Antenna Installation on Water Towers

With increasing NIMBY (Not In My Back Yard!!) concerns, cellular carriers are looking for existing structures--including storage tanks--to attach antennas to rather than building their own towers. This option also saves them money in land acquisition and tower construction costs, as well as future maintenance costs. Also, zoning restrictions may not allow the construction of cellular antenna towers. Many storage tank owners are leasing space on their towers, and some are constructing new tanks with the intent of providing access and points of attachment for initial or future antenna installation and service. However, as with everything else in life, there is a right way and a wrong way to do it, and a poor cellular antenna installation can create problems for the tank owner which can easily outweigh the financial advantages they provide.

At TIC, we evaluate literally hundreds of tanks each year, and can assist tank owners in avoiding some of the typical problems encountered when antennas are installed improperly. In addition to structural, sanitary, and safety deficiencies that can be caused by improper antenna installation, there are also problems created which can impede or prevent future maintenance of the tank.

Most cellular companies have installations designed by their own engineers or consultants. However, our experience has proven that most designers and installation contractors have little experience with water tank design and even less experience in water tank maintenance. Therefore, simple items to prolong the life of the coating system or avoid potential sanitary, structural, or safety problems are often overlooked. While we're not suggesting that you take over the design responsibilities, it is prudent to have all plans, designs, and drawings reviewed by an independent third party whose only interest is protecting the water tank owner and who understands tank maintenance and design. Additionally, you should require site visits by the designer of record. Ideally, you would want periodic site visits to verify the work is being properly performed throughout the installation. Typical items requiring evaluation should include the proper installation of the antennas, brackets, and related conduit; removal of weld spatter; proper surface preparation and coating application; and quality of welds. At a minimum, a final site visit needs to be performed to check the installed product against the plans and drawings.

With any type of investment of this nature, a contractual relationship will be required between the cellular phone company and the water tank owner, and there are several contractual items that should be addressed. TIC has assembled a laundry list of considerations that owner's should consider prior to entering into a contract. For a copy of this list, please contact a TIC office. (Note: qualified legal advice and direction should be obtained prior to entering into this type of contract.)

Tank Industry Consultants, Inc., 7740 West New York Street, Indianapolis, IN 46214. Tel: 317-271-3100; Fax: 317-271-3300.