions allow, as part of a wider SuDS strategy. ## Key Benefits of an Attenuation Tank **Reduces flooding on-site and downstream** By releasing water slowly, the tank ensures the drainage network is never hit by the full force of a storm all at once. This protects the site itself and reduces flood risk for everyone sharing the same drainage system downstream. **Meets planning requirements** Most new developments in the UK cannot get planning permission without demonstrating how surface water runoff will be managed. An attenuation tank is very often the solution that makes this possible. **No impact on usable space** Because the tank sits entirely underground, the surface above can be used for anything, including car parks, gardens and play areas. This matters enormously on space-constrained urban sites. **Supports sustainable water management** Reducing the volume and speed of stormwater entering combined sewers is a meaningful environmental benefit. When paired with a rainwater harvesting system, captured water can also be reused for irrigation, toilet flushing or vehicle washing, reducing both water bills and environmental impact. **Protects water quality** A slow, controlled release prevents erosion of riverbanks and reduces the risk of sudden pollution events in watercourses. Pre-treatment filters can be added upstream of the tank to remove sediment and debris before water enters storage. ## Attenuation Tank Installation: What Does It Involve? Every installation is different, but the general process follows these steps: - **Site survey and design:** Engineers assess the ground conditions, required storage volume, permitted discharge rate and available space, then produce the design and planning documentation. - **Excavation:** A pit is dug to the required depth and dimensions. - **Liner installation:** A geotextile layer is laid, followed by an impermeable liner to create a watertight chamber. The liner choice depends on ground conditions and what the tank will store. - **Tank assembly:** Geocellular crates are interlocked, or steel panels are bolted together, to form the storage structure. - **Pipework and flow control:** Inlet and outlet pipes are connected and the flow control device is fitted. - **Backfilling and reinstatement:** The excavation is filled in and the surface is finished to match the surrounding area. **Things to think about before you start:** - Soil type matters. Clay ground rules out soakaways and confirms the need for a sealed attenuation tank. - Load-bearing capacity needs to be considered if the tank will sit beneath a road or car park. - The local authority will specify a maximum discharge rate, and the design must meet it. - Access points for inspection and maintenance should be built in from the start, not added later. At Butek Tanks, we offer free site surveys and handle everything from initial design through to [installation](https://butektanks.com/installation-services/), so you have a single point of contact for the whole project. ## How Do You Maintain an Attenuation Tank? A well-installed attenuation tank needs relatively little attention, but a basic maintenance routine keeps it performing well for decades. - **Check inlets and outlets regularly**, especially after heavy rainfall, for any signs of blockage or sediment build-up. - **Inspect the flow control device** periodically to make sure it is clear and working correctly. - **Check the liner annually** on crate-based systems for any signs of damage or leakage. - **Arrange professional cleaning** every few years to jet wash the chambers and remove accumulated silt. - **Replace worn components** before they fail rather than waiting for a problem to develop. With the right care, a quality attenuation tank will last several decades with minimal intervention. ## Can You Combine an Attenuation Tank with Rainwater Harvesting? Yes, and it is an increasingly popular choice. A standard attenuation tank simply stores water and releases it back into the drainage system. A combined system uses that same stored water first, for non-potable purposes like irrigation, toilet flushing or vehicle washing, before releasing the excess. This dual-purpose approach reduces how much treated water you use for non-drinking purposes and cuts the volume of water discharged into the sewer network. For sites in horticulture, agriculture, sports or leisure, the savings can be significant. If you are interested in this approach, our steel water tanks can be configured for combined attenuation and harvesting with the right liner and [attenuation tank roof kit](https://butektanks.com/products/roof-kits/) to protect stored water quality. ## Summary An attenuation tank is one of the most practical and widely used solutions in modern stormwater management. It solves a straightforward problem, too much water arriving too quickly, by holding it temporarily and releasing it at a rate the drainage system can actually handle. Whether you are a developer trying to satisfy a planning condition, an engineer specifying a drainage system, or simply someone trying to understand what sits under that car park, the principles are the same: capture, store and release slowly.If you would like advice on the right solution for your site, our team at Butek Tanks is happy to help. We offer free site surveys and have been designing and installing water storage systems since 1965. [Get in touch](https://butektanks.com/contact/) by calling [+44 (0)1277 653 281](tel:+44(0)1277653281) or email [enquiries@butektanks.co.uk](mailto:enquiries@butektanks.co.uk). --- # What is Rainwater Harvesting? How UK Businesses Cut Mains Water Costs Source: https://butektanks.com/blog/what-is-rainwater-harvesting/ UK commercial water bills have risen sharply in recent years, and industry forecasts suggest that trend will continue. Yet many UK businesses are still paying full mains water rates to fill toilet cisterns, run irrigation systems, supply washing machines, and carry out industrial processes that have no need whatsoever for drinking-quality water. Meanwhile, rainfall lands on their rooftops every year and flows straight into the drainage system unused. Rainwater harvesting is the straightforward, proven solution to that waste. This guide explains what rainwater harvesting is, how a [rainwater harvesting system](https://butektanks.com/sector/rainwater-harvesting/) works, what harvested rainwater can be used for across different business types, and most importantly, how rainwater harvesting in the UK gives businesses a practical, measurable way to reduce their mains water costs year after year. ## What is Rainwater Harvesting? Rainwater harvesting is the practice of collecting and storing rainwater that falls on a roof or other catchment surface, rather than allowing it to run away into the drainage system. The water stored is then used on-site in place of treated mains water supply. It is one of the oldest and most reliable independent water supply methods in the world, and in the UK it is entirely legal. There are no restrictions on collecting rainwater that falls within your property boundary. At its simplest, a rainwater harvesting system is nothing more than a water butt connected to a downpipe. At its most advanced, it is a large-scale collection system feeding thousands of litres of rainwater into harvesting tanks, distributed by a pump throughout a commercial or industrial site. The principle is the same at every scale: capture rainwater, store it, and put it to work instead of paying for treated mains supply. Rainwater harvesting is becoming increasingly important across the UK as water scarcity grows more pressing, mains water tariffs continue to rise, and businesses face growing pressure to reduce their environmental impact. For farms, horticultural businesses, sports grounds, industrial sites, and commercial operators of all kinds, a properly designed rainwater harvesting system is one of the most cost-effective sustainability investments available. ## How Does a Rainwater Harvesting System Work? A rainwater harvesting system intercepts rainfall at the point it lands on a roof, filters it, stores it in a storage tank, and distributes it to points of use on-site. Most systems follow these steps: - Rain falls onto the roof or catchment surface and flows into gutters and downpipes. - First-flush filtration: a diverter discards the initial runoff from the roof, which carries the highest concentration of dust, debris, and contaminants, before directing cleaner water to the storage tank. - Storage: filtered water is held in a water storage tank, above ground, below ground, or in a modular system, until it is needed. - Distribution: a pump draws water from the storage tank and delivers it to toilet cisterns, irrigation systems, washing machines, or other points of use. - Treatment: a filtration system or UV treatment system ensures the quality of the water meets the standard required for its intended use. - Mains backup: when rainfall is insufficient to maintain storage levels, the mains supply automatically tops up the storage tank, so supply is never interrupted. The right rainwater harvesting system depends on the size of the catchment area, the volume of non-potable water needed, and the intended applications. A water butt suits a small garden or allotment. A large corrugated steel water storage tank suits a farm, sports facility, horticulture business, or commercial site where rainwater harvesting needs to make a genuine dent in metered water costs. ## What Can Harvested Rainwater Replace in a Business? The key to understanding the commercial value of rainwater harvesting is recognising how much of a typical business's water consumption does not actually require potable water. Most of the water a business uses every day is non-potable by nature, and rainwater can be used to cover all of it. ### Toilet Flushing Flushing toilets accounts for approximately 30% of total water consumption in a typical UK commercial building. Every time a toilet is flushed using fully treated mains water, a business is paying drinking-water prices for water going straight to waste. Rainwater used to flush toilets performs exactly the same function, and the user notices no difference at all. For an office, hotel, school, or leisure centre used to flush dozens or hundreds of toilets daily, the saving is immediate and ongoing. ### Washing Machines and Laundry A washing machine does not need treated drinking water to clean laundry. Harvested rainwater is naturally soft, requiring less detergent than hard mains water found in many UK regions, and is perfectly suited to commercial laundry. For hotels, care homes, sports facilities, and any business with regular laundry requirements, using rainwater for household or commercial washing reduces both water costs and detergent spend. ### Irrigation and Agriculture Rainwater from the roof is ideal for irrigation. It is chlorine-free and naturally soft, making it gentler on plants, soil, and crops than treated mains water. For farms, market gardens, golf courses, sports grounds, and horticultural businesses, rainwater can also supply water for livestock and provide drinking water for animals. Drinking water for livestock sourced from a rainwater collection system instead of the mains supply can represent a significant annual saving on large agricultural operations. A well-sized storage tank also ensures irrigation continues uninterrupted water during dry spells when hosepipe restrictions would otherwise halt operations. ### Industrial and Commercial Processes Vehicle washing, dust suppression, equipment cleaning, and water for specific industrial processes can all be supplied from a rainwater harvesting system. Use rainwater for any process that does not require drinking water quality, and every litre used from the storage tank is a litre not charged at metered rates by the water company. ## How UK Businesses Reduce Mains Water Costs with Rainwater Harvesting The benefits of rainwater harvesting for UK businesses are clearest when you look at the numbers. Mains water usage in a commercial building is metered, meaning every litre drawn from the mains supply is charged. Replacing that metered consumption with free collected rainfall reduces the bill directly, with no change to operations and no noticeable difference to the people using the water. ### The Toilet Flushing Saving As noted above, flushing toilets accounts for roughly 30% of total mains water usage in a typical commercial building. A business with ten employees used to flush toilets on a metered supply can divert that entire demand to collected rainwater immediately after installing rainwater harvesting. For larger buildings, hotels, schools, or leisure centres, that 30% figure translates into thousands of pounds saved annually on the water bill. ### The Irrigation Saving For farms, horticultural businesses, golf courses, and sports grounds, irrigation is typically the single largest draw on metered mains water. Using a hosepipe to water your garden or water your lawn uses around 15 litres of water per minute. For a business running an irrigation system for several hours a day across a growing season, the volume of mains water involved is enormous. A rainwater harvesting system with a suitably sized storage tank can supply that demand entirely from collected rainfall, reducing metered mains water usage for irrigation to zero across most of the year. ### The Wider Commercial Saving Water Treatment Services report that rainwater harvesting can reduce a business's total mains water consumption by up to 50%. That figure is achievable where harvested water supplies both toilet flushing and irrigation, or where significant volumes are used in industrial processes. Even a more modest reduction of 20 to 30% in mains water usage represents a meaningful annual saving on water bill costs, with the performance of rainwater harvesting systems consistently demonstrating a strong return on investment over the lifetime of the installation. ### Reduced Surface Water Charges Many businesses are also charged for surface water drainage by their water company, based on the volume of rainfall assumed to leave their site via the drainage system. By capturing and using rainwater on-site instead of allowing it to run off, a business reduces the volume entering the drainage system and may be able to negotiate a reduction in surface water drainage charges. This is a less water talked-about saving but a real one for larger commercial and industrial sites. ### Water Security During Dry Periods For any business that depends on a reliable water supply for irrigation, livestock, or operations, water scarcity events and hosepipe restrictions are a direct commercial risk. A well-sized storage tank filled during periods of rainfall provides a buffer that keeps operations running water during dry spells without relying entirely on the mains supply. This is not just a financial saving - it is operational resilience that protects revenue. ## Storage Solutions for Rainwater Harvesting The storage tank is the most important component in any rainwater harvesting system. The right tank determines how much water harvested from the roof can actually be stored and used, and how long the system will last with minimal maintenance. For commercial, agricultural, and industrial applications, above-ground corrugated steel harvesting tanks are the most practical and cost-effective choice. [Corrugated steel rainwater storage tanks](https://butektanks.com/products/steel-water-tanks/) are ideal for rainwater harvesting applications, available in single-tank volumes from 2m3 to 5,000m3. CE marked EN1090 and manufactured from Magnelis coated steel, they resist corrosion and can be expanded by connecting additional tanks as demand grows. The right [rainwater tank liner kit](https://butektanks.com/products/liner-kits/) protects the quality of water in storage, with Butyl, EPDM, HDPE, Landflex ES, and PVC options available to suit different applications and water quality requirements. Covering the tank is equally important. An open-top storage tank is vulnerable to contamination and algae growth. Available [roof kits](https://butektanks.com/products/roof-kits/) range from lightweight anti-algae covers to heavy-duty steel roofs, and the Aqua-Float floating cover prevents up to 98% of evaporation, which is critical for maximising rainwater stored during dry periods. The full range of accessories includes two-stage filtration kits for roof areas up to 1,200m2, UV filtration system options, pump connections, level indicators, and overflow fittings. ## Maintaining Your Rainwater Harvesting System A well-maintained rainwater harvesting system requires relatively little attention compared to the savings it delivers. The key is consistency with a small number of routine checks rather than allowing problems to develop unnoticed. - Clean gutters and first-flush filters regularly. Debris accumulates on roofs and in gutters. Blocked filters allow contaminated water into the storage tank and reduce quality of water. - Inspect the storage tank annually. Sediment collects at the base of any water storage tank over time. An annual inspection identifies sludge build-up or filtration failure before they affect system performance. - Replace filtration components on schedule. Mesh filters and UV lamps have defined service lives. Replacing them on schedule protects the quality of the water at every point of use. - Test water quality for sensitive applications. If the system supplies drinking water for livestock or any use where quality of water matters, periodic testing is advisable. - Keep the roof cover sealed. A damaged or missing cover allows contamination and evaporation losses. Regular checks protect both water quality and storage volume. ## Frequently Asked Questions About Rainwater Harvesting ### Is rainwater harvesting legal in the UK? Yes. It is entirely legal to collect rainwater that falls within your property boundary in the UK, with no restriction on the volume stored. If harvested rainwater is used for drinking, cooking, or personal hygiene, it must comply with the Water Supply (Water Fittings) Regulations 1999 and meet potable water quality standards. ### How much can rainwater harvesting reduce my water bill? The saving depends on how the water is used. Flushing toilets alone accounts for around 30% of commercial building mains water usage, so redirecting that demand to harvested rainwater delivers immediate savings. Businesses also using harvested water for irrigation, vehicle washing, or industrial processes can reduce their water bill by up to 50% in total. ### What is the difference between potable and non-potable water? Potable water is safe for human consumption. Non-potable water is not suitable for drinking without treatment. Most harvested rainwater is non-potable and should only be used for applications such as flushing toilets, irrigation, or washing unless treated through a certified filtration and UV treatment system. ### How much rainwater can I collect? Multiply your roof catchment area in square metres by your annual rainfall in millimetres, then by a runoff coefficient of around 0.85. A 500m2 commercial roof in an average UK location yields approximately 375,000 litres of rainwater per year. That is thousands of litres of rainwater currently flowing into the drainage system unused. The right storage system size should balance two to four weeks of expected collection volume against your daily demand. ### Can harvested rainwater be used for livestock? Water for livestock is a well-established application of rainwater harvesting in UK agriculture. Drinking water for livestock can be supplied from a properly maintained rainwater collection system, with a UV filtration system recommended for water quality assurance. It is a proven way to reduce reliance on mains water and lower costs on farms and agricultural sites. ### What types of rainwater harvesting systems are available? The main types range from a humble water butt collecting a few hundred litres of water for garden use, to large above-ground or underground harvesting tanks supplying thousands of litres of rainwater for commercial and agricultural use. The right system depends on your site, your catchment area, and what you want to replace with collected rainwater. Systems on the market also include modular configurations where multiple tanks are connected to build the collection system capacity you need. ## Start Reducing Your Mains Water Costs with Rainwater Harvesting UK water costs are not going down. Every year, businesses that have not yet invested in rainwater harvesting are paying metered rates for water that falls on their roofs for free. The rainfall that currently runs into the drainage system from your site is a free source of water that could be supplying your toilets, your irrigation system, your washing machines, and your operational processes at zero ongoing cost. Installing a properly sized rainwater harvesting system is one of the most straightforward ways a UK business can reduce its water bill, improve its sustainability credentials, and protect its water supply against future price rises and restrictions. Whether you need a simple above-ground harvesting tank for a horticulture site or a large-scale modular rainwater collection system for a commercial or industrial operation, we can help from initial sizing and design through to installation and commissioning, with ISO 9001:2015 certified systems CE marked to EN1090. Get in touch today. Call us on [+44 (0)1277 653 281](tel:+44(0)1277653281), email [enquiries@butektanks.co.uk](mailto:enquiries@butektanks.co.uk), or visit our [contact page](https://butektanks.com/contact/) to discuss your rainwater harvesting requirements. Our team will respond promptly. --- # How Does a Sewage Treatment Plant Work? Traditional vs. Modular Wastewater Systems (MWS) Source: https://butektanks.com/blog/how-does-a-sewage-treatment-plant-work/ Around 4% of UK properties are not connected to the main sewer. For homes, farms, commercial sites, and industrial facilities in these locations, managing domestic sewage and wastewater on-site is not optional. It is a legal requirement. Whether you are looking at a domestic sewage treatment plant for a rural property, an advanced sewage treatment plant for a commercial site, or a rapid-deployment solution for an emergency, understanding how a sewage treatment plant works is the essential first step. This guide covers the sewage treatment plant process from start to finish, including the three main stages of wastewater treatment, the difference between a sewage treatment plant and a septic tank, relevant UK regulations, and when a modular wastewater system is the right choice over a traditional fixed installation. ## What Is a Sewage Treatment Plant? A sewage treatment plant is a system designed to treat domestic sewage, wastewater and effluent to a standard safe for discharge back into the environment. It takes untreated sewage containing human waste, pathogens, and harmful organic compounds, and transforms it into treated water that poses no risk to public health or to local water bodies. A sewage treatment plant is not the same as a septic tank. A septic tank provides only basic settlement, discharging partially treated effluent to a soakaway where the soil carries out further treatment. A sewage treatment plant carries out full multi-stage biological treatment, producing clean effluent that can be discharged directly to a watercourse. For many off-mains properties, it is the only legally compliant option. The Environment Agency in England regulates all private sewage treatment, and failure to manage domestic sewage correctly can result in enforcement notices, significant fines, and serious harm to local drinking water supplies and surface water. ## How Does a Sewage Treatment Plant Work? The Three Main Stages A typical sewage treatment plant works by breaking down untreated sewage through a series of carefully engineered steps. Every domestic sewage treatment plant follows the same fundamental sewage treatment plant process, regardless of size or technology. ### Stage 1: Preliminary and Primary Treatment The sewage treatment plant process begins the moment wastewater leaves your property. It travels along a sewer pipe to a private sewage system or directly enters the sewage treatment plant via the sewage collection inlet. Preliminary treatment comes first. A coarse screen removes large solids, rags, and debris that enter the plant alongside the domestic sewage. This protects the more sensitive equipment downstream in the treatment process. Primary treatment follows in a settlement tank. Gravity does the work here: heavier solid matter sinks to the bottom as sewage sludge, while fats and oils float to the surface. The clarified liquid between the two layers moves forward to the next treatment stage. This step removes the bulk of solid waste and significantly reduces the volume of sewage requiring further processing. ### Stage 2: Secondary Treatment  The biological treatment stage is the heart of any sewage treatment plant. Liquid from the settlement tank flows into an aeration chamber where aerobic bacteria cultivated on filter media consume the organic material in the domestic wastewater. Air is pumped continuously into the chamber to sustain these microorganisms. These biological treatment processes dramatically reduce the concentration of harmful organic matter, pathogens, and sewage contaminants in the water. The secondary treatment step used in domestic sewage treatment plant works worldwide is the same activated sludge aeration method Butek Tanks uses in the MWS. The treated liquid then passes into a secondary settlement chamber, where residual bacteria settle out and are returned to the primary settlement tank for consolidation. ### Stage 3: Tertiary Treatment and Final Disinfection The final stage is tertiary treatment. The wastewater is now significantly cleaner, but final treatment ensures it meets the standard required before discharge. UV disinfection or chlorination is commonly used at this stage. Water is sometimes disinfected using a process called ultraviolet irradiation, which destroys any remaining pathogens without introducing chemicals into the treated water. The result is high-quality treated water safe to discharge directly to surface water such as rivers, streams, or drainage systems. This is the standard that all domestic wastewater treatment plants are legally required to achieve, and it plays a direct role in reducing water pollution and protecting local water bodies. ## Sewage Treatment Plant vs. Septic Tank: Key Differences This is one of the most common questions around private sewage management, and it matters both practically and legally. A septic tank provides only primary settlement. The partially treated effluent that leaves a septic tank must pass through a soakaway drainage field before it disperses safely. It cannot be discharged directly to a watercourse. Since January 2020, UK regulations have made this non-negotiable: septic tanks can no longer legally discharge effluent to streams, ditches, or rivers. Properties that do so must upgrade to a compliant sewage treatment plant. A domestic sewage treatment plant delivers full biological treatment across multiple stages, producing clean water suitable for direct discharge to surface water. It is also the only viable option where ground conditions are unsuitable for a soakaway, where the water table is too high, or where the property sits in a flood risk zone. ## Traditional Sewage Treatment Systems vs. Butek's Modular Wastewater System (MWS) Traditional sewage treatment systems are proven, cost-effective, and reliable for long-term fixed installations. But they were not built for rapid deployment, remote access, or large-scale emergency response. This is precisely where Butek Tanks' [Modular Wastewater System (MWS)](https://butektanks.com/products/modular-wastewater-system-m-w-s/) offers a fundamentally different approach. ### How Traditional Sewage Treatment Systems Work A typical sewage treatment plant is installed underground on a fixed site, connected to the property's internal drainage and pipework. These systems follow the three main stages above and, for residential or commercial properties, represent an excellent long-term solution. A well-maintained sewage treatment plant can deliver effective treatment for 20 years or more. The limitation is flexibility. Traditional sewage treatment works require significant excavation, concrete bases, and weeks of installation. Once in place, they cannot be relocated, rapidly scaled, or deployed in response to unforeseen events. ### How Butek Tanks' Modular Wastewater System (MWS) Works The MWS is a complete sewage treatment plant that can be deployed almost anywhere in just 7 to 20 days, without machinery, permanent infrastructure, or connection to a local sewage system. Its core biological treatment stage uses the same activated sludge aeration biological treatment processes found in the majority of large-scale sewage treatment works worldwide. A complete MWS consists of the following treatment steps: - **Coarse screening:** Remove large solids as preliminary treatment before the main treatment process begins. - **Primary sedimentation:** The settlement tank stage where sewage sludge and solid waste separate under gravity. - **Aerobic digestion:** The biological treatment stage, using a process called activated sludge aeration to break down organic compounds in domestic wastewater. - **Liquid separation:** A glass bead filter module for secondary treatment polishing. - **Disinfection:** UV or chlorination for tertiary treatment and final treatment, producing treated water that is 99.99% pathogen free. - **Sludge treatment:** The Flexigester module processes sewage sludge generated throughout the sewage treatment plant process. The MWS handles up to 1,000m3 of domestic wastewater per day and produces treated water safe to discharge directly to surface water or an existing drainage system. Capacity scales simply by adding more tanks. The system runs on less than 15kW of power, requires no local utilities, and every component can be carried by hand and installed without machinery. ## What Happens to Solid Waste in a Sewage Treatment Plant? A common question about how sewage treatment works concerns what happens to solid waste. During primary treatment, solids settle to the bottom of the settlement tank and accumulate as sewage sludge. If left unmanaged, this sludge builds up, reduces effective capacity, and eventually causes the system to fail. This is why all sewage treatment systems require periodic de-sludging, typically once a year by a licensed waste carrier. The removed sewage sludge undergoes further treatment of wastewater solids, through anaerobic digestion or composting, and is sometimes processed for use as agricultural fertiliser. It is equally important to control what enters the sewage system in the first place. Wet wipes, nappies, cooking fats, and strong chemicals disrupt the biological treatment process, cause unnecessary solid waste accumulation, and shorten the lifespan of the system. ## UK Regulations and the Environment Agency All sewage treatment in the UK is subject to regulation. In England, the Environment Agency governs small domestic sewage treatment plant installations through General Binding Rules (GBRs). Systems discharging less than 2,000 litres per day to the ground, or less than 5,000 litres per day to surface water, can operate without a bespoke permit, provided they comply with the rules. Larger volumes, or systems near drinking water supplies or groundwater protection zones, require a formal discharge permit from the Environment Agency. The most important GBR obligation is straightforward: the effluent produced by a sewage treatment plant must meet the required quality standard before it is discharged to surface water or the ground. This is the responsibility of the property owner or site operator, not the installer or manufacturer. Scotland is governed by SEPA, Wales by Natural Resources Wales, and Northern Ireland by NIEA. The core principle is consistent across all four nations: wastewater and sewage must be treated to a standard that protects public health, water quality, and the natural environment before discharge. ## Maintaining Your Sewage Treatment Plant A properly maintained sewage treatment plant can last 20 years or more and will consistently produce treated water that meets all regulatory requirements. Maintenance is not complex, but it does require regular attention. - Monthly pollution checks. Inspect the area around your effluent discharge point for sewage smells, foam, or discolouration. Early detection prevents costly failures. - Control what enters the system. Never flush wet wipes, nappies, cooking oils, or strong bleaches into your sewage system. These disrupt biological treatment by killing the bacteria that treat wastewater. - Annual de-sludging. The sewage sludge in your settlement tank must be removed at least once a year by a licensed waste carrier. Leaving sludge unmanaged reduces capacity and causes system failure. - Service mechanical components. Air pumps and electrical equipment should be professionally inspected every 6 to 12 months to ensure systems work as intended. ## Frequently Asked Questions About Sewage Treatment Plants ### What are the three main stages of sewage treatment? Primary treatment (screening and settlement), secondary treatment (biological treatment stage using aerobic bacteria), and tertiary treatment (disinfection to produce clean treated water). Together these three main stages remove solid waste, organic contaminants, and pathogens from domestic sewage. ### What is the difference between a septic tank and a sewage treatment plant? A septic tank provides basic settlement only, discharging partially treated effluent to a soakaway. A domestic sewage treatment plant delivers full biological treatment, producing treated water clean enough for direct discharge to surface water. Since 2020, septic tanks can no longer legally discharge to watercourses in the UK. ### Can treated wastewater be discharged to a stream? Yes, provided it has been treated to the standard required by the Environment Agency. A properly functioning sewage treatment plant produces treated water clean enough to discharge directly to surface water. A septic tank alone cannot achieve this standard. ### Does a sewage treatment plant still need emptying? Yes. Sewage sludge accumulates in the settlement tank of even the most advanced sewage treatment plants and must be removed at least annually by a licensed waste carrier. Neglecting this reduces wastewater treatment capacity and eventually causes the system to fail. ### How quickly can a modular sewage treatment plant be deployed? Butek Tanks' Modular Wastewater System can be fully operational in just 7 to 20 days. Unlike a typical sewage treatment plant requiring weeks of excavation, the MWS needs no machinery and no permanent infrastructure. It is the ideal sewage treatment solution for emergencies, planned maintenance, and remote locations. ### What is domestic wastewater treatment and who needs it? Domestic wastewater treatment covers the full treatment of wastewater generated by household or commercial activity. Any property not connected to a public sewer requires a private sewage treatment system that complies with Environment Agency regulations. This includes rural homes, farms, construction sites, and off-grid commercial premises. ## Choosing the Right Sewage Treatment Plant for Your Site Whether you are managing a private sewage system for a single property, upgrading a domestic sewage treatment plant to meet current regulations, or responding to a wastewater treatment plant emergency on a commercial or industrial site, Butek Tanks has the expertise and the products to deliver the right solution quickly. Get in touch today. Call us on [+44 (0)1277 653 281](tel:+44(0)1277653281), email [enquiries@butektanks.co.uk](mailto:enquiries@butektanks.co.uk), or visit our [contact page](https://butektanks.com/contact/) to submit your project requirements. Our team will respond promptly to discuss your sewage treatment needs. --- # What is Digestate? Difference from Slurry and Storage Methods Source: https://butektanks.com/blog/what-is-digestate/ Digestate is one of the most valuable yet least understood byproducts in UK agriculture. As anaerobic digestion becomes an increasingly common part of farm operations and renewable energy strategies across Britain, more land managers, farmers, and AD operators are handling digestate for the first time and discovering that its storage and application requirements are more specific than they might expect. Understanding what digestate is, what it contains, how it differs from slurry, and what the law requires for its storage is not just a regulatory matter. It directly affects soil health, crop yield, and the commercial returns from an anaerobic digestion system. This guide covers everything UK farms and AD operators need to know, including how to choose the right tank for storing both digestate and slurry safely and compliantly. ## What is Digestate? Digestate is the nutrient-rich material that remains after organic matter has been broken down through anaerobic digestion. Anaerobic digestion is a biological process in which microorganisms break down organic materials in the absence of oxygen, inside a sealed vessel called a digester or anaerobic digester. The two main outputs of the anaerobic digestion process are biogas, a mixture of methane and carbon dioxide used to generate renewable energy and renewable natural gas, and digestate, the residual material left behind once the digestion process is complete. Digestate is derived from the feedstock fed into the anaerobic digester. Feedstocks commonly used in UK AD systems include animal manure, food waste, crop residues, sewage sludge, and purpose-grown energy crops. The exact composition of the digestate reflects the feedstock used, the hydraulic retention time within the reactor, and the efficiency of the AD process itself. Digestate is a valuable material and digestate is a valuable organic fertiliser rather than a waste product. It contains valuable nutrients including nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium, the three primary nutrients required for crop growth. The nutrient content and overall soil health benefits of digestate make it a direct replacement for synthetic fertilisers on many UK farms. When applied correctly, digestate can improve soil structure, increase soil organic matter, and deliver measurable benefits to overall soil health. The use of digestate as an organic fertiliser also supports recycling of nutrients such as nitrogen and phosphorus back into the agricultural system, reducing reliance on energy-intensive manufactured inputs. ## What Does Digestate Contain? The nutrient content and physical composition of digestate vary depending on the feedstock and AD system used, but digestate contains valuable nutrients across the following categories: Nitrogen: available in both ammoniacal and organic forms. The nutrients such as nitrogen in digestate are directly plant-available and comparable to synthetic fertilisers in immediate crop uptake effect. Phosphorus and Phosphate: digestate contains significant phosphorus and phosphate levels. The phosphate content must be accounted for in nutrient management planning under UK farming rules. Potassium: digestate is nutrient-rich in potassium, making it especially valuable for grassland and arable cropping systems. Organic Matter: the organic materials remaining after digestion contribute to soil organic matter when applied to land, improving soil structure, water retention, and microbial activity over time. The effects on soil from repeated digestate application include improved water holding capacity and a measurable improvement in overall soil health. Dry Matter and Fibre: the dry matter content determines whether digestate separates into liquid and solid fractions. Digestate fibre, found in the solid portion, contributes to longer-term organic matter additions to the soil. Liquid digestate releases its nutrients more rapidly. Methane Potential and Biogas Production: while the majority of methane and biogas is captured during the AD process, the portion of the digestate that remains can still have residual biogas production potential. Covered storage is important for capturing any residual emissions and reducing the carbon footprint of the operation. Digestate can also contain trace heavy metals depending on the feedstock composition. This is why digestate quality and compliance with PAS 110 matters for operators intending to use digestate as a certified biofertiliser. ## Liquid Digestate and Solid Digestate: What is the Difference? After leaving the anaerobic digester, digestate is often separated into two fractions. Understanding liquid and solid digestates and their different characteristics is important for storage planning, nutrient management, and land application decisions. Liquid digestate is the high-moisture, low-dry-matter fraction. It contains the majority of the readily available ammoniacal nitrogen, making it the most immediately crop-available portion of the digestate. Liquid digestate is typically spread on land using a tanker or trailing shoe applicator and is the most common form used directly as an organic fertiliser replacement on UK arable and grassland farms. Solid digestate is the fibrous, higher-dry-matter fraction. The digestate fibre it contains releases nutrients more slowly and contributes more significantly to long-term soil organic matter improvement. Solid digestate is often composted or used as a soil conditioner. It is easier to handle and transport than liquid digestate and can be stored in a covered clamp rather than a liquid storage tank. Whole digestate, which has not been separated, contains both liquid and solid fractions and requires larger storage volumes than separated liquid digestate alone. ## What is Slurry? How Does it Differ from Digestate? Slurry is a mixture of animal excreta, urine, water, and small amounts of bedding material produced directly on farm from housed livestock. It is collected under slatted floors or scraped from yards and stored before being applied to land as an organic fertiliser. The distinction between slurry and digestate matters for both practical and regulatory reasons. Slurry has not been through any digestion process. It retains a high proportion of its original organic matter, contributing more bulk organic matter to soil over time. Slurry nitrogen is present in both ammoniacal and organic forms, with a higher proportion remaining in organic form compared to well-processed liquid digestate. Slurry also has a significantly more variable composition, and biogas production from exposed slurry contributes to methane emissions if the tank is uncovered. Digestate has been through the AD process. The anaerobic digestion process converts a greater proportion of nitrogen into ammoniacal nitrogen, making digestate faster acting and more predictable as a nutrient source. The digestion process also reduces the volume of organic matter, pathogen levels, and odour. Emission reductions from using digestate rather than raw slurry are a recognised environmental benefit of the AD system. Both materials require adequate on-farm storage under the Silage, Slurry and Agricultural Fuel Oil (SSAFO) regulations, and both must be applied to land in accordance with the Farming Rules for Water and, in nitrate vulnerable zones, under the Nitrates Regulations 2015. Both digestate and slurry storage are governed by the Silage, Slurry and Agricultural Fuel Oil (SSAFO) Regulations, last updated in 2010. These regulations set minimum standards for the construction, capacity, and maintenance of storage systems for both materials. Under SSAFO, slurry storage systems must store a minimum of four months of production with no drainage to watercourses permitted. In practice most agronomists recommend five to six months of storage capacity to allow flexibility around weather and land application windows. For digestate, the Environment Agency classifies whole digestate and separated liquid digestate as liquid organic manures under the SSAFO framework. This means the same structural and capacity requirements apply. The ad system used must be complemented by a compliant storage solution; the benefits of AD are only fully realised when the digestate produced can be stored safely until the correct application window. For digestate that meets the PAS 110 quality standard, a different regulatory position applies. Certified digestate is classified as a manufactured fertiliser rather than a waste product, removing it from the waste management regulatory framework entirely. This is a significant compliance and commercial advantage for AD operators managing large volumes. The ad plane of compliance, from digester to land application, must be documented and maintained to retain this status. Failure to comply can result in enforcement action from the Environment Agency, unlimited fines, and criminal prosecution in the most serious cases involving water pollution. ## How UK Farms Store Digestate and Slurry: Tank Solutions Choosing the right storage tank is one of the most consequential infrastructure decisions on any farm or AD site. The tank must be structurally sound, chemically compatible with the stored material, sized for the required storage period, and compliant with SSAFO requirements.  ### Corrugated Steel Slurry and Digestate Tanks Our [corrugated steel slurry and digestate tanks](https://butektanks.com/products/slurry-tanks/) are manufactured from Magnelis coated steel, offering significantly greater corrosion resistance than standard galvanised steel. Tanks are available from 280m3 to 1,250m3, certified to British and European structural standards including BS 5502, and suitable for whole digestate, liquid digestate, and livestock slurry. Unlike fixed concrete tanks, modular corrugated steel tanks can be installed without extensive groundworks and can be expanded or relocated as storage requirements change.  ### Choosing the Right Liner The liner is the critical component that makes any corrugated steel tank suitable for digestate or slurry storage. Our [liner kits](https://butektanks.com/products/liner-kits/) are manufactured in-house: Landflex ES: the recommended liner for digestate and slurry storage, with outstanding resistance to ammoniacal nitrogen, acids, and biogas byproducts. This is the standard specification for our slurry and digestate tanks. Butyl Rubber: the premium liner for clean water storage on the same site, suitable for irrigation tanks used alongside AD systems. HDPE: used where the stored liquid has a high solids content requiring abrasion resistance and frequent internal cleaning. ### Tank Covers and Roof Kits Covering a digestate or slurry tank delivers important operational and compliance benefits. An uncovered tank emits ammonia, increases nitrogen losses, contributes to greenhouse gas emission, and can breach permit conditions. Rainfall entering an uncovered tank increases storage volume rapidly. Our [roof kits](https://butektanks.com/products/roof-kits/) include heavy-duty steel roof covers and the Aqua-Float floating cover, which sits directly on the liquid surface, preventing up to 98% of evaporation and dramatically reducing ammonia emission and odour. All covers include lockable access hatches for safe inspection and agitation access. ## Using Digestate as a Fertiliser: Benefits and Best Practice The land application of digestate is governed by the Farming Rules for Water, the Nitrates Regulations in nitrate vulnerable zones, and the specific conditions of any Environment Agency permit held by the AD operator. The benefits of AD and the use of digestate as a fertiliser include a reliable nitrogen supply that reduces dependence on synthetic fertilisers, improved soil structure and organic matter over repeated applications, phosphorus and potassium inputs that reduce mineral fertiliser requirements, reduced greenhouse gas emission compared to leaving organic waste untreated, and recycling of nutrients to the soil that would otherwise be lost. The effects on soil from consistent digestate application over several seasons include measurable improvements in soil conditioner properties, improve soil structure, and overall soil health. Digestate application timing is critical. Liquid digestate applied in spring ahead of crop uptake delivers the highest nitrogen use efficiency and the best crop yield outcomes. Application outside of growing periods, in waterlogged conditions, or on steeply sloping land increases the risk of runoff and must be avoided. ## Frequently Asked Questions About Digestate ### What is digestate in simple terms? Digestate is the nutrient-rich material left behind after organic matter has been broken down in an anaerobic digester. It is a byproduct of the anaerobic digestion process and is used as an organic fertiliser on agricultural land because it contains valuable nutrients including nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium. Digestate is a valuable alternative to synthetic fertilisers and supports nutrient recycling across the agricultural system.  ### Is digestate the same as slurry? No. Slurry is raw livestock excreta and washings collected directly on farm. Digestate is the residual material produced by the anaerobic digestion of organic feedstocks. Both require SSAFO-compliant storage, but digestate has a higher proportion of available nitrogen, lower odour, reduced pathogen levels, and lower greenhouse gas emission potential compared to untreated slurry.  ### What are liquid and solid digestate? Liquid digestate is the low-dry-matter fraction produced after mechanical separation of whole digestate. It is fast acting and nitrogen-rich, applied to land by tanker or trailing shoe. Solid digestate is the fibrous, higher-dry-matter fraction used as a soil conditioner or composted for longer-term organic matter and digestate fibre addition to the soil.  ### Do I need a permit to spread digestate? It depends on whether your digestate meets the PAS 110 quality standard. Certified digestate is classified as a manufactured fertiliser and is not subject to waste management regulations. Non-certified digestate requires either an exemption registration or an Environmental Permit from the Environment Agency for land application.  ### What size digestate storage tank do I need? Under SSAFO regulations, you must store a minimum of four months of production. The right tank size depends on your AD system output, the separation ratio of liquid to solid digestates, and your intended spreading schedule. Our team provides free site surveys and can calculate the correct storage capacity for your operation.  ### Can the same tank store both digestate and slurry? Yes, provided the tank is correctly specified for both materials. A Landflex ES lined corrugated steel tank is suitable for both liquid digestate and livestock slurry and can be sized to accommodate the combined storage requirement of a mixed farm AD system. Contact our team to discuss combined storage solutions.  ## Conclusion Digestate is a valuable organic fertiliser and a natural byproduct of anaerobic digestion, but handling it correctly requires a clear understanding of what it contains, how it differs from slurry, and what UK law requires for its storage and application. Getting this right protects your land, watercourses, compliance position, and the agronomic returns from your AD investment.At Butek Tanks, we have been manufacturing corrugated steel storage tanks since 1965. Our slurry and digestate tanks, liner kits, and roof kits provide complete, SSAFO-compliant storage solutions for farms and AD operators across the UK. [Contact our team today](https://butektanks.com/contact/) to arrange a free site survey. --- # What is a Gate Valve? Types Used in Water Storage Systems Source: https://butektanks.com/blog/what-is-a-gate-valve/ Every water storage tank system needs a reliable way to control the flow of liquid in and out. Whether you are managing potable water on a construction site, storing effluent on an industrial premises, or running a recirculating aquaculture system, the valves you specify are just as important as the tank itself. Get the valve type wrong and you risk poor flow control, leakage, equipment damage, and costly downtime. Gate valves are the most widely used isolation valves in UK water supply and storage systems, but they are frequently confused with ball valves and butterfly valves. Each type serves a different purpose, performs differently under different conditions, and suits different tank configurations. This guide explains what a gate valve is, how it works, the parts of a gate valve, the different types of gate valves available, and how gate, ball and butterfly valves compare when used with UK water storage tanks. ## What is a Gate Valve? A gate valve is a type of linear valve used to start or stop the flow of liquid through a pipeline. It is a full-bore isolation valve, meaning that when the valve is fully open, the gate is lifted entirely clear of the flow path, leaving an unobstructed bore the same diameter as the pipe. This produces minimal pressure drop, allows fluid to flow freely with virtually no resistance, and means gate valve has no obstruction to water flow when in the open position. The gate valve gets its name from the closure element itself: a flat or wedge-shaped gate that slides perpendicularly into the flow stream to block it, acting like a gate closing across a passage. Motion is controlled by a stem connected to a handwheel or actuator. Turning the handwheel raises or lowers the gate within the valve body, opening or closing the flow path. Gate valves are designed for fully open or fully closed operation only. They are not suitable for throttling or flow regulation. Using a gate valve in a partially open position causes turbulence, erosion of the gate and seats, and premature wear of the body of the valve. Their purpose is simple and specific: to isolate sections of a pipeline or to start and stop flow entirely. Gate valve is commonly used across water supply, effluent storage, industrial pipework, and potable water tank installations throughout the UK. ## How Does a Gate Valve Work? Understanding how a gate valve works starts with the valve construction itself. The main parts of a gate valve are the valve body, the gate, the stem, the bonnet, the seats, and the handwheel or actuator. The valve body is the outer shell that houses all internal components and connects to the pipeline at each end. It contains the two seats against which the gate seals when the valve closes. Inside the body of the valve sits the gate, either a wedge-shaped or parallel-sided plate that slides vertically across the flow path to control fluid flow. The stem runs vertically through the bonnet, which is the cap at the top of the valve body that seals the stem from the outside environment and provides access to the valve. The handwheel is fixed to the top of the stem. When the handwheel is turned clockwise, the stem drives the gate downward into the closed position, creating a tight seal against the two parallel seats inside the valve body. When turned anticlockwise, the stem lifts the gate upward until it is fully retracted into the bonnet, leaving the flow path completely clear and the gate valve is fully open. The stem is typically threaded into the gate or threaded through the bonnet depending on the stem design. This is what converts the rotational movement of the handwheel into the linear movement of the gate inside the valve. There are two main stem designs. A rising stem moves upward out of the valve body as the valve opens, giving a clear visual indication of valve position at all times, whether the gate valve is open or closed. A non-rising stem design, sometimes called an inside screw, keeps the stem within the valve body throughout operation. Non-rising stem gate valves are preferred for underground or space-restricted installations where vertical clearance above the valve is limited. Gate valves are also available with pneumatic, hydraulic, or electric actuation for installations where manual operation is not practical. ## Types of Gate Valves Understanding the different types of gate valves matters because valve construction and gate design directly affect which applications a gate valve is suited to. The two main types differ in the design of the gate itself.  ### Wedge Gate Valves Wedge gate valves are the most common type and the standard gate valve model used across UK water supply systems. The gate is machined at a slight angle to match two inclined seats inside the valve body. This inclined gate design creates a tight, reliable seal as the two halves of the wedge are pressed firmly against the matching inclined seats. Wedge-shaped gate valves are the preferred choice for clean water, potable water, and neutral fluid applications. Resilient seated gate valves are a widely used variation of the wedge type. They use a rubber-encapsulated wedge that provides an even tighter seal and resilient seated gate valves provide excellent sealing performance across a long service life. Gate valves are resilient seated as standard for isolating potable water and clean neutral fluids across UK water supply and waterworks applications. A flat gate variant also exists for lower-pressure applications where the full wedge action is not required. ### Parallel Slide Gate Valves Parallel slide gate valves use a flat gate with two parallel seats rather than an angled wedge. The gate is held against the downstream seat by fluid pressure rather than mechanical wedging, which means the valve is used to isolate flow from either direction with equal reliability. Parallel gate valves of this type are also described as having two parallel seats that move lower together as the valve closes, and the gate is used to cut off flow cleanly without the high seating loads of a wedge design. Knife gate valves are a variation of the parallel slide design, with a sharp-edged gate used for larger valves handling dense fluids, slurries, and dry bulk solids. Metal seated gate valves use a non-ferrous metal face within the valve body and are the correct choice for wastewater, sewage, and effluent applications where rubber seats would degrade. The sluice valve, traditionally used in waterworks and water treatment infrastructure, is also a parallel gate design and remains a widely specified valve for water supply isolation in UK civil water engineering. ## Gate Valve vs Ball Valve vs Butterfly Valve: Which is Right for Your Tank? All three valve types are available as standard fittings for corrugated steel water storage tanks, in inlet and outlet sizes from 2 inches to 12 inches, as part of our [accessories range](https://butektanks.com/products/accessories/). Whether a gate valve, ball valve, or butterfly valve is the right choice depends on your application, flow requirements, and the liquid being controlled.  ### Gate Valve A gate valve is the correct choice when you need a reliable, full-bore isolation valve for water supply with minimal pressure drop and a tight seal when closed. Gate valves are best suited to larger pipelines where fluid needs to be shut off completely and cleanly, and where the valve will not be operated frequently. Gate valves are often specified on mains fill connections, gravity-fed distribution outlets, and primary drainage connections on large storage tanks. Their full-bore design means gate valve has no obstruction to fluid flow in the open position, which makes them the most dependable valve for water supply, effluent storage, and potable water tank applications. Gate valves are also bi-directional, meaning they can isolate water flow from either direction, a useful characteristic in complex tank installations with multiple inlets and outlets. ### Ball Valve A ball valve uses a rotating ball with a hollow bore drilled through its centre. A quarter turn of the handle rotates the ball so the bore either aligns with the pipeline, with the valve is open and flow unrestricted, or sits perpendicular to it in the closed position. Ball valves provide an excellent seal, give an immediate visual indication of valve position through the handle orientation, and open and close rapidly. Ball valves are well suited to smaller diameter pipelines and applications requiring frequent operation or fast shut-off. They are a practical choice for tank outlet connections used regularly in day-to-day water management. Ball valves are generally less suitable for larger bore pipelines, where gate valves are the more cost-effective and reliable choice and are used for larger valves throughout the waterworks and storage industry. ### Butterfly Valve A butterfly valve uses a disc mounted on a rotating shaft running through the centre of the pipe. A quarter turn of the actuator rotates the disc from parallel to the water flow, fully open, to perpendicular to it in the closed position. Butterfly valves are compact, lightweight, and cost-effective, making them particularly practical in larger diameter applications where space and weight are considerations. Unlike gate valves, butterfly valves can modulate or throttle fluid flow as well as providing on/off isolation. However, the disc remains within the flow path even when the valve is fully open, creating a small but permanent pressure drop and a restriction that gate valves do not have. For slurry or highly viscous liquids, this obstruction can cause material build-up. Butterfly valves are also more susceptible to water hammer than gate valves because of their faster closing speed. ## Gate Valves in UK Water Storage Tank Applications Gate valves for water supply have been a standard fitting on UK water storage and distribution systems for over a century. They are used to isolate specific sections of a water supply network during maintenance, control water flow between interconnected tanks, protect pump equipment by providing clean shut-off upstream and downstream, and allow access to the valve and tank system for inspection and maintenance. On a Butek Tanks corrugated steel water storage tank, gate valves are most commonly specified on larger outlet connections where full-bore fluid flow with minimal restriction is the priority: mains fill connections, gravity-fed distribution outlets on potable water tanks, and primary drainage outlets on effluent and slurry storage systems. Our accessories range includes gate, ball and butterfly valves in all inlet and outlet sizes, available in a variety of materials including galvanised steel and PVC to suit the liquid being stored. For tanks storing potable water, resilient seated gate valves are the correct specification. For effluent and trade wastewater tanks, metal seated gate valves resist degradation from the chemical content of the stored liquid. For slurry and digestate storage, knife gate valves handle the dense, viscous nature of the material without obstruction to flow. Valve selection links directly to liner choice. A corrugated steel tank fitted with a [Butyl rubber liner](https://butektanks.com/products/liner-kits/) for potable water storage requires valves and fittings compatible with drinking water contact. Tanks fitted with a Landflex ES liner for industrial effluent storage require chemically resistant valve materials. Our team specifies valves and fittings as part of the overall tank design, ensuring every component is matched to the liquid and the application. ## UK Regulations and Standards for Valves in Water Systems Valves used in potable water systems in the UK must comply with WRAS (Water Regulations Advisory Scheme) requirements under the Water Supply (Water Fittings) Regulations 1999. Any valve or fitting connected to the mains supply must be WRAS-approved to ensure the materials do not contaminate stored water. This applies to gate valves, ball valves, butterfly valves, and all associated fittings on a potable water tank. For trade effluent and industrial applications, valve specifications must be compatible with the Environment Agency discharge permit conditions and the nature of the stored liquid. Valves on agricultural slurry and digestate tanks must meet the structural and containment requirements of the Silage, Slurry and Agricultural Fuel Oil (SSAFO) regulations. ## Frequently Asked Questions About Gate Valves ### What is a gate valve used for? A gate valve is used to isolate sections of a pipeline or to start and stop flow completely. It is a full-bore isolation valve suited to water supply networks, effluent storage tanks, potable water systems, and industrial pipework where minimal pressure drop and reliable sealing in the closed position are the priority. Gate valve is commonly used wherever dependable full-bore isolation is needed.  ### What is the difference between a gate valve and a ball valve? Both are full-bore on/off isolation valves but they operate differently. A gate valve uses a linear sliding gate inside the valve body and requires multiple turns of a handwheel to open or close. A ball valve uses a rotating ball and opens or closes with a single quarter turn. Ball valves are faster to operate and better suited to frequent use on smaller bore connections. Gate valves are more reliable for larger bore isolation where operating frequency is low and full-bore fluid flow is critical.  ### Can a gate valve be used for flow control? No. Gate valves are designed for fully open or fully closed operation only. Using a gate valve in a partially open position causes erosion of the gate and seats inside the valve, vibration, and premature failure of the valve body. For flow regulation or throttling, a butterfly valve or dedicated control valve should be specified instead.  ### What is a rising stem gate valve? A rising stem gate valve has a stem that moves upward out of the valve body as the valve opens, giving a clear visual indication of valve position at all times. A non-rising stem gate valve keeps the stem within the valve body and is the more common choice where vertical space above the valve is restricted, such as in underground installations.  ### What is a resilient seated gate valve? A resilient seated gate valve uses a rubber-encapsulated wedge that provides a tight seal against the seats inside the valve. It is the standard type for isolating potable water and clean neutral fluids in UK water supply systems. Resilient seated gate valves provide excellent sealing performance and a long service life in clean water applications and gate valves are resilient seated as standard across the UK waterworks industry.  ### Which valve is best for a water storage tank? The right valve depends on the application. Gate valves are best for large-bore isolation where full-bore fluid flow and minimal pressure drop matter. Ball valves suit smaller, frequently operated connections. Butterfly valves are well suited to large-diameter outlets where space is limited and throttling is useful. Our accessories range includes all three types, specified to match the tank, liner, and application.  ## Conclusion A gate valve is a full-bore isolation valve designed to start and stop water flow reliably with minimal pressure drop, making it one of the most important components in any water storage tank system. Understanding the different types of gate valves and how gate, ball and butterfly valves compare ensures every connection on your tank is correctly specified for its purpose, whether you are storing potable water, trade effluent, slurry, or any other liquid. At Butek Tanks, we have been designing and manufacturing corrugated steel storage tanks since 1965. Our accessories range includes gate, ball and butterfly valves in all sizes and materials, specified as part of a complete tank solution alongside our liner kits and roof kits. [Contact our team today](https://butektanks.com/contact/) to arrange a free site survey, or explore our full range of tank accessories and fittings. --- # What is Potable Water? UK Drinking Water Storage Standards Source: https://butektanks.com/blog/what-is-potable-water/ Potable water is water that is safe to drink, safe to cook with, and suitable for human consumption without posing any risk to health. Drinking water is essential to life, business, and compliance, yet the distinction between potable and non-potable water is widely misunderstood. Whether you manage a farm, run an industrial site, or work within the UK water industry, getting this distinction right is both a legal and operational necessity. At Butek Tanks, we have manufactured corrugated steel water tanks for potable and non-potable water storage since 1965. From WRAS-approved liner kits to protective roof kits, our bespoke [Steel Water Tanks](https://butektanks.com/products/steel-water-tanks/) are trusted by water utilities, farms, and industry across the UK. In this guide, we explain everything you need to know about potable water, from definition to safe storage. ## What is Potable Water? Potable water is water that has been treated, tested, and verified against national standards to make it safe for human consumption. Also known as drinking water, potable water is used for far more than hydration. Any application where water comes into direct contact with people, food, or surfaces used in food preparation requires water that is safe to drink. For water to be considered potable, it must meet strict quality criteria covering freedom from harmful bacteria, viruses, and pathogens; safe concentrations of chemicals including nitrates, lead, and chlorine; absence of heavy metals and industrial pollutants; and an acceptable appearance, taste, and odour. Water that has not been treated to this standard is classified as non-potable water and must never be used for drinking or cooking. Understanding the distinction between potable and non-potable water is fundamental to public health, water management, and regulatory compliance. ## What is Non-Potable Water? Non-potable water is water that is not safe to drink and must not be used for cooking, personal hygiene, or any purpose where it may be ingested. Non-potable water is commonly used across agriculture, construction, horticulture, and industry, and this is entirely legal provided it is clearly labelled and never cross-connected to a potable water system. Common non-potable water sources include surface water from rivers and streams, ground water extracted without treatment, raw water before it enters a treatment process, reclaimed water from wastewater processes, rainwater collected from roofs and hard surfaces, and washing machine water recycling systems. Typical uses of non-potable water include agricultural irrigation, toilet flushing in commercial buildings, industrial cooling systems, construction dust suppression, vehicle washing, and horticulture. Non-potable water is commonly used across all of these sectors, providing a cost-effective and sustainable alternative to mains supply for tasks that do not require drinking water quality. In all cases, potable water and non-potable water must be stored separately and clearly labelled to prevent any risk of water contamination. Cross-connection between the two is one of the most serious risks in any water system. ## Potable vs Non-Potable Water: Key Differences Understanding the difference between potable and non-potable water protects public health and ensures you meet your legal obligations. Here is a clear summary: **Potable water:** treated to DWI and WRAS standards, safe for human consumption, used for drinking, cooking, and hygiene, stored in a WRAS-approved potable water tank, sourced from municipal water supplies or treated ground water. **Non-potable water:** untreated or partially treated, not safe to drink, used for irrigation, cleaning, and industrial applications, stored in clearly labelled non-potable tanks, sourced from surface water, rainwater, or reclaimed water. Water contamination is the central risk when the two types are confused or cross-connected. Consuming water that is not safe to drink can cause serious gastrointestinal illness, infection, and in severe cases life-threatening conditions. This is why understanding the distinction between potable and non-potable water is so important, particularly for operators managing multiple water sources on a single site. ## UK Drinking Water Standards and Regulations The UK has one of the most rigorous regulatory frameworks for drinking water quality in the world. Drinking water is essential to public health and the regulatory bodies governing it reflect that. ### Drinking Water Inspectorate (DWI) The DWI is the independent regulator responsible for ensuring public water supplies meet required drinking water standards in England and Wales. It enforces the Water Supply (Water Quality) Regulations 2016, covering over 50 parameters including bacteriological tests, chemical concentrations, and physical properties. Water companies must carry out regular water testing, maintain detailed records, and report results to the DWI. The regulations define exactly what parameters treated water must meet before it is distributed as safe drinking water. ### WRAS Compliance for Water Storage For any business storing or distributing potable water, WRAS (Water Regulations Advisory Scheme) compliance is essential. Any potable water tank or fitting connected to the mains supply must be WRAS-approved to ensure the materials used will not cause water contamination. WRAS approval is a legal requirement under the Water Supply (Water Fittings) Regulations 1999, not an optional standard. ### Private Water Supplies Properties relying on private water supplies, such as rural farms and remote industrial sites, are governed by the Private Water Supplies (England) Regulations 2016. These require regular potable water testing and risk assessments, ensuring the water meets the same drinking water standards as municipal water supplied by water utilities. Potable water testing for private supplies is the responsibility of the landowner or site operator, not the water company. ## How is Potable Water Treated? All raw water, regardless of source, must go through a water treatment process before it is considered safe to drink. The typical stages of the treatment process are: **Screening:** removal of large debris and solids from the raw water intake. **Coagulation and flocculation:** chemicals cause fine particles to clump together for easier removal. **Sedimentation:** heavier particles settle to the bottom of settlement tanks. **Filtration:** water passes through sand or carbon filters to remove bacteria and organic matter. **Disinfection:** chlorination or UV treatment destroys remaining pathogens, making the water safe for human consumption. **pH adjustment:** chemical dosing balances pH to prevent pipe corrosion and protect water quality. **Water testing:** final samples are tested across all required parameters before distribution. Water treatment systems range from large municipal plants serving millions of people to compact on-site treatment systems for farms and remote sites. For sites that need a complete, deployable sewage and wastewater treatment solution, Butek Tanks' [Modular Wastewater System (MWS)](https://butektanks.com/products/modular-wastewater-system-m-w-s/) can be installed in as little as 14 days, processes up to 1,000m3 per day, and produces 99.99% pathogen-free treated water. ## Potable Water Storage: Choosing the Right Water Tank If your operation stores water for human consumption, livestock welfare, food production, or any application requiring drinking water quality, you need a dedicated potable water tank. Drinking water is essential on every operational site and safe storage is not optional. A compliant potable water tank must be constructed from non-leaching, food-safe materials that will not contaminate stored water; WRAS-approved and compliant with UK water supply regulations; sealed to prevent ingress of dust, debris, insects, and wildlife; fitted with a liner appropriate for the liquid being stored; and regularly inspected, cleaned, and maintained to prevent biofilm and Legionella risk. ### Why Plastic Water Tanks Fall Short Plastic water tanks are low-cost but come with real limitations for large-scale potable water storage. Certain plastics can leach gases and chemicals into stored water over time, particularly under UV exposure or temperature changes. Porous surfaces in lower-grade plastic water tanks can harbour bacteria and biofilm. For long-term, high-volume, or industrial-grade potable water storage, corrugated steel tanks with a WRAS-approved liner are the preferred solution across the UK water industry. ### Butek Tanks Corrugated Steel Water Tanks Butek Tanks manufactures the UK's largest range of corrugated steel water tanks, with capacities from 2m3 to 5,000m3. Made from Magnelis coated steel for superior corrosion resistance, each tank can be configured with the appropriate liner for potable compliance. Our [Liner Kits](https://butektanks.com/products/liner-kits/) include: **Butyl Rubber:** the premier potable water liner with exceptional impermeability and fully vulcanised factory seams, ideal for long-term potable water storage. **EPDM Rubber:** a cost-effective rubber option with good flexibility, suitable where maximum longevity is not the primary requirement. **HDPE:** the industry standard in aquaculture and fish farming, and ideal where frequent internal cleaning is required. **PVC:** a versatile, cost-effective option available in a wide range of specifications, suitable for both potable and non-potable applications. Covering your potable water tank is equally important for maintaining water quality. Open-top tanks are vulnerable to contamination from dust, debris, algae growth, and insects. Butek Tanks offers a full range of [Roof Kits](https://butektanks.com/products/roof-kits/) from heavy-duty steel roofs designed to withstand extreme weather loading, to the Aqua-Float floating cover that prevents up to 98% of evaporation, all with lockable access hatches for authorised inspection. For agricultural operations that also need to manage slurry and organic waste streams alongside water storage, our [Slurry Tanks](https://butektanks.com/products/slurry-tanks/) provide high-capacity, structurally certified storage from 280m3 to 1,250m3, certified to British and European structural standards. ## Is Rainwater Considered Potable? Not by default. Rainwater collected from roofs or hard surfaces picks up contaminants and is non-potable in its raw state. It can be treated and tested to meet drinking water standards, but requires appropriate filtration, disinfection, and potable water testing before it is suitable for drinking. For most UK farms and businesses, harvested rainwater is used as non-potable water for irrigation, toilet flushing, and vehicle washing, reducing reliance on mains water supplies without the cost and complexity of treating it to drinking water standard. Rainwater harvesting for non-potable use is one of the most effective and sustainable water management strategies available to UK businesses today. ## Indirect Potable Reuse: The Future of Water Resources? Indirect potable reuse is a process where highly treated wastewater or reclaimed water is returned to a natural water body such as a river or aquifer, where it mixes with existing water resources. It is later extracted and treated again to drinking water standard before it is distributed as potable water. This approach is increasingly being explored by UK water companies as water resources come under pressure from climate change and population growth. It represents a significant development in sustainable water management and highlights how the boundary between reclaimed water and considered potable water is becoming increasingly sophisticated in the modern water industry. ## Frequently Asked Questions About Potable Water ### Is tap water potable in the UK? Yes. UK tap water is considered potable and consistently meets DWI drinking water standards. Tap water and bottled water are both subject to strict quality water regulations in the UK, and municipal water supplied by water utilities is tested thousands of times annually. Tap water is among the safest in the world. ### What is the difference between potable and non-potable water? Potable water is water that is safe to drink and has been treated to meet UK drinking water standards. Non-potable water is water that is not safe to drink, either because it has not been treated or because it does not meet the required quality standards. The key practical difference is in storage, labelling, and permitted use. Potable water must be stored in a WRAS-approved potable water tank; non-potable water must be clearly labelled and kept separate from potable supplies at all times. ### Do I need a WRAS-approved tank to provide potable water on site? Yes. Any tank connected to the mains supply and used to store potable water in the UK must comply with WRAS requirements under drinking water regulations. This ensures the materials used in tank construction and lining will not contaminate the water stored. Butek Tanks' corrugated steel water tanks, fitted with WRAS-approved liner kits, are fully compliant and trusted by water companies, farms, and industrial operators across the UK. ### Can non-potable water make you ill? Yes. Water that is not safe to drink can cause serious gastrointestinal illness, infection, and in severe cases life-threatening conditions. Water contamination from non-potable sources is a significant public health risk, which is why potable and non-potable water must always be clearly identified, stored separately, and protected from cross-contamination. ### What is pure water? Pure water refers to water that contains no dissolved minerals, chemicals, or contaminants whatsoever, typically produced through distillation or deionisation. It is not the same as potable water. In fact, pure water is not recommended for regular drinking as it lacks the beneficial minerals found in safe drinking water and can cause mineral imbalances if consumed in large quantities. ## Conclusion Potable water is water that is safe for human consumption and has been treated and tested to meet strict UK drinking water standards. Non-potable water is water that is not safe to drink but has many legitimate uses across agriculture, industry, and construction. Understanding the distinction between potable and non-potable water, how the UK treatment process works, and how to store water safely and compliantly is critical for any operator across the water industry, agriculture, or industrial sectors. With over 60 years of experience, Butek Tanks provides bespoke steel water tanks with a full range of liner kits and roof kits to meet every potable and non-potable water storage requirement. From 2m3 to 5,000m3, our ISO 9001:2015 certified, CE-marked tanks are trusted by water companies, farms, and industry across the UK and beyond. Need a bespoke potable water tank solution? [Contact Butek Tanks today](https://butektanks.com/contact/) to discuss your water storage requirements. Our team will tailor a solution from concept to completion. --- # How Does a Wastewater Treatment Plant Work? Stages and UK Standards Source: https://butektanks.com/blog/how-does-a-wastewater-treatment-plant-work/ Every time you flush a toilet, empty a sink, or run a washing machine, that used water begins a journey most people never think about. It travels through a network of sewer pipes, joins the wider sewage system, and eventually arrives at a wastewater treatment plant. There, it is cleaned, treated, and returned safely to the natural water cycle. In the UK, water companies and the Environment Agency hold wastewater treatment to strict standards. Whether you manage a rural property off the public sewer, operate an industrial site, or need a rapid deployable solution, understanding how a wastewater treatment plant works matters. This guide explains every treatment stage clearly, covers UK discharge standards, and shows when Butek Tanks' [Modular Wastewater System (MWS)](https://butektanks.com/products/modular-wastewater-system-m-w-s/) makes more sense than a fixed plant. ## What Is a Wastewater Treatment Plant? A wastewater treatment plant (also called a sewage treatment plant, sewage treatment works, or treatment works) is a facility designed to collect raw sewage and used water, remove harmful contaminants, and return treated wastewater safely to the environment. The contaminants removed include solid matter, organic waste, pathogens, nutrients such as nitrogen and phosphorus, and in the case of industrial wastewater, heavy metals and chemical residues. The goal of every treatment plant, regardless of size, is the same: to protect water bodies, groundwater, and public health by making water safe before it re-enters the natural water cycle. There are two broad categories. Large municipal treatment plants receive sewage from towns and cities via the public sewer and sewer network, processing millions of litres daily. Smaller on-site treatment systems serve individual properties, rural communities, or commercial sites not connected to the public sewer. Sites that also need large-scale effluent storage alongside their treatment system can pair any plant with Butek Tanks' [Steel Water Tanks](https://butektanks.com/products/steel-water-tanks/), available from 2m3 to 5,000m3 and fitted with specialist [Liner Kits](https://butektanks.com/products/liner-kits/) in Landflex ES, HDPE, Butyl, and EPDM to safely contain whatever is being stored. ## What Are the Three Main Stages of Wastewater Treatment? A wastewater treatment plant works by passing sewage through a series of carefully designed treatment stages. There are three main stages of wastewater treatment: primary treatment, secondary treatment, and tertiary treatment, typically preceded by a preliminary screening stage. Each treatment stage builds on the last, progressively improving water quality until the treated effluent meets the required standards for safe discharge. Understanding these main stages explains not only how treatment plant work is structured, but also why each step is essential and what happens when one stage is skipped or fails. ### Preliminary Treatment: Screening Raw Sewage Raw sewage arriving at the treatment works via the sewer network first passes through screens. The purpose of this stage is to remove large solids: wet wipes, rags, plastics, leaves, and other debris that would damage the more sensitive equipment downstream. Grit removal tanks then slow the flow, allowing sand, gravel, and small stones to settle out. Without this preliminary step, solid debris would clog pipework, wear down mechanical components, and disrupt the entire treatment process. The screened material is typically sent to landfill or incinerated. ### Primary Treatment: Removing Solids and Sludge Primary treatment involves large sedimentation tanks where the flow of sewage slows dramatically, allowing gravity to separate its contents. Heavier solid matter sinks to the bottom and accumulates as sludge. Fats, oils, and grease rise to the surface and are skimmed away. This primary wastewater treatment stage removes approximately 60 to 70 percent of suspended solids from the incoming sewage and meaningfully reduces the biochemical oxygen demand (BOD) of the water before it moves forward. The sludge collected at this stage is pumped away for separate treatment, covered later in this guide. The partially clarified water, now referred to as effluent, moves on to secondary treatment. Primary treatment alone is never sufficient for safe discharge. The effluent at this point still contains significant levels of dissolved organic matter, bacteria, and nutrients that require biological treatment to remove. Agricultural operations that produce slurry alongside wastewater require purpose-built, certified storage to contain organic waste safely. Butek Tanks' [Slurry Tanks](https://butektanks.com/products/slurry-tanks/) are available from 280m3 to 1,250m3, certified to British and European structural standards including BS 5502, and lined with Landflex ES to resist corrosion and contamination. ### Secondary Treatment: Biological Treatment of Organic Waste Secondary treatment is the biological treatment stage and the heart of the entire wastewater treatment process. The partially clarified sewage enters a biological treatment zone where naturally occurring microorganisms consume and break down the dissolved organic pollutants that primary treatment cannot remove. There are two commonly used secondary treatment processes in the UK. **Activated Sludge Process:** Wastewater is pumped into aeration tanks where compressed air is continuously introduced. This oxygen-rich environment encourages aerobic bacteria to thrive and digest the organic matter in the sewage at speed. The process dramatically reduces BOD and suspended solids, producing significantly cleaner water. This method is used in the majority of large sewage treatment works and municipal treatment plants worldwide. **Biological Filter Beds and Rotating Biological Contactors:** Wastewater trickles over or around media (aggregate, plastic, or rotating discs) colonised by bacteria. As the bacteria are alternately exposed to wastewater and air, they digest the organic contaminants. This approach uses less energy than activated sludge and is well suited to smaller on-site treatment systems. After the secondary treatment process, the water passes through a final settlement tank where the bacterial biomass (now part of the sludge) settles out. The treated wastewater that remains is substantially cleaner and, in some circumstances, can be discharged to a watercourse at this point if it meets the required water quality standards. However, for many UK sites a further treatment stage is required. ### Tertiary Treatment: Polishing Effluent to the Highest Standard Not every wastewater treatment plant includes a tertiary treatment stage, but it is required when treated effluent will be discharged to sensitive water bodies such as rivers, bathing waters, or shellfish-producing coastal areas. The tertiary treatment stage is the final treatment step before the treated effluent is released to the environment. This stage targets the fine suspended solids, residual nutrients, and pathogens that survive secondary treatment. Common tertiary treatment methods include: **Sand or membrane filtration:** Removes fine suspended solids that passed through the secondary stage, producing cleaner water with lower turbidity. **UV disinfection:** Ultraviolet light destroys remaining bacteria and viruses without chemicals, making it the most environmentally friendly disinfection option available. **Chemical dosing:** Iron or aluminium salts precipitate and remove dissolved phosphorus, preventing eutrophication of receiving water bodies. **Chlorination:** Kills remaining pathogens but requires dechlorination before the treated water can be safely discharged to surface water or a watercourse. After tertiary treatment, the treated effluent meets the level of treatment required for safe discharge. Where effluent quality is high enough, treated waste water can also be reused for non-potable applications such as irrigation, toilet flushing, or industrial process water recycling, supporting more sustainable water management across a site. ## What Happens to the Sludge? Every treatment stage generates sludge as a by-product. Managing this sewage sludge is a critical part of the overall sewage treatment process and directly affects the efficiency and environmental compliance of the plant. The most common sludge treatment approaches are: **Anaerobic digestion:** Sludge is heated in sealed tanks where anaerobic microorganisms break down the organic matter and produce biogas (predominantly methane), which is captured to generate electricity and heat on-site. **Dewatering:** Reduces the water content of the sludge through mechanical pressing or centrifugation, shrinking its volume and making it cheaper to transport. **Agricultural land application:** Treated sewage sludge (biosolids) is spread on farmland as a nutrient-rich fertiliser, returning phosphorus and nitrogen to the soil and contributing to sustainable water management. **Incineration:** Heavily contaminated sludge that cannot safely be applied to land is incinerated, with the resulting ash sometimes used in construction materials. Effective sludge management is essential at every level of treatment and plays a direct role in the overall water quality outcomes a plant can achieve. ## UK Discharge Standards: What Does a Treatment Plant Need to Achieve? In the UK, wastewater treatment discharge standards are set and enforced by the Environment Agency in England, SEPA in Scotland, and Natural Resources Wales. These standards define the maximum concentrations of specific contaminants that treated effluent can contain before it is discharged to a watercourse, surface water, or drainage field. A standard UK discharge permit typically specifies limits for biochemical oxygen demand (usually no more than 20mg/L), suspended solids (typically 30 to 100mg/L depending on the sensitivity of the receiving water), ammoniacal nitrogen (often 5 to 10mg/L), and phosphorus (as low as 0.25mg/L in protected areas). The General Binding Rules (GBRs) govern small sewage discharges from systems treating domestic sewage from up to 13 people discharging less than 2m3 per day. Provided a system is correctly installed, maintained, and discharges to an appropriate drainage field or watercourse, no individual permit is required. For larger or more complex sewage discharges, a bespoke Environment Agency permit must be obtained. Sewage treatment works serving sensitive locations must achieve stricter standards, often requiring full tertiary treatment including nutrient removal and UV disinfection. Failing to meet the required level of treatment risks enforcement action, fines, and legal liability for any water pollution caused. ## Sewage Treatment Plant vs Septic Tank: What Is the Difference? A septic tank provides primary wastewater treatment only. It separates solids from liquid using gravity and relies on a drainage field to complete the treatment process naturally in the soil. The effluent it produces is not clean enough for direct discharge to a watercourse. A sewage treatment plant carries out the full treatment process on-site, including biological treatment and optionally tertiary treatment. The treated wastewater it produces is significantly cleaner and can, in most cases, be discharged directly to a watercourse under an Environment Agency permit. Since January 2020, Environment Agency General Binding Rules prohibit septic tanks from discharging to surface water. For properties where a compliant drainage field is not viable, a sewage treatment plant is the legally required alternative. ## When Is a Modular or Deployable Wastewater Treatment Solution the Right Choice? Standard fixed wastewater treatment plants are built for permanent, planned infrastructure. But there are situations where speed, flexibility, or temporary capacity matter far more than permanence. **Planned maintenance:** When an existing sewage treatment plant needs to go offline for upgrade or repair, a temporary treatment system keeps operations compliant and avoids sewage discharges to the environment. **Emergency response:** Flooding, infrastructure failure, or unforeseen damage can leave a site without functioning treatment works within hours. A deployable system can be operational within days. **Remote or off-grid locations:** New developments, construction sites, or rural communities with no access to the public sewer need on-site treatment that can be installed and operational quickly. **Scaling existing capacity:** Where demand has outgrown an existing treatment plant, a modular addition can increase throughput without full plant replacement. This is exactly where Butek Tanks' Modular Wastewater System (MWS) delivers. The MWS is a complete, deployable sewage treatment plant built on the activated sludge aeration process used in the majority of permanent sewage treatment works worldwide. It can be installed in as little as 7 to 14 days, treats up to 1,000m3 of wastewater per day, and produces treated wastewater that is 99.99% pathogen free. The MWS treatment process covers primary settlement, aerobic digestion, liquid separation, UV or chlorination disinfection, and sludge treatment, making it a full multi-stage wastewater treatment plant in a modular, transportable format. It operates as a standalone system or connects to an existing plant to rapidly increase capacity with minimal downtime. For sites requiring covered effluent storage alongside the treatment system, our [Roof Kits](https://butektanks.com/products/roof-kits/) protect stored water quality and prevent contamination from debris, algae, and evaporation. ## Frequently Asked Questions ### How does a wastewater treatment plant work step by step? Raw sewage arrives at the treatment works via the sewer network and passes through preliminary screening to remove large debris. In primary treatment, settlement tanks allow solids to sink as sludge and fats to rise as scum. Secondary treatment uses biological processes (aerobic bacteria) to break down dissolved organic pollutants. Where required, tertiary treatment removes fine solids, nutrients, and pathogens through filtration and disinfection. The resulting treated effluent is discharged safely to a watercourse or drainage field, and the sludge produced at each stage undergoes its own separate treatment. ### What are the three main stages of wastewater treatment? Primary treatment (removing solids and sludge), secondary treatment (biological treatment of organic matter), and tertiary treatment (final polishing, nutrient removal, and disinfection). Most plants also include a preliminary screening stage before these three main stages begin. ### Can treated wastewater be reused? Yes. After tertiary treatment including UV disinfection, treated wastewater can be safely reused for non-potable applications including irrigation, toilet flushing, and industrial process water use. Water recycling at this level supports sustainable water management and reduces demand on freshwater resources. ### What happens to sewage sludge after treatment? Sewage sludge is typically processed through anaerobic digestion (producing biogas for energy generation), dewatered to reduce volume, and then either spread on agricultural land as biosolids fertiliser or incinerated if contamination levels prevent land application. ### Do I need a permit to discharge treated wastewater in the UK? Small systems treating domestic sewage from up to 13 people and discharging less than 2m3 per day may be covered by the General Binding Rules, removing the need for an individual permit. Larger or more complex sewage discharges to a watercourse require a bespoke Environment Agency discharge permit with specific effluent quality conditions. ### What is the difference between a sewage treatment plant and sewage treatment works? They refer to the same type of facility. Sewage treatment works is the traditional UK term; wastewater treatment plant is the modern equivalent used internationally. Both describe a facility that treats raw sewage through multiple stages before discharge. ## Conclusion A wastewater treatment plant works by passing sewage through a structured treatment process, from preliminary screening and primary solids removal through biological secondary treatment to tertiary polishing and disinfection. Each treatment stage builds on the last, progressively improving water quality until the treated effluent is safe to return to the natural water cycle without causing water pollution or harm to water bodies.For properties, businesses, and sites that need wastewater treatment capacity quickly, temporarily, or in a location far from the public sewer, a modular approach changes what is possible. Whether you need a deployable sewage treatment plant, large-scale effluent storage, or specialist liner solutions for challenging liquid streams, [contact the Butek Tanks team](https://butektanks.com/contact/) to discuss your requirements. --- # What is Water Conservation? How Steel Water Tanks Reduce Water Waste Source: https://butektanks.com/blog/what-is-water-conservation/ Water is the source of all life on Earth, yet most of us give very little thought to how much of it we use or waste every single day. Whether you are running a dairy farm in the Peak District, managing a water treatment facility in Wales, or simply brushing your teeth in the morning, the way we all use water matters more than ever. Water conservation is no longer a topic reserved for environmental campaigners or drought-stricken nations far from home. Right here in the UK, water scarcity is becoming a very real and pressing concern. Changing weather patterns, a growing world population, ageing infrastructure, and increasing industrial demand are all placing enormous strain on our water resources. According to projections, the pressure on UK water supply is expected to intensify significantly through the 2080s if meaningful action is not taken now. In this guide, we explain what water conservation means, why it is important for UK industries, and how large-scale solutions like our [large-scale corrugated steel water storage tanks](https://butektanks.com/products/steel-water-tanks/), rainwater harvesting accessories, and Modular Wastewater System are helping businesses and organisations significantly reduce water waste. ## What is Water Conservation?  At its core, water conservation is the practice of using water efficiently to reduce unnecessary water usage and protect water resources for current and future generations. It covers everything from the simple changes we make at home, like turning off the tap while brushing your teeth, to the large-scale infrastructure investments that industries make to capture, store, treat, and reuse water responsibly. Water is often treated as an unlimited resource, but the reality is very different. Although water covers roughly 70% of the Earth's surface, less than 3% of it is fresh water, and only a fraction of that is actually accessible for human use. This makes fresh, clean water one of the most precious and finite resources on the planet. Water conservation is important because demand for water continues to rise alongside the world population, while the amount of water available remains fixed. We cannot create more water. We can only manage what we have more wisely. ## Why is Water Conservation Important in the UK? The UK might be famous for its rain, but that does not mean water is in endless supply. Several interconnected challenges make water conservation essential across the country, for households, communities, and industries alike. ### The Growing Threat of Drought and Water Scarcity Parts of the UK, particularly the south east of England, already face significant water stress. Groundwater levels in many regions are under sustained pressure, and hosepipe bans have become an increasingly common occurrence during dry summers. Climate projections indicate that drought will become more frequent and severe across the UK by the 2080s, with water shortages expected to affect large parts of the country on a regular basis. Changing weather patterns are disrupting the traditional balance between rainfall and water demand. While wetter winters may bring flooding, hotter and drier summers are reducing the replenishment of reservoirs and aquifers. The result is growing water scarcity at a national level, a problem that makes water conservation not just desirable but essential. ### Water Pollution is Reducing Access to Clean Water Water scarcity is compounded by water pollution. Sewage leaks from ageing mains infrastructure, runoff from industrial processes, agricultural chemicals leaching into groundwater, and plastic pollution are all degrading the quality of water in UK rivers, lakes, and coastal waters. When water sources become polluted, the cost and complexity of making that water clean again increases dramatically, effectively reducing the amount of water available for practical use. Protecting existing water sources from pollution and treating and reusing wastewater wherever possible are therefore just as important as simply using less water in the first place. ### The Economic Cost of Inefficient Water Use Beyond the environmental arguments, there is a compelling economic case for water conservation. Unnecessary water usage drives up operational costs for businesses across every sector. In manufacturing, food production, agriculture, and utilities, water is a significant input cost, and inefficient water systems can result in substantial water loss that goes unnoticed for years. The water utilities that supply businesses and homes across the UK are under pressure, facing the dual challenge of maintaining ageing infrastructure while meeting rising demand. As a result, water prices are expected to continue rising. Businesses that invest in using water efficiently now will be far better placed to manage costs in the long term. ## Water Conservation Methods: From Households to Heavy Industry Water conservation operates at many different scales. Understanding the full range of conservation methods, from simple everyday actions to major infrastructure investment, helps build a complete picture of what is possible. ### Simple Household Water Conservation Tips For individuals and households, water conservation is largely about awareness and habit. Even small changes can add up to a significant reduction in home water use over time. - **Turn off the water** while brushing your teeth or shaving. Leaving the tap running during brushing teeth or shaving wastes several litres every single time. - **Take showers instead of baths.** A bath can use over 80 litres of water, whereas a short shower uses considerably less. Switching from baths to showers is one of the most impactful simple changes you can make. - **Install water-saving showerheads.** Modern low-flow shower heads significantly reduce the amount of water used per shower without sacrificing pressure. - **Fix household leaks promptly.** A leaky tap or leaky pipe might seem minor, but repairing leaks as soon as they appear is one of the most cost-effective conservation methods available. - **Upgrade to low-flow toilets.** The toilet accounts for a large proportion of indoor home water use. Low-flow toilets can reduce water usage per flush dramatically. - **Run full loads.** Whether using your washing machine or dishwasher, running appliances only when full maximises efficiency. Adjusting the load size setting on your washing machine avoids using more water than necessary for smaller washes. - **Invest in water-efficient appliances.** Choosing water-efficient appliances when replacing a washing machine or dishwasher delivers long-term water and cost savings. - **Water plants early in the morning.** When watering plants using irrigation systems, doing so early in the morning reduces evaporation and ensures more water reaches the roots. Avoid using a sprinkler during the heat of the day. - **Use a hose responsibly.** Fit your hose with a shut-off nozzle and consider drip irrigation systems, which are far more water-efficient than broadcast sprinklers. - **Manage outdoor water use.** Outdoor water use can account for a surprisingly large proportion of household consumption in summer. Collect rainwater for watering plants rather than drawing from the mains supply. Making small changes like these contributes meaningfully to wider water conservation efforts across the country. ### Industrial and Commercial Water Conservation Methods While household conservation matters, it is at the industrial and commercial scale where the largest volumes of water are used and where the greatest potential for water saving exists. Industrial processes across manufacturing, food and drink production, chemical processing, energy generation, and construction consume enormous quantities of water every day. Much of this use is inefficient, driven by outdated equipment, poor monitoring, and a lack of structured conservation programs. Key approaches to industrial water conservation include water auditing and metering, recycling and reusing process water, repairing infrastructure to eliminate water loss, and on-site water storage. It is this last point where steel water tanks play a pivotal and often underappreciated role. ## How Steel Water Tanks Help UK Industries Reduce Water Waste At Butek Tanks, we have been manufacturing and installing corrugated steel water storage tanks since 1965. Here is how our products directly support water conservation across UK industries. ### Capturing and Storing Rainwater at Scale Rainwater harvesting is one of the most effective water conservation methods available, and it works just as well at industrial and commercial scale as it does in a domestic setting. Our corrugated steel water tanks are available in volumes ranging from 2m3 to 5,000m3, making them suitable for capturing and storing large amounts of water from roof surfaces and hardstanding areas. Our rainwater harvesting kits include 2-stage filtration systems for roof areas up to 1,200m2, channelling significant volumes of rainwater directly into storage and reducing reliance on mains water supply. For sectors such as horticulture, agriculture, sports and leisure, and construction, where large volumes of non-potable water are needed for irrigation systems, dust suppression, and vehicle washing, harvested rainwater stored in steel tanks represents a cost-effective and sustainable water supply. ### Reducing Evaporation and Protecting Stored Water Quality One of the most overlooked forms of water loss in outdoor storage is evaporation. Open-top tanks can lose significant volumes of water during warm, dry weather. Our [Aqua-Float cover](https://butektanks.com/aqua-float/) is a floating tank cover designed to prevent up to 98% of evaporation from open water surfaces, protecting every litre collected. Our full range of [roof kits](https://butektanks.com/products/roof-kits/), including steel roof kits, anti-algae covers, Aqua-Shield, and PVC roof options, also protect stored water from contamination by debris, wildlife, and dust, as well as preventing algae growth caused by sunlight exposure. Keeping stored water clean means organisations get more usable water from every litre they collect, which is water conservation in its most practical form. ### Wastewater Treatment and Reuse True water conservation is not just about using less water. It is about extracting maximum value from every drop before it leaves the system. Our Modular Wastewater System (MWS) transforms wastewater and sewage into treated water that can be safely discharged or reused. The MWS is a complete, deployable sewage treatment plant based on proven activated sludge aeration technology. It can be installed and operational in as little as 14 days and is capable of processing up to 1,000m3 of wastewater per day, producing treated water that is 99.99% pathogen-free. For water companies managing planned maintenance shutdowns, industrial sites generating process wastewater, or temporary installations without permanent infrastructure, the MWS offers a powerful way to treat and reuse water that would otherwise be lost entirely. ### Agricultural Water Conservation with Slurry Tanks Agriculture accounts for a substantial proportion of the UK's overall water use and is one of the sectors where poor water management can cause the most serious environmental harm. Liquid agricultural waste, including slurry, digestate, and liquid fertilisers, poses a significant risk to groundwater and nearby watercourses if stored inadequately. Our range of [farm slurry storage tanks](https://butektanks.com/products/slurry-tanks/) for water conservation, available in standard sizes from 280m3 to 1,250m3, provides farmers and agricultural businesses with robust, fully engineered storage solutions. Each tank is manufactured with a Landflex ES liner providing excellent chemical resistance, ensuring that liquid agricultural waste is contained safely and securely, protecting the surrounding landscape and groundwater from contamination. ### Flexible Liner Kits for a Wide Range of Liquids A steel water tank is only as effective as its liner. Our comprehensive range of [industrial tank liner kits](https://butektanks.com/products/liner-kits/) for liquid containment, available in Butyl rubber, EPDM rubber, Landflex ES, HDPE, and PVC, enables a single tank to be configured for a wide variety of liquids beyond clean water. This includes influent and effluent water, liquid fertilisers, hydrocarbons, and petrochemicals. The flexibility of our liner options means organisations can capture and reuse water from more sources, reducing the number of inputs drawn from the mains supply and minimising the amount of water needed at every stage of the process. ## The Future of Water Conservation in the UK The trajectory is clear. The world population is growing, climate change is altering weather patterns, and demand for water is increasing faster than our ability to supply it sustainably. In the UK, water shortages that were once considered exceptional are becoming more routine, and regulators are placing increasing pressure on businesses and water utilities to demonstrate meaningful water conservation efforts. Looking ahead to the 2080s, the gap between water supply and demand in the UK is projected to widen considerably without significant intervention. Industries, farms, and organisations that invest in water conservation infrastructure today, including large-scale storage, rainwater harvesting, wastewater treatment, and water recycling, will be far better positioned to manage the challenges ahead. Water conservation is no longer simply a matter of environmental responsibility. It is becoming a matter of operational resilience, regulatory compliance, and long-term commercial sustainability. ## Conclusion Water conservation encompasses everything from turning off the tap while brushing your teeth to deploying a modular wastewater treatment plant capable of processing 1,000m3 of sewage per day. Both matter. Both contribute to the collective goal of protecting our most precious natural resource for future generations. For UK industries, the opportunity to conserve water at scale and to realise meaningful cost savings has never been greater. At Butek Tanks, we have been helping UK organisations manage water more sustainably for over 60 years. Whether you need a single storage tank for rainwater harvesting or a complete modular wastewater system, we can design, manufacture, and install a solution tailored to your exact requirements. **Ready to take your water conservation efforts to the next level? **[**Contact Butek Tanks**](https://butektanks.com/contact/)** today to discuss your requirements.** ## Frequently Asked Questions ### Q: What is water conservation?  Water conservation is the practice of using water efficiently to reduce unnecessary water usage and protect water resources for future generations. It covers everything from simple household habits to large-scale industrial water management. ### Q: Why is water conservation important in the UK?  Water conservation is important in the UK because of increasing drought frequency, changing weather patterns, water pollution, ageing infrastructure, and growing demand. Projections suggest water shortages will worsen significantly by the 2080s without meaningful action. ### Q: How can industries conserve water?  Industries can conserve water through water auditing, recycling and reusing process water, fixing leaks, upgrading inefficient infrastructure, capturing rainwater for operational use, and investing in on-site water storage such as corrugated steel tanks. ### Q: What is rainwater harvesting?  Rainwater harvesting is the collection and storage of rainwater for later use. At industrial and commercial scale, corrugated steel tanks can store large volumes of harvested rainwater for irrigation systems, dust suppression, vehicle washing, and other non-potable applications. ### Q: How do steel water tanks help with water conservation?  Steel water tanks enable organisations to capture and store rainwater, reduce evaporation of stored water, reuse treated wastewater, and manage liquid agricultural waste safely, all of which directly reduce water consumption and protect water quality. ### Q: What is a Modular Wastewater System (MWS)?  The Modular Wastewater System (MWS) by Butek Tanks is a deployable sewage treatment plant that can process up to 1,000m3 of wastewater per day, producing treated water that is 99.99% pathogen-free. It can be installed in as little as 14 days and is suitable for temporary or permanent water treatment applications. --- # What is Effluent? Industrial Wastewater Storage Explained Source: https://butektanks.com/blog/what-is-effluent/ Effluent is something every commercial and industrial business in the UK produces, yet it remains one of the most misunderstood and mismanaged aspects of operations. Whether you run a manufacturing plant, a farm, a food processing facility, or any other commercial premise, the wastewater your business generates is classified as effluent, and how you store, treat, and discharge it is governed by strict UK law. Get it wrong and the consequences range from heavy fines to prosecution. Get it right and you protect your business, your local environment, and the communities that depend on clean water. This guide covers what effluent actually is, the different types your business may produce, the UK regulations you must comply with, how the treatment process works, and how to choose the right effluent storage tank for your operation. ## What is Effluent? Effluent is liquid waste or wastewater that flows out from an industrial or commercial premise, a sewage treatment plant, or a sewer system. In simple terms, it is the outflow of any water that has been used in a commercial or industrial process and is no longer clean. It is important to understand that effluent is not the same as the wastewater from your kitchen or toilet, which is classified as domestic sewage. Effluent refers specifically to trade and industrial liquid waste: the water generated as a byproduct of manufacturing, processing, cleaning, farming, or any other business activity. Effluent can be either treated or untreated. Untreated effluent is raw liquid waste that still contains all of its original contaminants. Treated effluent has passed through a treatment process to remove harmful substances, making it safer to discharge. Crucially, even treated effluent must meet specific quality standards before it can legally enter a river, stream, lake, estuary, groundwater system, or the public sewer network. ## What Are the Different Types of Effluent? Not all effluent is the same. The type your business produces depends on your industry, your processes, and the nature of your site. ### Trade Effluent Trade effluent is the most common category for UK businesses. Under the Water Industry Act 1991, it is legally defined as any liquid waste, other than domestic sewage or surface water, that is discharged from a commercial or industrial premise as a result of a trade or industrial activity. If your business uses water as part of its process, for washing, cooling, rinsing, or any other purpose, the resulting wastewater is trade effluent. Before you discharge it into the public sewer, you must hold a trade effluent consent issued by your local water company. ### Industrial Effluent Industrial effluent is a higher-risk category produced by manufacturing, chemical processing, mining, and heavy industry. It typically contains a complex mix of contaminants including toxic metals, dissolved solids, suspended solids, chlorine compounds, gas byproducts, and chemical detergents, all of which require more intensive treatment before safe discharge. Facilities that produce industrial effluent often require bespoke treatment systems. Butek Tanks' [Landflex ES liner](https://butektanks.com/products/liner-kits/) is specifically engineered for industrial effluent storage, offering excellent chemical resistance to petrochemicals, toxic metals, and process chemicals. ### Agricultural Effluent Agricultural effluent includes slurry, digestate, silage effluent, and liquid waste from livestock farming. It also encompasses fertilizer runoff and contaminated water from yard and building wash-down. Agricultural effluent is particularly damaging to surface water and groundwater if it escapes into watercourses, as it introduces high levels of nutrients that deplete oxygen and destroy aquatic ecosystems. In the UK, agricultural effluent storage and management is governed by the Silage, Slurry and Agricultural Fuel Oil (SSAFO) regulations, which set minimum standards for storage capacity, tank construction, and containment. Butek Tanks' [slurry and digestate storage tanks](https://butektanks.com/products/slurry-tanks/) are manufactured to meet these requirements, with Landflex ES lining as standard. ### Domestic Sewage vs Commercial Effluent Domestic sewage, which is wastewater from toilets, sinks, and kitchens in residential use, is handled differently to commercial and industrial effluent. Even if your business premise includes welfare facilities, the wastewater from those facilities is treated as domestic sewage, while the liquid waste from your production or processing activities is effluent subject to separate regulation. ## What Does Effluent Contain? Common Contaminants The exact composition of effluent varies significantly depending on the source, but it commonly contains one or more of the following: - **Suspended solids:** particles of solid matter remaining in suspension in the liquid - **Dissolved solids:** minerals and chemicals fully dissolved into the water - **Fats, oils, and greases (FOGs):** common in food processing and catering waste streams - **Toxic metals and heavy metals:** produced by manufacturing, electroplating, and mining operations - **Chemicals and detergents:** from industrial cleaning and surface treatment processes - **Chlorine compounds:** from disinfection and water treatment activities - **Gas byproducts:** including hydrogen sulphide, which is toxic and corrosive to sewer infrastructure - **Fertilizer compounds:** nitrogen and phosphorus from agricultural runoff - **Contaminated water:** carrying pathogens, bacteria, and biological material from sewage treatment processes ## Why is Untreated Effluent Dangerous? ### Environmental Damage When untreated liquid waste enters rivers, streams, lakes, or estuaries, it introduces harmful substances into ecosystems that are not equipped to cope. Suspended solids reduce light penetration and smother riverbeds. Nutrients from fertilizer and sewage compounds trigger algal blooms that deplete oxygen and devastate fish populations and plant life. Groundwater contamination is particularly serious because it affects drinking water reserves used by entire communities and is extremely difficult to remediate once it occurs. ### Public Health Risks Effluent that is not properly treated and controlled represents a direct threat to human health. Contaminated water sources can spread waterborne diseases, and communities that rely on rivers, reservoirs, or groundwater for their supply are directly at risk. ### Infrastructure Damage Corrosive chemicals and detergents degrade sewer pipes and infrastructure. Suspended solids and fats cause blockages. Gas byproducts such as hydrogen sulphide corrode metal pipework. The cost of repairing sewer infrastructure damaged by non-compliant effluent discharge runs into millions of pounds each year across the UK. ## UK Regulations - What Every Business Must Know ### Trade Effluent Consent (Water Industry Act 1991) If your business discharges trade effluent to the public sewer network, you must hold a trade effluent consent issued by your local water and sewerage company. This consent controls what you can discharge, in what quantities, at what flow rate, and at what times. Operating without one is a criminal offence. ### Environment Agency Permits (Discharging to Watercourses) If your effluent needs to discharge directly to a river, stream, lake, estuary, or into groundwater, you require a permit from the Environment Agency in England, or Natural Resources Wales. The Agency offers a standard permit for lower-risk activities and a bespoke permit for more complex cases such as industrial effluent containing toxic metals or unusual chemical compositions. ### Consequences of Non-Compliance The Environment Agency can issue enforcement notices, suspend operations, impose financial penalties running into hundreds of thousands of pounds, and pursue criminal prosecution for the most serious cases. A breach can also cause lasting reputational damage to a business and harm relationships with customers and investors. ## The Effluent Treatment Process Explained ### Primary Treatment The first stage focuses on removing the largest solid particles and suspended solids through screening and sedimentation. Primary treatment typically removes around 60% of suspended solids from raw wastewater. ### Secondary Treatment Secondary treatment uses biological processes to break down dissolved organic matter that remains after primary treatment. The most widely used method is the activated sludge aeration process, in which microorganisms are introduced to the effluent in an aeration tank where they consume and break down organic contaminants. This process removes more than 90% of suspended solids and dramatically reduces biological oxygen demand (BOD), making the effluent far less harmful to aquatic environments. Secondary treatment forms the foundation of systems such as Butek Tanks' [Modular Wastewater System (MWS)](https://butektanks.com/products/modular-wastewater-system-m-w-s/), which can be installed and operational within 7 to 20 days. ### Tertiary Treatment For effluent that must meet the highest discharge standards, tertiary treatment includes UV disinfection, filtration through specialist media, and chemical treatment to neutralise heavy metals. It is also used when treated effluent is to be reused rather than discharged. ## How UK Businesses Store Effluent Safely Effective effluent management does not begin and end with treatment. Before effluent can be treated or discharged, it must be stored safely and securely. The right storage system is just as important as the treatment process itself. ### Corrugated Steel Effluent Tanks Our corrugated steel storage tanks are one of the most versatile and cost-effective solutions for effluent storage across commercial, industrial, and agricultural sectors. Unlike fixed concrete tanks, modular steel tanks can be configured to the exact capacity your operation requires, scaled up by connecting multiple units, and relocated if your needs change. Single tank capacities range from 2m³ to 5,000m³. Tanks are manufactured from Magnelis coated steel, offering significantly greater corrosion resistance than standard galvanised steel, which is an important consideration when storing acidic or chemically active effluent. ### Choosing the Right Liner The liner is the most critical component of any effluent storage tank. Butek Tanks manufactures all liner kits in-house, ensuring impartial expert guidance on material selection: - Landflex ES: for industrial effluent and slurry, with outstanding chemical resistance to petrochemicals and toxic metals - Butyl rubber: the premium option for general effluent storage, offering excellent impermeability and a long service life - EPDM rubber: a cost-effective alternative for less chemically aggressive effluent applications - HDPE: standard in aquaculture and applications requiring frequent internal cleaning - PVC: suited to commercial premises with straightforward trade effluent storage requirements ### Tank Covers and Roof Kits An uncovered effluent tank is exposed to rainfall, which can increase volume and risk overflow. It also emits odours that may breach environmental permits and creates a safety hazard on site. Butek Tanks' range of [roof kits](https://butektanks.com/products/roof-kits/) includes heavy-duty steel roofs and purpose-made covers that prevent contamination and odour release. All include lockable access hatches, and the Aqua-Float cover prevents up to 98% of evaporation. ## What is a Modular Wastewater System (MWS)? For businesses that need a complete sewage treatment plant rather than just storage, Butek Tanks' Modular Wastewater System is a uniquely flexible solution. It can be installed and operational in 7 to 20 days and configured to treat up to 1,000m³ of sewage per day. The system works through a complete treatment cycle: coarse screening removes large solids, primary sedimentation settles suspended matter, aerobic digestion breaks down organic contaminants, a glass bead filter provides liquid separation, and UV or chlorination disinfection eliminates remaining pathogens. The result is treated water that is 99.99% pathogen-free and safe to discharge into an existing drainage system or watercourse. The MWS operates on less than 15kW and can run without local infrastructure or utilities. It is particularly valuable for water companies managing planned maintenance, developers managing wastewater on construction sites, and organisations operating in remote locations. ## Frequently Asked Questions About Effluent ### What is the difference between effluent and sewage? Sewage refers to the mixture of wastewater and waste matter from domestic toilets and drains. Effluent is specifically the liquid waste that flows out of a treatment plant, industrial process, or commercial premise. In UK law, trade effluent is defined separately from domestic sewage and is subject to different regulatory requirements. ### Is it illegal to discharge trade effluent without a licence? Yes. Discharging trade effluent to the public sewer without a trade effluent consent is a criminal offence under the Water Industry Act 1991. Discharging to surface water or groundwater without an Environment Agency permit is equally illegal. ### Can effluent discharge directly into a river or stream? Only if you hold the appropriate Environment Agency permit. Untreated effluent must never enter a river, stream, lake, estuary, or groundwater system. Even treated effluent can only be discharged to a watercourse if it meets the specific quality standards set out in your permit. ### What size effluent storage tank does my business need? The right size depends on your daily effluent production volume, how long you need to store it, and any regulatory requirements in your consent or permit. Our team offers free site surveys to provide a tailored recommendation. ### Can steel tanks safely store industrial effluent? Yes, when fitted with the correct liner. Corrugated steel tanks lined with Landflex ES or HDPE provide excellent chemical resistance to industrial effluent, including streams containing toxic metals, petrochemicals, and aggressive chemicals. ## Conclusion Effluent is an unavoidable byproduct of commercial and industrial activity, but the risks it poses are entirely manageable with the right knowledge and the right systems in place. Understanding what effluent is, how it is classified, and how UK law requires you to manage it is the foundation of responsible wastewater management. At Butek Tanks, we have been designing and manufacturing corrugated steel storage tanks for over 60 years. From steel water tanks and liner kits to slurry tanks, roof kits, and the Modular Wastewater System, we offer a complete range of storage and treatment solutions for every type of effluent across every sector.If your business needs a reliable, compliant, and cost-effective way to store and manage its effluent, [contact Butek Tanks](https://butektanks.com/contact/) today to arrange a free site survey. --- # What is Grey Water? Recycling Systems for UK Businesses Source: https://butektanks.com/blog/what-is-grey-water/ In the face of rising utility costs and a growing emphasis on corporate sustainability, UK businesses are looking for innovative ways to manage their resources. One of the most effective strategies involves rethinking our relationship with wastewater. Specifically, the question of what is grey water has become a focal point for facilities managers and developers aiming to implement a robust water recycling system. To achieve this, many organizations are now integrating advanced [Modular Wastewater Systems (M.W.S.)](https://butektanks.com/products/modular-wastewater-system-m-w-s/) to transition from traditional disposal to active resource recovery. By implementing a circular water management strategy, businesses can significantly reduce their reliance on mains water and improve global water security. Because this water is less contaminated than typical sewage, organizations can collect it in specialized [Steel Water Tanks](https://butektanks.com/products/steel-water-tanks/) for processing and reuse rather than letting it run to waste. This proactive approach not only lowers costs but also mitigates the environmental impact of commercial operations by reducing the volume of waste sent to the sewer. To turn waste into a resource, a sophisticated greywater system is required. This setup involves several stages to ensure the water can be treated to a safe and usable standard. To maintain the integrity of these systems, we recommend using high-performance [greywater tank liner kits](https://butektanks.com/products/liner-kits/) for corrosion protection to prevent internal corrosion or leakage. These liners ensure that treated greywater remains pure and that the storage infrastructure remains durable for decades. ## What is Grey Water? Grey water (or greywater) refers to the domestic water generated from relatively clean sources. It is distinct from black water (or blackwater), which is the sewage coming from a toilet or kitchen sink. Blackwater contains high organic loads and a much higher concentration of a pathogen or contaminant. In contrast, greywater is generally easier to treat because it contains fewer harmful bacteria and biological solids. The most common type of greywater includes water from showers, a bathtub, a bathroom sink, or a washing machine. Even wastewater from a dishwasher is often classified as greywater, though it may contain more detergent and food particles than water from showers. For businesses, distinguishing between grey and black water is the first step in reducing the volume of waste sent to the sewer. By isolating these streams, companies can ensure that greywater is used effectively to supplement their water supplies. ## Why Is Greywater Recycling Important for UK Businesses? The UK climate is often perceived as wet, yet rainfall is becoming increasingly unpredictable. During dry summers, abstraction restrictions can limit access to traditional water sources. By reusing greywater, a business can see a significant drop in water consumption, sometimes by as much as 40 to 50 percent. This level of water conservation is essential for businesses operating in water-stressed regions of the UK. Beyond the financial savings, the environmental benefits are substantial. Reducing the demand for mains water preserves local ecosystems and reduces the energy required for large-scale water treatment and distribution. Furthermore, contributing to a more sustainable global water outlook helps businesses meet their ESG targets. By implementing recycling systems, businesses prove they are committed to reducing their environmental impact while ensuring they have a reliable water source during periods of drought. ## How a Greywater Recycling System Works A professional greywater recycling system follows a specific process to ensure safety and efficiency. This process moves the liquid from the source through a treatment and reuse cycle that renders it safe for non-potable tasks. - **Greywater Diversion:** This is the initial step where pipes are configured to plumb wastewater away from the main sewer and toward a treatment system. - **Greywater Filtration:** Specialized greywater filtration units must remove physical debris like hair, lint, and food particles that could clog an irrigation system. - **Water Treatment:** Since the water contains various biological elements, greywater treatment involves disinfection to eliminate any pathogen. This ensures that the treated greywater is safe for storage. - **Integrated Storage:** This is where reclaimed water is held until it is needed for reuse. Many businesses choose to combine greywater or rainwater harvesting into a single strategy. While rainwater is naturally cleaner, integrating both into a dual reuse system maximizes conservation efforts. Without a proper treatment system, stored liquid can become untreated greywater, which develops odors and bacteria quickly. Therefore, utilizing systems that treat the water immediately upon collection is vital. ## Practical Applications: Where Can Recycled Greywater Be Used? Once the water has been through greywater recycling systems, it becomes a valuable water source for non-potable applications. It is important to note that this water is not potable water and should never be used for drinking or cooking. One of the most common uses is toilet flushing and laundry. Using greywater for toilet flushing alone can save thousands of liters of mains water annually in a busy office or hotel. Businesses with green spaces can also irrigate lawns and ornamental gardens using recycled greywater. To maximize safety, subsurface irrigation is often preferred. This method delivers water for reuse directly to the roots, which minimizes human contact with greywater and prevents surface water runoff. In some specialized eco-friendly developments, a reed bed can be used as a natural secondary filtration stage. For larger industrial operations, recycled greywater can provide water for use in cooling towers or dust suppression systems. By identifying the right reuse for irrigation or sanitation, businesses can drastically cut their water use. ## How Steel Water Storage Tanks Support Recycling A greywater recycling system is only as effective as its storage infrastructure. Because greywater must be managed carefully to avoid contamination, the choice of tank is critical. Professional systems that treat and store water require high-capacity, durable vessels that can withstand outdoor agricultural or industrial environments. At Butek Tanks, we specialize in high-quality storage solutions that form the backbone of these systems. Our modular tanks are ideal for holding much water for large-scale commercial applications. For sites that need to handle both grey and black water, our M.W.S. provides an advanced treatment and reuse plant that can treat up to 1,000 cubic meters of waste daily. If your facility also handles agricultural waste or digestate, our specialized Slurry Tanks offer the heavy-duty containment required for more aggressive liquids. ## Compliance and Safety: Guidelines for Greywater in the UK When implementing an irrigation or toilet flushing system, it is vital to follow the British Standard code of practice. These guidelines for greywater ensure that potable water supplies are never compromised and that the health of employees and the public is protected. Essential safety considerations include ensuring the system is properly plumbed with clear labeling to avoid cross-contamination. Regularly maintaining the greywater filtration units is also necessary to prevent biological buildup. Any recycled greywater must be used promptly or treated to prevent it from becoming a hazard. Interestingly, standards in international hubs like New South Wales often influence modern UK water recycling systems, as these regions have long dealt with severe water scarcity and have developed advanced regulatory frameworks for reusing greywater. ## Frequently Asked Questions About Greywater ### Q: What is the simple definition of grey water?  Grey water is the wastewater from sinks, showers, baths, and washing machines. It does not include water from toilets or kitchen sinks, which is classified as black water. Because it is easier to treat, it is the primary focus of most domestic water recycling projects. ### Q: Is grey water safe to use in the garden?  Yes. Reusing greywater is safe for garden irrigation as long as it has been through a proper treatment system to remove a harmful pathogen. For best results, use subsurface irrigation or gravity to irrigate to avoid the creation of aerosols. ### Q: Can I use water from a shower or bath?  Absolutely. Greywater from showers and a shower or bath is considered the best type of greywater for recycling because it is relatively clean compared to laundry water. ### Q: Does greywater require a septic tank?  In most commercial settings, greywater is handled by a dedicated treatment system or a modular plant rather than a septic tank. A septic tank is typically used for a full sewage system that includes black water. ### Q: What are the main environmental benefits?  The primary environmental benefits include reduced demand on local water supplies, lower energy use for water processing, and a reduction in the volume of wastewater entering the sewer network. This significantly lowers the environmental impact of the building. ### Q: Can greywater be used for flushing toilets?  Yes, flushing toilets is one of the most efficient uses of this resource. Greywater for toilet flushing reduces the need for expensive mains water in high-traffic commercial buildings. ## Conclusion Understanding what grey water is the first step toward a more sustainable and cost-effective business model. By capturing household greywater or commercial waste and putting it through a professional treatment and reuse cycle, we can significantly reduce our environmental impact. Whether you are looking to irrigate your grounds or implement greywater for toilet flushing, Butek Tanks has the storage and treatment infrastructure to make your project a success. As pressure on water availability increases and regulatory constraints tighten, investing in reliable on-site water storage is becoming a key part of long-term planning for UK businesses.If you would like to learn more about how steel water storage tanks can support your water recycling system, [get in touch](https://butektanks.com/contact/) with the Butek Tanks team today. --- # What Is Irrigation? How Steel Water Tanks Support UK Farm Irrigation Source: https://butektanks.com/blog/what-is-irrigation/ The UK is often thought of as a wet country, but rainfall is unevenly spread across both the calendar and the map. Eastern England regularly faces dry summers that push crops into moisture deficit at precisely the moment they need water most. This is where irrigation comes in. What is irrigation? In short, it is the artificial application of water to land to support crop growth when natural rainfall is insufficient. It is one of the most fundamental tools available to UK farmers and growers, yet the infrastructure that makes it work reliably, particularly on-farm water storage, is often an afterthought. This guide explains what irrigation is, how the main types of irrigation systems work, why irrigation scheduling matters, and how [corrugated steel water storage tanks](https://butektanks.com/products/steel-water-tanks/) give farm irrigation systems a reliable, on-demand water supply throughout the growing season. ## What Is Irrigation? A Clear Definition Irrigation is the artificial application of water to land to support the growth of crops and plants when natural rainfall is insufficient, unreliable, or poorly timed. It is a practice that has shaped agriculture for over 5,000 years, from the ancient canal systems of Egypt and Mesopotamia through to the precision drip irrigation systems used on UK holdings today. At its core, the purpose of irrigation is straightforward: to supply crops with the right amount of water at the right time. In practice, effective irrigation involves system design, soil moisture monitoring, irrigation scheduling, and drainage management. The goal is not simply to add water, but to apply controlled amounts of water to land in a way that supports healthy crop growth while minimising water loss. Irrigation water can come from several sources: rivers and watercourses, boreholes and groundwater, mains supply, or harvested rainwater collected and stored on-farm. The choice of water source will shape the storage and delivery infrastructure a farm needs. Farms that store their own water, using large-capacity steel tanks as on-site reservoirs, are far less exposed to supply interruptions than those relying entirely on live abstraction or mains connections. ## Why Is Irrigation Important for UK Farmers? It is a reasonable question: if the UK has a broadly temperate, wet climate, why does farm irrigation matter here? The answer lies in the mismatch between when rain falls and when crops need water most. The UK growing season runs roughly from April to September, which frequently coincides with the driest months, particularly across eastern and south-eastern England. During this period, evapotranspiration often exceeds rainfall. Crops growing in free-draining sandy or silty soils are particularly vulnerable. Without supplemental irrigation water, they experience moisture stress at critical growth stages, affecting both yield and quality. Key crops including potatoes, strawberries, salad leaves, onions, brassicas, and soft fruit all depend on consistent soil moisture to meet the standards demanded by processors and retailers. The UK agriculture sector has invested significantly in irrigation infrastructure since the 2018 drought highlighted how quickly even traditionally rainfed arable operations can be affected by prolonged dry spells. Many businesses are now building new on-farm water storage capacity to reduce their exposure to supply risk and maintain irrigation during periods of abstraction restriction. Beyond food production, well-designed irrigation and storage systems contribute to more sustainable water management. By reducing reliance on mains supply and making use of [harvested rainwater](https://butektanks.com/sector/rainwater-harvesting/), farms can cut abstraction volumes, lower water costs, and operate more responsibly as pressure on water resources increases. ## What Are the Main Types of Irrigation Systems? There is no single irrigation method that suits every farm, crop, or site. The right type of system depends on the crop, soil type, available water resources, land topography, and budget. Below are the main irrigation methods used across UK agriculture and horticulture. ### Surface Irrigation Surface irrigation is the oldest method globally. Water is applied at one end of a field and flows across the soil surface by gravity, typically along furrows or in basins around individual plants. It requires no pressurised delivery system, making it low-cost to run. In UK conditions, pure surface irrigation is relatively uncommon due to terrain and its higher susceptibility to water loss through evaporation and runoff. ### Sprinkler Irrigation Sprinkler irrigation is one of the most widely used methods on UK farms. Water is pumped through a pipe network and distributed overhead through sprinkler heads that break the flow into droplets, closely mimicking natural rainfall. Travelling irrigators, which are large sprinkler guns mounted on wheeled platforms, are a common sight on UK potato and vegetable farms during dry spells. Centre pivot irrigation is a more automated form, in which a long arm of sprinkler heads rotates around a central point to cover large circular areas. While less common in the UK than elsewhere, centre pivot systems are used on some larger arable holdings, particularly on free-draining soils in eastern England. All sprinkler systems require a reliable water source at sufficient pressure, typically provided by a pump drawing from a storage tank or watercourse. ### Drip Irrigation (Trickle Irrigation) Drip irrigation, also called trickle irrigation, is widely regarded as the most water-efficient irrigation method available. A drip irrigation system delivers water directly to the root zone of individual plants through a network of pipes and emitters, applying water slowly and precisely. Because water goes exactly where it is needed, evaporation losses are minimal and there is no wetting of foliage that can encourage fungal disease. Drip systems are used extensively in polytunnel and glasshouse growing, soft fruit, salad crops, vineyards, and nursery production. The precision and control they offer means irrigation scheduling can be finely tuned to crop water requirements at each growth stage. Because drip systems operate at low, continuous flow rates, they benefit significantly from a dedicated water storage tank acting as a buffer, which maintains consistent pressure and supply regardless of fluctuations in the source. ### Subsurface Irrigation Subsurface irrigation delivers water below the soil surface through buried drip lines or perforated pipes, allowing water to seep directly into the root zone with no surface application at all. This virtually eliminates water loss due to evaporation. Installation costs are higher than for surface or sprinkler systems, but for high-value crops where efficient water use and precise delivery matter most, the performance benefits are significant. ### Flood Irrigation Flood irrigation involves releasing large volumes of water across a field and allowing it to flow freely across the surface. It remains in use globally for specific crops that tolerate or require flooded conditions, such as rice. In UK agriculture, flood irrigation is rarely used for mainstream crops. The water loss involved and the risk of raising the water table make it poorly suited to most UK growing conditions. ## What Is Irrigation Scheduling and Why Does It Matter? Irrigation scheduling is the process of deciding when to irrigate and how much water to apply. It is arguably as important as the irrigation method itself. Too little water applied too infrequently causes crop water stress and yield loss. Too much water applied too often causes waterlogging, raises the water table, and leaches nutrients through the soil profile. Good scheduling is based on understanding crop water demand at each growth stage, monitoring soil moisture, and accounting for weather conditions. The goal is always the same: to apply the right amount of water at the right time. Effective irrigation scheduling also requires that water is available on demand. If a grower calculates that their crop needs irrigating on a particular day but cannot access sufficient supply from their source, the value of all that planning is lost. This is one of the clearest practical arguments for on-site water storage. A properly sized steel water storage tank fills gradually from the source between irrigation events and delivers the volume and pressure the system needs exactly when it is required, independent of supply fluctuations. ## Where Does Irrigation Water Come From on UK Farms? Irrigation water can come from several different sources, and the source used will have a significant bearing on the infrastructure required. - **Watercourses: **Rivers, streams, and drains are a traditional source for many UK farms. Abstracting water from these sources requires a licence from the Environment Agency. During drought periods, licences can be suspended, meaning farms cannot draw water precisely when they need it most. - **Groundwater: **Water pumped from boreholes or wells is used on farms where surface water is not available. Groundwater abstraction also requires licensing and levels can fall significantly during dry summers. - **Mains supply: **Mains water is reliable but expensive, and connections on farms are often low-flow. The supply rate is frequently too slow to run irrigation systems directly without a buffer storage tank in place. - **Harvested rainwater: **Capturing and storing rainwater, from roof areas, hardstanding, or land catchment, allows farms to collect water during wet winter months and use it through the summer growing season. Tanks fitted with rainwater harvesting [accessories](https://butektanks.com/products/accessories/) can filter and store water from roof areas of up to 1,200m². The growing pressure on abstraction licences, combined with more frequent summer droughts, means farms with their own stored water are in a considerably stronger position. On-farm storage has shifted from being a convenience to a strategic necessity for irrigation-dependent businesses. ## How Steel Water Storage Tanks Support Farm Irrigation For small growing areas, a plastic intermediate bulk container (IBC) may be sufficient as a basic water store. But as irrigation systems grow to cover larger areas and multiple crop types, the volumes of water involved quickly exceed what smaller containers can provide. Large-capacity corrugated steel tanks are purpose-built for exactly this situation. Steel tanks offer several practical advantages for agricultural water storage that make them well-suited to farm irrigation projects: - **High capacity: **A single corrugated steel tank can hold anywhere from a few thousand litres to millions of litres. Multiple tanks can be interconnected to scale capacity further as a farm's irrigation needs grow, without replacing existing infrastructure. - **Durability and longevity: **Steel tanks manufactured from Magnelis® coated steel offer enhanced corrosion resistance compared to standard galvanised alternatives. This makes them well suited to outdoor agricultural environments where long service life matters. - **Modular construction: **Sectional corrugated steel tanks can be transported to almost any site and assembled without specialist lifting equipment. They can also be dismantled and relocated if storage needs change over time. - **Liner options for different liquids: **The choice of [irrigation tank liner kit](https://butektanks.com/products/liner-kits/) options determines what a steel tank can safely store. These include butyl rubber, EPDM, HDPE, PVC, and Landflex® ES, covering rainwater, mains water, liquid fertilisers, and other agricultural liquids. - **Water quality protection: **An uncovered tank is vulnerable to algae growth, debris, and contamination. [Steel tank roof kits](https://butektanks.com/products/roof-kits/) for farm water storage block sunlight, exclude contaminants, and keep stored irrigation water clean. Options range from lightweight anti-algae covers to heavy-duty steel roofs rated for hurricane-force winds and snow loading. For farms planning a new irrigation project or expanding an existing one, the [tank size guide](https://butektanks.com/size-guide/) can help identify the right storage volume based on growing area and peak daily water demand. As a practical benchmark, UK growers typically plan for storage covering at least one day of peak demand, roughly 15 to 20m³ per 4,000m² of irrigated area. ## Frequently Asked Questions About Farm Irrigation ### Q: What is the simple definition of irrigation? Irrigation is the artificial application of water to land to support plant and crop growth when natural rainfall is insufficient, unreliable, or poorly timed. It involves managing the source, delivery, and scheduling of water to ensure crops receive the right amount at the right time. ### Q: Do UK farmers actually need to irrigate? Yes, for many crop types. While the UK receives significant annual rainfall, it is poorly distributed through the growing season. Eastern England frequently experiences summer moisture deficits. For crops like potatoes, soft fruit, salad leaves, and vegetables, supplemental irrigation is essential for producing marketable yields to commercial standards. ### Q: What is the most water-efficient irrigation method? Drip irrigation, also called trickle irrigation, is generally considered the most efficient method. It delivers water directly to the root zone of individual plants through pipes and emitters, minimising water loss due to evaporation and surface runoff. It is particularly well suited to polytunnel, glasshouse, and high-value horticultural crops. ### Q: How much water storage is needed for farm irrigation? As a practical starting point, UK growers typically plan for storage of at least one day of peak water demand, approximately 15 to 20m³ per 4,000m² of irrigated area. Larger operations and farms relying on harvested rainwater as a primary source will need considerably more. Consulting a specialist to model requirements against a specific system and source is always worthwhile. ### Q: Do I need a licence to abstract water for irrigation in the UK? Yes. Abstracting water from a river, stream, or groundwater source for irrigation typically requires an abstraction licence from the Environment Agency. Licences may be restricted during drought periods, which is a key reason why on-farm water storage is so valuable. Collecting and storing rainwater is generally exempt from abstraction licensing requirements. ### Q: Can I use harvested rainwater for crop irrigation? Yes. Rainwater harvesting is an increasingly popular strategy on UK farms. Water collected from roof areas or land catchment can be stored in a dedicated tank and used for irrigation during dry periods. The key is having sufficient storage capacity to capture enough water during wetter months to cover summer irrigation demand. Steel tanks fitted with two-stage filter systems can collect water from roof areas of up to 1,200m². ### Q: What is irrigation scheduling? Irrigation scheduling is the process of determining when to irrigate and how much water to apply, based on crop water demand, soil moisture levels, and weather conditions. The goal is to supply the right amount of water at the right time, avoiding both under-watering and over-watering, to maximise crop performance and minimise water use. ## Conclusion Irrigation is one of the most important tools available to modern UK agriculture, and one that is becoming increasingly critical as rainfall patterns grow less predictable. From selecting the right irrigation method to managing scheduling and water sources, every stage of the process plays a role in ensuring crops receive consistent and reliable moisture throughout the growing season. Understanding how irrigation systems work is not just important for improving crop yields, but also for managing water resources more efficiently and meeting the growing demands placed on UK farms. Whether water is sourced from abstraction, boreholes, mains supply, or harvested rainfall, the ability to store and access it at the right time is fundamental to system performance.As pressure on water availability increases and regulatory constraints tighten, investing in reliable on-farm water storage is becoming a key part of long-term farm planning. If you would like to learn more about how steel water storage tanks can support your irrigation system, [get in touch](https://butektanks.com/contact/) with the Butek Tanks team. --- # What is Wastewater Treatment and What are Its Stages? Source: https://butektanks.com/blog/what-is-wastewater-treatment/ Think about how much water you use every day. Showers, washing up, flushing the toilet, running machinery on a production line. All of that water has to go somewhere, and in every case it leaves behind contaminants that make it unsafe to return directly to rivers, lakes, or the ground. That is where wastewater treatment comes in. It is the process that takes dirty, contaminated water and transforms it into something that can be safely released back into the environment, or in many cases, reused altogether. It is one of the most important environmental processes we have, and yet most people have very little idea how it actually works. In this guide, we walk through exactly what wastewater treatment is, why it matters, and what happens at each stage of the treatment process, from the moment wastewater enters a facility to the point it is clean enough to discharge or reuse. ## What Actually is Wastewater? Wastewater is, simply put, any water that has been used and contaminated. It comes from a huge range of sources: - **Domestic wastewater: **from toilets, sinks, showers, and washing machines in homes - **Wastewater from households and businesses: **kitchens, commercial laundries, office buildings, and restaurants - **Industrial wastewater: **from manufacturing plants, chemical facilities, and food processing operations - **Agricultural runoff: **from fields, farms, and livestock operations containing fertilisers, slurry, and organic waste - **Surface water runoff: **rainwater that picks up contaminants as it flows across roads, rooftops, and industrial sites Each of these sources produces wastewater with a very different composition. Domestic sewage is high in organic waste and pathogens. Industrial wastewater may contain heavy metals, solvents, and petrochemicals. Agricultural wastewater is often loaded with nutrients like nitrogen and phosphorus that cause serious damage to water bodies if left untreated. What they all share is this: if released untreated into the environment, they pollute clean water sources, damage ecosystems, spread disease, and contribute to long-term water scarcity. Effective water treatment is not optional. It is essential. ## What is Wastewater Treatment? Wastewater treatment is the process of removing physical, chemical, and biological contaminants from wastewater so that the treated water can be safely returned to the water environment, or repurposed for reuse. It is not a single process but a sequence of treatment steps, each designed to tackle a different type of contamination. Depending on the source of the wastewater and how clean the final output needs to be, a treatment facility might use anywhere from two to five distinct stages. Modern treatment works do far more than simply clean water. Advanced wastewater treatment systems can achieve water reclamation to a standard where treated water is suitable for irrigation, industrial reuse, and in some cases even potable water production. As water scarcity becomes a growing global concern, the ability to treat and reuse wastewater is becoming an increasingly valuable capability. ## The Stages of Wastewater Treatment Here is a clear breakdown of how wastewater goes through the treatment process, stage by stage. ### Stage 1: Preliminary Treatment Before any serious treatment can begin, the large stuff has to go. Preliminary treatment involves passing wastewater through coarse screens and filters that physically remove solid debris such as rags, plastics, grit, and anything else that would damage pumps or clog pipes further down the line. It might sound simple, but this first treatment step is critical. Without it, the mechanical equipment used in later stages would be damaged constantly, and the whole treatment process would grind to a halt. ### Stage 2: Primary Treatment Once the large solids are removed, the wastewater enters sedimentation tanks where it is allowed to slow right down. Heavier particles sink to the bottom, forming a layer of sludge, while oils and lighter materials float to the surface and are skimmed off. Primary treatment is a physical process. It does not involve any chemicals or biology, just gravity doing its job. It removes a significant proportion of suspended solids and organic matter, which reduces the load on the biological treatment stages that follow. Large capacity storage is often needed at this stage to buffer incoming flows and hold settled effluent before it moves forward in the treatment sequence. Corrugated [steel water tanks](https://butektanks.com/products/steel-water-tanks/) are widely used for exactly this purpose, offering scalable, durable storage that can be configured to suit the specific demands of a treatment site. ### Stage 3: Secondary Treatment (Biological Treatment) This is where the real transformation happens. Secondary treatment uses biological processes to break down the dissolved organic matter that primary treatment cannot remove. The most widely used approach is the activated sludge process. Wastewater is pumped into large aeration tanks, where microorganisms are introduced and given oxygen to help them thrive. These microorganisms feed on the organic waste in the water, breaking it down and forming clumps that can later be separated from the treated water. The result is a dramatic reduction in biochemical oxygen demand and the removal of the vast majority of organic contaminants. The water at this point is significantly cleaner than when it arrived, though it still needs further treatment before it is safe to discharge. For wastewater with very high organic loads, such as effluent from food processing or livestock farming, anaerobic treatment may be used instead of or alongside aerobic processes. Anaerobic treatment breaks down organic matter in the absence of oxygen and has the added benefit of generating biogas, which can be captured and used as an energy source. Farms and agricultural operations managing this type of waste often require dedicated storage, and dedicated [slurry storage tanks](https://butektanks.com/products/slurry-tanks/) for high-strength effluent are designed specifically to handle these organic loads safely and efficiently. For water companies, local authorities, or industrial operators who need biological treatment capacity quickly, perhaps during a planned maintenance shutdown or following unexpected infrastructure damage, a rapidly deployable treatment system can be a game changer. Butek Tanks' [Modular Wastewater System](https://butektanks.com/products/modular-wastewater-system-m-w-s/) is built exactly for these scenarios, incorporating the activated sludge process alongside sedimentation, filtration, and disinfection in a single modular system that can be installed and running in as little as 7 to 20 days. ### Stage 4: Tertiary Treatment Not every wastewater treatment works includes a tertiary treatment stage, but for facilities that need to produce high-quality treated water, it is an important additional step. The tertiary treatment stage uses advanced treatment technologies to remove whatever remains after secondary treatment. This might include sand or glass bead filtration to remove fine particles, chemical treatment to strip out nutrients like nitrogen and phosphorus, UV disinfection to kill any remaining pathogens, or chlorination for the same purpose. Treated water that passes through the tertiary treatment stage can meet the standard required for wastewater reuse. Irrigation water, cooling water for industrial processes, and water for certain manufacturing applications can all be supplied from well-treated wastewater rather than from the mains supply. This approach works hand in hand with [rainwater harvesting](https://butektanks.com/sector/rainwater-harvesting/), another effective strategy for reducing reliance on mains water and making the most of every available water resource. ### Stage 5: Sludge Treatment Throughout the treatment process, sludge builds up at multiple points. The sludge that collects during primary and secondary treatment contains concentrated organic material, and it has to be dealt with carefully. Sludge treatment typically involves several steps. First, the sludge is thickened to reduce its water content. It then goes through digestion, either aerobic or anaerobic, to break down the organic matter further and reduce the volume. After digestion, the sludge is dewatered and may be dried before final disposal or reuse. The end product, known as biosolids, can often be applied to agricultural land as a soil conditioner and fertiliser, providing a useful way to reuse the nutrients captured during the treatment process. In other cases, biosolids are used in energy generation or sent to landfill, depending on their composition and local regulations. ## Industrial Wastewater Treatment: A Different Challenge Treating industrial wastewater is a different proposition to treating domestic sewage. Where domestic wastewater has a broadly predictable composition, industrial wastewater can contain almost anything, from heavy metals and solvents to petrochemicals, food waste, and high concentrations of organic matter, depending on the industry. Many industrial facilities carry out on-site pre-treatment before their wastewater enters the municipal sewer or a dedicated treatment facility. This might involve neutralising acidic or alkaline effluent, using chemical treatment to precipitate metals out of solution, or physical separation to remove oils and greases. The treatment of industrial wastewaters often requires customised systems with specialist liners and storage solutions capable of handling aggressive chemicals. Tanks used to store effluent containing petrochemicals or hydrocarbons need liners with strong chemical resistance. Our range of [chemical-resistant tank liner kits](https://butektanks.com/products/liner-kits/) for industrial effluent, including Landflex ES, HDPE, Butyl, EPDM, and PVC options, ensures that storage tanks can be matched precisely to the chemical properties of the liquid being stored. Protecting stored effluent from external contamination is equally important in industrial settings. Open tanks are vulnerable to debris, rainfall dilution, and evaporation, all of which can affect treatment performance and compliance. Fitting a suitable [roof kit](https://butektanks.com/products/roof-kits/) keeps stored wastewater contained and protected, reducing the risk of contamination and helping to maintain consistent water quality throughout the treatment process. Getting industrial wastewater treatment right is not just about compliance. Businesses that treat and reuse their process water reduce their reliance on mains water supply, cut costs, and lower their environmental impact. In sectors where water use is high, such as food and beverage manufacturing, chemicals, or textiles, effective treatment systems can deliver significant operational savings. ## Why Wastewater Reuse Matters More Than Ever For a long time, the goal of wastewater treatment was simply to clean water enough to discharge it safely. That thinking is changing rapidly. Water reuse is now a central part of sustainable water management strategy in many countries. Treated wastewater is increasingly being recognised as a resource rather than a waste product. Irrigation water for agriculture and horticulture, cooling water for industrial facilities, water for construction, and even water reclamation for drinking purposes in some regions are all areas where high-quality treated wastewater is being put to productive use. The drivers behind this shift are clear. Population growth, climate change, and increased industrial demand are all putting pressure on freshwater supplies. Water scarcity is no longer a problem confined to arid regions. It is affecting water companies and industrial operators across the UK and Europe, driving investment in treatment technologies that make reuse viable at scale. Wastewater treatment, at its best, is not just about removing contamination. It is about closing the loop on water use and building systems that are genuinely sustainable for the long term. ## Temporary and Emergency Treatment Solutions One aspect of wastewater treatment that does not get discussed enough is what happens when an existing treatment facility goes offline. Planned maintenance, infrastructure upgrades, storm damage, or equipment failure can all reduce the capacity of a treatment works, sometimes at very short notice. When that happens, untreated wastewater does not simply wait. It needs somewhere to go, and it needs to be treated. That is why temporary and emergency treatment solutions are an important part of any resilient water management strategy. Rapid-deploy treatment systems that can be set up in days rather than months give water companies and industrial operators the flexibility to maintain treatment capacity no matter what happens to their permanent infrastructure. A modular approach, where treatment steps are contained in separate, stackable units that can be transported and assembled on site, is increasingly popular for exactly this reason. Butek Tanks' Modular Wastewater System was designed with this need in mind. It can handle up to 1,000m3 of wastewater per day, runs on less than 15kW of power, and produces treated water that is 99.99% pathogen free. Because the whole system is modular and kit-form, it can be transported and installed in locations with no existing infrastructure, making it suitable for emergency response situations as well as planned maintenance programmes. ## Frequently Asked Questions ### What is the difference between primary and secondary treatment? Primary treatment is a physical process that uses gravity and settling to remove suspended solids from wastewater. Secondary treatment is a biological process that uses microorganisms to break down the dissolved organic matter that primary treatment cannot remove. Most treatment works use both as a minimum. ### What is biochemical oxygen demand and why does it matter? Biochemical oxygen demand, or BOD, measures the amount of oxygen that microorganisms need to break down the organic matter in a given volume of wastewater. High BOD means high levels of organic pollution. One of the main goals of secondary treatment is to reduce BOD to a level that is safe for the water environment. ### Can treated wastewater be reused as drinking water? In some parts of the world, yes. With advanced wastewater treatment including tertiary filtration and disinfection, treated water can reach a quality standard suitable for potable water production. In the UK, most treated wastewater is currently discharged into rivers and water bodies or used for irrigation and industrial applications rather than direct drinking water production. ### What happens to the sludge from wastewater treatment? Sludge goes through its own treatment process involving thickening, digestion, and dewatering. The resulting biosolids are most commonly spread on agricultural land as a fertiliser, though they can also be used in energy generation or sent to landfill depending on their composition and local regulations. ### What is the activated sludge process? The activated sludge process is the most widely used biological treatment method in wastewater treatment. Microorganisms are introduced into aeration tanks alongside the wastewater, where they feed on the organic matter and break it down. The resulting clumps of microorganisms and waste material are then separated from the treated water in a settlement tank. ## Conclusion Wastewater treatment is one of the most important environmental processes we have, and one of the most complex. From the moment wastewater enters a treatment facility to the point it is ready for discharge or reuse, it passes through multiple stages, each designed to remove a different type of contamination. Understanding how the treatment process works matters not just for engineers and water professionals, but for anyone involved in water management, infrastructure planning, or environmental compliance. Whether you are dealing with domestic sewage, industrial wastewater, or agricultural effluent, the principles are broadly the same: screen, settle, treat biologically, and where needed, polish further with tertiary treatment technologies.As water reuse becomes more important and treatment standards continue to rise, investing in the right treatment infrastructure has never been more critical. If you would like to find out more about how the right storage and treatment solutions can support your project, [get in touch](https://butektanks.com/contact/) with the Butek Tanks team. --- Generated from RankReady