H2M Climbing to the top.

Bethpage, NY Water supply systems are the backbone of any community, and elevated water storage tanks are the most visible component of these water systems. Corrosion Consulting and Inspection Services (CCIS) is a key element in ensuring a safe water supply, bringing inspectors off the ground to inspect the coatings of water tanks. Requiring more than just a healthy attitude towards heights, CCIS demands an in-depth knowledge of the challenges facing tank owners and operators. John Mayo, senior graphic designer of H2M architects + engineers, recently climbed a water tower with one of the firm’s CCIS team members.   

Ensuring safe water quality is the main purpose of climbing water tanks.  Construction inspectors climb tanks multiple times per day in order to evaluate the structural conditions of the tanks and to establish safe sanitary conditions, making sure bacteria cannot enter the tank.

Having no experience in climbing water towers, Mayo developed a new found respect for the inspectors that make the climb multiple times per day.   “The climb was much more difficult than anticipated, not necessarily for the height but due to the ladders which were completely vertical,” Mayo said.  “Not only do the inspectors have to be safe in these climbs, but they also have to do their jobs over 100 ft. off the ground.” 

Standard water towers have a height of approximately 130 ft. and coatings inspectors have to ascend steep, exposed ladders multiple times per day in order to perform their job duties properly. Requiring the use of harnesses and tethers, inspectors have to ensure their safety while also inspecting and coating the towers in order to ensure a safe water supply is available to the community in which the tower resides.

Billy Campbell, H2M’s manager of coating inspection services, guided Mayo through the climb, and taught him what to do in any situation and also instructed him in how to use all of the equipment safely.  “Billy did an amazing job gearing me up, he is an incredible safety instructor and great at what he does,” Mayo said.

“Reaching the top of the tower and looking out at the beautiful views of Long Island made the difficult climb worthwhile,” Mayo said.  “Seeing the many other water towers rising above the Long Island tree line was truly breathtaking."

Driving past a water tower may seem like an ordinary experience, but the purpose they serve is truly extraordinary.  Maintaining a safe water supply in any community is a sizable and important task, one that cannot be completed without the demanding climbs construction and tank inspectors perform on a daily basis.

For more than 80 years H2M architects + engineers has built its engineering practice around its service to municipal water clients.  The firm’s engineers work directly with municipal water suppliers and private water utilities to ensure drinking water safety and efficient distribution to the communities they serve.  With a full complement of NACE-certified inspectors, petroleum tank inspectors, lead inspectors and protective coating specialists, H2M’s CCIS team is well-versed in these challenges, offering services ranging from cellular coordination to new tank design.