After California’s recent wave of extreme weather events, ranging from atmospheric rivers to devastating floods, water tank maintenance and cleaning has become a top priority for homeowners, agricultural producers and facility managers.
Carson Liners understands that natural disasters can significantly impact water storage systems, leading to contamination, structural damage and costly disruptions in service. Proper tank maintenance is not just about ensuring clean water, it’s about preserving system integrity, reducing long-term costs and keeping water infrastructure resilient during crisis.
When the skies clear, one critical question remains: is your water still safe to use, store, or drink?
How environmental disasters impact water tanks in California
In February 2025, California experienced intense atmospheric river events, bringing substantial rainfall across the state. These storms resulted in heavy precipitation, which led to record-breaking flooding and concerns over water contamination. The National Weather Service issued warnings for difficult travel conditions and potential flooding in areas recently affected by wildfires, where debris flows became a significant risk.
The intense rainfall overwhelmed stormwater systems and rapidly filled reservoirs, but it also posed challenges for water tanks, especially in flood-prone or rural areas. Tanks positioned in low-lying zones were at risk of submersion or damage from fast-moving floodwaters. In some instances, access roads to tank sites were washed out, making maintenance or emergency response more difficult.
Risks to water tanks during floods include:
- Flood-related structural damage to tank foundations, walls and access points
Floodwaters can weaken or erode tank foundations, crack structural walls and damage access hatches, putting the entire water storage system at risk. - Contaminated runoff entering tanks through improperly sealed lids or damaged inlets
Improperly sealed tank lids or broken inlets allow polluted runoff from storms to enter the system, introducing bacteria, chemicals and sediment into the stored water. - Debris from roads, fields or wildfire zones entering the water supplies
Debris carried by stormwater, such as mud, ash, and chemical residue, can infiltrate unprotected tanks, severely contaminating agricultural and potable water supplies. - Loss of access to remote tanks due to washed-out roads and hazardous conditions
Washed-out roads and unstable terrain following a disaster can prevent timely inspections and repairs of remote water tanks, increasing the risk of prolonged outages or contamination.
Our team of experts recommends post-flood tank inspections and cleaning as an essential step toward ensuring your water remains safe and compliant. Our tank liners provide an extra layer of protection, especially for tanks exposed to unpredictable environmental conditions.
Debris flows in wildfire burn scar zones
In California’s mountainous and foothill regions, areas previously scorched by wildfires face a significantly elevated risk of debris flows especially during intense storms. These zones, known as burn scars, are highly unstable and vulnerable to rapid erosion when saturated by rain. The vegetation that once stabilized soil and absorbed rainfall has been destroyed, leaving behind loose, hydrophobic soils that can’t easily absorb water.
Carson Liners works closely with landowners in wildfire-prone areas to offer disaster-resilient solutions for tank protection.
What happens during a debris flow?
Debris flows are fast-moving, destructive torrents of water mixed with mud, rocks, vegetation and other materials. Unlike normal flooding, debris flows have enough force to destroy infrastructure, block access roads and sweep away anything in their path, including water tanks. In post-wildfire environments, even moderate rainfall can trigger these flows due to the destabilized terrain.
Water tanks located downhill or within proximity to burn scars are particularly at risk. The threats include:
- Foundation displacement or soil erosion, which can unseat or damage tanks
The sheer force of debris flows can erode or undercut the soil beneath water tanks, dislodging them from their foundation or causing tilting and cracking. - Broken fittings and plumbing systems caused by moving debris
Flowing debris can break or clog exposed plumbing connections, making the tank unusable until extensive repairs are made. - Burying or complete submersion of tanks and underground pipelines
Entire tanks or pipelines can become partially or fully buried under feet of mud and debris, requiring excavation and specialized recovery efforts. - Delayed repairs and inspections due to road blockages or unsafe conditions
Washed-out roads and unstable terrain can delay inspections, repairs and emergency water delivery to affected communities or agricultural sites. - Heat damage from wildfires compromising concrete tank structures
In addition to debris threats, extreme heat from a wildfire can cause cracking in concrete water tanks. This thermal damage weakens the tank’s structural integrity, making it more vulnerable to leaks, contamination, and eventual failure—even before storms or debris flows arrive.
To mitigate these threats, Carson Liners offers customizable tank liner systems and consulting for communities in high-risk debris flow zones. Our liners can help extend tank life and reduce the risk of contamination following a storm.
Coastal erosion and its implications for water tank infrastructure in California
Coastal regions in California are increasingly contending with the long-term impacts of sea-level rise and coastal erosion. Projections show that a sea-level rise could place much of Southern California’s beachfront at risk, altering not only the landscape but also affecting the infrastructure that communities rely on, including water storage systems.
For water tanks located near coastal zones, these environmental changes present several important considerations:
- Shifting soils and unstable foundations due to coastal erosion
As coastal erosion gradually wears away shorelines, water tank foundations may be exposed to shifting soil conditions, increased groundwater levels and saltwater intrusion. These changes can compromise the structural stability of both above-ground and below-ground tanks, increasing the risk of leaks or collapse without proactive reinforcement. - Saltwater corrosion affecting metal tank components and plumbing
Rising sea levels and storm surges can introduce higher levels of salt into the surrounding soil and air, accelerating corrosion on metallic components of water storage systems, such as tank walls, pipes, and fittings. Even tanks made with corrosion-resistant coatings may require more frequent inspection and maintenance in these changing conditions. - Restricted site access following storm surges or shoreline degradation
Erosion of coastal roads and properties can hinder access to water tank sites, especially during or after extreme weather events. This may delay critical inspections, maintenance or emergency repairs, underscoring the need for resilient site design and backup infrastructure planning. - Compliance with new environmental regulations requiring setbacks or tank relocations
As coastal management policies evolve to address erosion and flooding risks, water tank projects may be subject to new regulations, setback requirements, or relocation mandates, particularly for tanks positioned near at-risk zones. Adapting early to these changes can save both time and cost in the long run.
These events underscore the need for proactive measures to enhance the resilience of California’s water infrastructure against natural disasters.
Carson Liners provides geomembrane tank liners specifically designed for coastal environments. These liners serve as a protective barrier between stored water and the harsh effects of salt exposure, helping water facilities stay compliant, resilient and ready for changing coastlines.
Other ways natural disasters affect water tank systems
California’s diverse geography makes it uniquely susceptible to a range of natural disasters, including earthquakes, wildfires, floods and coastal erosion that can damage or contaminate water storage systems in several ways:
The hidden dangers of sediment infiltration during storms
When storms strike, your water tank may be more vulnerable than you think. Heavy rainfall and flooding don’t just bring rising water, they also carry a toxic mix of sediment, organic matter and chemical pollutants. If your tank’s seals, filters, or overflow systems are compromised, this runoff can infiltrate the tank, degrading water quality and introducing contaminants that clog filters, damage pumps or make water unsafe for consumption. Understanding the risks of sediment infiltration is the first step in protecting your water infrastructure and ensuring long-term water safety, especially in storm-prone regions like California.
- Contaminated stormwater can enter unsealed tanks
Heavy rainfall and flooding carry sediment, debris, and pollutants that easily infiltrate tanks through compromised seals, filters, or overflow systems. - Clogged filters and intake screens
Fine sediment can block filters and screens, reducing water quality and straining the system’s filtration capacity. - Reduced water pressure and flow
Sediment buildup in pipes and valves restricts flow, leading to inefficient water delivery and reduced pressure. - Damage to pumps and mechanical components
Abrasive particles can wear down pump systems and clog moving parts, increasing the risk of mechanical failure. - Sludge buildup at the bottom of the tank
Settled sediment forms a sludge layer that promotes the growth of bacteria and algae, especially in warm conditions. - Foul odors and water contamination
Organic material in the sludge can release unpleasant odors and toxins, making water unsafe for drinking or irrigation. - Interference with water treatment
Sediment and biofilm can neutralize disinfectants and cling to tank surfaces, complicating water treatment and sanitation. - Costly cleanup and water loss
Severely contaminated tanks may require full drainage, intensive cleaning, and water disposal to restore safe use. - Preventive protection with Carson Liners
Carson Liners offers durable tank liners and sealing solutions to help prevent sediment infiltration and protect your water quality year-round.
Structural damage from seismic activity
Water tanks, whether installed above or below ground, are engineered to withstand a range of environmental conditions. However, the forces unleashed during natural disasters often exceed standard tolerances, leaving tanks vulnerable to serious structural issues that aren’t always immediately apparent.
California sits atop multiple active fault lines, making earthquakes a constant threat to water tank infrastructure. The state’s geology means that both residential and commercial tanks are routinely exposed to seismic activity that can compromise their structural integrity. While many tanks are designed with basic seismic resistance, ongoing tremors and aftershocks can cause long-term structural issues that aren’t always visible right away.
Potential seismic impacts on water tanks:
- Cracks or microfractures in tank walls, especially in older concrete or fiberglass models
Seismic activity can cause small, often invisible cracks that lead to long-term leaks and water contamination. - Shifting or tilting due to slab or pier foundation damage
Ground movement can destabilize tank foundations, resulting in uneven load distribution and structural stress. - Broken seals or connections in internal plumbing systems
Even minor shifts can strain joints and seals, increasing the risk of leaks or system failure. - Dislodged tanks from failed anchoring systems during severe shaking
Inadequate or damaged anchors can cause tanks to shift, tip, or collapse entirely during earthquakes.
Carson Liners recommends post-earthquake tank inspections to detect early signs of damage and highlights the importance of high-quality liner fabrication. Our liners can help preserve water quality even when tanks develop small internal cracks or begin to leak, extending usability while structural repairs are underway.
Is your water still safe?
Floods, wildfires, earthquakes and erosion can quietly compromise your tank, affecting water quality, damaging infrastructure and costing you thousands in repairs. Yet many of these issues are invisible until it’s too late.
If your property has been affected, inspecting and cleaning your water tank isn’t just a precaution; it’s essential. Taking quick, proactive steps ensures your water remains safe, your system stays operational and costly damage is avoided down the line.
After the storm clears, don’t wait. Make water safety your next priority.
That’s why Carson Liners strongly encourages immediate water tank inspection and cleaning following any natural disaster. Our team offers expert guidance, custom-fit tank liner and proactive strategies to protect your water supply.
Whether you’re a homeowner in a floodplain, a farmer in wildfire territory, or a coastal facility manager, we’re here to help keep your water clean, safe, and secure.
For more information about how Carson Liners supports disaster resilience, speak with one of our experts or contact us at sales@carsonliners.com.