Are Plastic Cisterns Safe For Drinking Water?
In order for plastic cisterns to be safe for potable water storage, there are highly regulated specifications and certifications that are required. At Ontario Agra, we only offer tanks that meet or exceed these requirements. Our poly (plastic) cistern tanks are designed for permanent sub-grade installation. Manufactured from high-density polyethylene with U.V. inhibitors, are FDA-approved for potable water and are manufactured for the containment of liquids up to 1.7 specific gravity. Standard models range in size from 325 GAL to 1700 GAL.
Below you’ll find the extensive list of criteria that all of our poly (plastic) cisterns meet:
Safety Requirements We Meet or Exceed
Food-Grade, Virgin Polyethylene Resin: The plastic should be made from 100% virgin (not recycled) polyethylene resin that is specifically approved for food contact by regulatory bodies like the FDA (U.S. Food and Drug Administration).
ANSI/NSF 61 Certification: This is a crucial standard. NSF/ANSI Standard 61 “Drinking Water System Components – Health Effects” ensures that materials coming into contact with drinking water do not leach harmful contaminants into the water.
BPA-Free and Phthalate-Free: Reputable manufacturers of potable water tanks ensure their products are free from Bisphenol A (BPA) and phthalates, chemicals that have raised health concerns. Polyethylene (HDPE, LDPE, PP) tanks are generally free of these.
Safety Requirements We Meet or Exceed
UV Stabilization: For outdoor tanks, UV stabilization is important to prevent degradation of the plastic from sunlight, which can impact its integrity and potentially lead to leaching.
Proper Design and Installation: The tank should be designed to be watertight, have a secure access hatch, and be installed according to the manufacturer’s instructions to prevent external contamination.
| Food-Grade Polyethylene | |
| ANSI/NSF 61 Certification | |
| BPA-Free and Phthalate-Free | |
| UV Stabilization | |
| Proper Design and Installation |
What to Avoid When Shopping for a Poly Cistern
Non-food grade plastics: Tanks not specifically designated for potable water may contain chemicals that can leach into drinking water.
Cross-linked polyethylene (XLPE): While a type of polyethylene, XLPE is not commonly rated or approved for potable water storage and is often used for chemical storage.
Used containers: Unless specifically certified and thoroughly cleaned for potable water, avoid using containers that previously held other substances, as residues or chemical leaching could occur.
Plastics with recycling codes 3 (PVC) or 6 (PS): These plastics are generally not recommended for food or drinking water storage due to potential leaching of harmful chemicals. Plastics with codes 1 (PET/PETE), 2 (HDPE), 4 (LDPE), 5 (PP), and 7 (Other – some types are safe, check for specific certifications like “food grade” or “BPA-free”) are more commonly used for food-grade applications.
When purchasing a poly (plastic) cistern for drinking water, the health of your household is a critical factor in your decision making process. It’s why we only offer new poly cistern tanks that are FDA approved and meet or exceed ANSI/NSF 61 requirements. In addition to being a safe options, poly cisterns are durable, long-lasting, economical, and easier to install than alternative materials.
When you’re ready to take the next step, you can explore pricing, blueprints, FAQ’s and educational materials on our product page here.
