Groundwater Contamination: Safer Liquid Storage Matters

Every drop of water beneath our feet is part of an invisible but vital resource—groundwater. It flows beneath us, feeding rivers, lakes, and wells, supplying over 50% of the U.S. population with drinking water. You might not know this but deep down within the driest desert lies an inexhaustible supply of groundwater. Yet, despite its importance, groundwater is under constant threat from industrial spills, agricultural runoff, and, notably, improper storage of hazardous liquids.

One of the most preventable sources of groundwater contamination is storage tank leaks. When fuel, chemicals, or even wastewater seep into the soil, they don’t just disappear—they spread slowly but persistently, polluting aquifers that millions depend on.

But here’s the good news: it doesn’t have to be this way. By using modern, corrosion-resistant storage solutions and following underground storage tank best practices, we can drastically reduce contamination risks and protect our groundwater for generations to come.

Understanding Groundwater and Its Importance

What is Groundwater?

Groundwater is the hidden lifeline of our planet. Stored in aquifers beneath the Earth's surface, It provides drinking water for over 130 million Americans and irrigates 40% of U.S. farmland, making it essential to both human survival and the environment (EPA).

Unlike lakes and rivers, groundwater moves slowly, filtering through soil and rock. But this natural process has limits. If pollutants like gasoline, industrial chemicals, or nitrates enter an aquifer, they can persist for decades, making cleanup expensive and, in some cases, nearly impossible.

Why Groundwater Matters

• Human Health: Over 130 million Americans rely on groundwater for clean drinking water (EPA).
• Ecosystems: Wetlands, rivers, and lakes are sustained by groundwater, making it crucial for biodiversity.
• Climate Resilience: During droughts, groundwater is a backup water source, preventing shortages.
• Economic Impact: Contaminated water shuts down businesses, drives up costs, and destroys property values.

The Life Cycle of Water – From Rainfall to Groundwater

To understand how groundwater contamination occurs, we must first follow the journey of water through the hydrologic cycle:

• Precipitation – Rain and snow fall onto the ground, where some water runs off into rivers and lakes (surface water) while the rest soaks into the soil.
• Infiltration – Water seeps downward through soil, sand, and rock, undergoing natural filtration as it enters underground aquifers.
• Storage in Aquifers – Some groundwater remains stored for years, decades, or even millennia, forming a hidden reservoir beneath our feet.
• Extraction & Use – Groundwater is pumped from wells for drinking, irrigation, and industrial use. In some cases, industries store hazardous liquids underground, which, if mismanaged, can seep into aquifers.
• Discharge & Return – Groundwater eventually resurfaces through springs, wetlands, or human extraction, where it feeds into rivers, lakes, and drinking water systems. However, if contaminated, it can cause widespread pollution of both surface and underground water sources.

Understanding this cycle is crucial—any pollutants stored or spilled above ground can eventually find their way into the water we drink. Here are 5 things you probably didn’t know about underground storage tanks and cisterns that could help prevent contamination.

7 Primary Sources of Groundwater Contamination

While the article primarily seeks to address leaks and spills from underground storage tanks (USTs) and above-ground storage tanks (ASTs) into groundwater, there are other overlooked sources that also pose a serious risk:

1. Industrial Waste Pits & Surface Impoundments

• Chemical and fuel storage sites often use open pits, lagoons, or lined ponds to store liquid waste. If liners deteriorate, hazardous chemicals like benzene and solvents can seep into groundwater.

2. Landfills with Poor Leachate Management

• Municipal and industrial landfills contain toxic leachate (a liquid formed when rainwater filters through waste). Improper lining or aging landfill structures can cause leachate leaks, leading to groundwater contamination with heavy metals and volatile organic compounds (VOCs).

3. Improperly Abandoned Underground Storage Tanks (USTs)

• Old fuel tanks, often left in place after businesses close, can leak gasoline, diesel, or hazardous chemicals into aquifers for decades before detection.

4. Pipeline Leaks & Chemical Transportation Accidents

• Underground and above-ground pipelines transporting oil, fuel, and industrial chemicals can develop leaks due to corrosion, mechanical failure, or accidents. These leaks are particularly dangerous in porous soils, where pollutants travel quickly into groundwater.

5. Septic Systems & Wastewater Disposal

• Improperly designed or aging septic tanks can leak human waste, pharmaceuticals, and household chemicals into nearby groundwater.
• Industries that improperly dispose of untreated wastewater also contribute to nitrate and pathogen contamination.

6. Firefighting Foam (PFAS Contamination)

• Fuel and chemical storage facilities often use firefighting foam containing PFAS (“forever chemicals”). When used in emergencies or training, PFAS-laden runoff infiltrates groundwater, creating long-term contamination risks.

7. Agricultural Runoff & Chemical Storage Mismanagement

• Fertilizer and pesticide storage areas near irrigation wells or drainage systems can lead to direct nitrate and chemical contamination of groundwater.
• Spills or improper disposal of livestock wastewater can also introduce bacteria, pharmaceuticals, and organic pollutants into aquifers.

How Storage Tanks Can Contaminate Groundwater

Many people assume that once a liquid storage tank is buried or installed, it's out of sight, out of mind. But the truth is, poor tank management is a ticking time bomb for groundwater contamination.

Leakage & Spills

• The EPA has confirmed over 525,000 leaks from underground storage tanks (USTs) in the U.S. alone.
• A single gallon of gasoline can contaminate 1 million gallons of drinking water.
• Small, undetected leaks are the worst offenders—seeping chemicals into the soil over years before being noticed.

Corrosion & Material Degradation

• Steel tanks corrode over time, especially in moist or acidic soils.
• Older tanks (15+ years) are at the highest risk for failure.
• Even minor corrosion can create micro-leaks that slowly poison surrounding groundwater.

Improper Installation & Maintenance

• Faulty installation accounts for 15% of tank failures (EPA).
• Lack of secondary containment increases spill risks.
• Neglected tanks accumulate sludge, rust, and pressure imbalances—leading to unexpected failures.

Curious to find out which UST will suit your unique project requirements? Our underground water tank selection criteria guide will walk you through the best picks and factors you may have overlooked.

Types of Storage Tanks and Their Potential Risks

Not all liquid storage solutions are equal. Understanding the strengths and risks of each type helps prevent groundwater contamination.

Underground Storage Tanks (USTs)

✅ Pros:

• Space-efficient—ideal for water storage in an aesthetically pleasing option.
• Protected from temperature fluctuations and physical damage.

⚠️ Cons:

• Leaks are difficult to detect without advanced monitoring.
• Regulated under strict EPA laws due to contamination risks.

Above-Ground Storage Tanks (ASTs)

✅ Pros:

• Easier to inspect and maintain.
• Lower installation costs than underground tanks.

⚠️ Cons:

• Exposed to weather, temperature changes, and external impacts.
• Risk of spills & runoff if not properly contained.

Tank Materials: Choosing the Right One

How Tank Depot’s Liquid Storage Solutions Protect Groundwater

At Tank Depot, we understand the risks associated with poor storage solutions. That’s why we provide reliable, long-lasting storage tanks designed to safeguard groundwater from contamination.

Why Choose Tank Depot’s Underground Polyethylene Storage Tanks?

Our rotationally molded polyethylene underground tanks offer:

• Seamless, leak-proof construction – Prevents groundwater contamination.
• FDA-approved for potable water storage – Safe for drinking water and emergency reserves.
• Lightweight yet durable – Easier to install than concrete or fiberglass.
• Corrosion-resistant – Unaffected by soil chemicals and groundwater contaminants.
• Available in multiple sizes – Ranges from 200 to 20,000 gallons.
• Designed for easy installation – Some underground poly tanks need no special backfill or additional water filling making installation a breeze.

Advantages of Tank Depot’s Underground Fiberglass Tanks

With our robust underground fiberglass storage tanks, you can rest assured of:

• Lightweight for easy transport & installation.
• Complies with AWWA D120, NFPA 22, and NSF 61 standards.
• Corrosion-resistant—eliminates rust risks.
• Anchoring systems prevent tank shifting or floating.
• Available in sizes exceeding 50,000 gallons.

Advantages of Tank Depot’s Bladder Tanks for Spill Containment

Bladder water tanks, also known as pillow tanks, offer a versatile and reliable solution for temporary and emergency liquid storage, providing an extra layer of groundwater protection. These flexible, collapsible tanks are ideal for spill containment, wastewater storage, and potable water applications in industrial, agricultural, military, and emergency settings.

• Flexible, Leak-Proof Design – Heavy-duty construction prevents spills and groundwater contamination.
• Compact & Portable – Unlike rigid tanks, bladder tanks fold down for easy transport and storage, making them ideal for temporary containment solutions.
• Corrosion-Resistant & Durable – Made from acrylic-coated PVC or vinyl, chemical bladder tanks resist harsh chemicals, wastewater, and environmental exposure.
• Multi-Liquid Storage – Suitable for potable water, chemical containment, wastewater storage, and fuel applications.
• Available in Various Sizes – Ranges from 15 to over 20,000 gallons, ensuring adaptability for small-scale and bulk storage needs.
• Quick Setup & Deployment – Bladder tanks can be deployed rapidly, making them ideal for emergency response, remote operations, and temporary industrial storage.

Unlike outdated steel tanks, our polyethylene and fiberglass solutions offer long-term safety, durability, and compliance with EPA regulations. For shorter term liquid containment, our emergency bladder tanks are the go-to.

U.S. Regulations for Protecting Groundwater from Contamination

The Future of Groundwater Protection Starts Here

Groundwater contamination is not inevitable—it’s preventable. By choosing the right storage solutions, staying compliant with regulations, and committing to regular maintenance, we can ensure clean water for future generations.

Ready to upgrade to a safer storage solution? Contact Tank Depot today to find a long-lasting, groundwater-safe tank that fits your needs.

Protect groundwater. Protect your health and heal Earth. Protect the future.

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