By Diane Silcock
Water usage by manufacturers globally is being scrutinised, especially in water-intense sectors of industry. With water being a key component of Environmental Social and Governance (ESG), this framework encourages responsible use and reuse of water. Companies are increasingly turning to water storage solutions to support sustainable practices and meet ESG expectations.
Water storage solutions can enhance a company’s ESG value proposition and this is made possible through SBS Tanks (SBS), a leading local manufacturer and major exporter of water storage tanks. SBS has forged global partnerships with clients and communities, working together to mitigate water security risks.
World-class South African manufacturer of water storage solutions
Chester Foster, MD of SBS Tanks says, “We custom design and manufacture over 500 different types of water storage tanks at our facility in KwaZulu-Natal. Due to the modularity and scalability of our tanks, we can install them in any location in the world. They are very robust and built to withstand high winds. Applications fall within fire protection, agriculture, mining, municipal, commercial, and water conservation. We export to 27 countries and have branches in the US and Kenya.”
Addressing the need for water storage due to a failing infrastructure
Due to the ongoing water quality and infrastructure problems in South Africa, SBS is finding that the food and beverage companies, which are prime users of water, are increasing their water storage facilities.
Large shopping centres are also storing water as they use in excess of 250 000 litres of water per day for HVAC and sanitation, along with storing water for fire suppression, should taps run dry.
In municipal applications, SBS works with community leaders, partnering with municipalities and key stakeholders, to provide communities with access to water. “With quick deployment often being a requirement, we can install a 4ML tank within a month,” says Foster.
Water reuse in mining globally
SBS provides bespoke water storage solutions to all the major mining houses around the world. Tanks are built for raw storage of water, as well as for process water post the mining process, which the mine then cleans up and stores again for reuse.
Additionally, SBS has developed a world-first seismic calculator with the University of Cape Town and Stellenbosch University that determines the ability of a tank to withstand certain earthquake magnitudes on the Richter Scale. “We are extremely proud of this development. It’s an important tool for us in mining which has received approval in the US. It enables us to design our tanks taking into account seismic activity in an area.”
Next step in evolution of water provision
Foster predicts that desalination, as well as rainwater harvesting will be the next step in the evolution of water provision. SBS has supplied tanks to desalination projects in Port Alfred and Bushman’s River.
He says that the Western Cape is a prime location for desalination and believes KwaZulu-Natal north coast will have a desalination plant in the next five years.
Rainwater harvesting is another key water-saving strategy. SBS assisted a company with tanks that captured rainwater from rooftops and parking areas. This resulted in a saving of approximately 400 000 litres of water a month.
SBS expects strong growth due to climate change and ESG commitments
With climate change and ESG commitments driving global demand for sustainable water solutions, SBS Tanks is well-positioned for strong growth. “As a South African manufacturer, we are proud to have undertaken major projects worldwide. We manage our projects in-house and have a highly trained team, certified to work in hazardous industries like mining,” concludes Foster.
By providing efficient and scalable water storage solutions, SBS Tanks continues to play a vital role in advancing ESG goals and addressing water security challenges globally.
