CAT CLASS: HQ-10909

Up to 500 gal Water Tank

Water tanks up to 500 gallons provide portable on-site water supply for dust suppression, equipment washdown, and hand-washing stations where crews work beyond permanent infrastructure. This smallest size class in the water tank ladder emphasizes portability—most units remain light enough for forklift repositioning without dedicated trailer transport. For higher-volume dust control or multi-crew operations, the 500-2,000 gal Water Tank class offers extended capacity at the cost of specialized hauling.

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Pick a size class — capacity and reach differ across the range.

Key specifications

Specification	Typical range	What it means
Capacity	200–500 gal	Total water volume; fills support half-day to full-day dust control for a single zone or crew.
Load capacity	441–992 lb (200–450 kg)	Weight rating for forklift or pallet-jack handling; corresponds to structural design and base footprint.
Max height	4–37 ft (1.2–11.3 m)	Installed height range spans low-profile horizontal leg tanks to tall vertical towers for gravity feed.

How to choose

Tanks up to 500 gallons suit single-crew dust control, small concrete pours, and temporary wash stations where water demand remains intermittent and forklift access permits on-site repositioning. The format choice—horizontal leg tanks versus vertical towers—depends on available footprint and whether gravity pressure or pump delivery is preferred. When daily water consumption exceeds 400 gallons, or when multiple spray bars operate simultaneously, the 500-2,000 gal Water Tank class reduces refill frequency and supports distributed manifold systems. Projects confined to pedestrian access or rooftop placement may require this smaller class despite higher volume needs.

What this size handles

Dust suppression for a single saw-cutting crew on a roadway shoulder
Hand-wash station supply for a 10-person demolition crew over a weekend
Concrete-curing water for slab pours under 1,000 sq ft
Equipment washdown at a small excavation staging area
Temporary potable water backup during utility service interruption
Spray-bar feed for a compact street-sweeper or small excavator attachment

Safety & operation

Verify load capacity of forks, pallets, and ground surface before positioning filled tanks; water weight approaches 4,000 lb at 500-gallon capacity.
Secure vertical tanks with straps or tie-downs on uneven terrain to prevent tip-over during filling or high winds.
Inspect polyethylene and fiberglass shells for UV degradation and stress cracks before each fill cycle, especially on aged units.
Use potable-rated tanks and hoses exclusively for drinking water; industrial tanks may leach chemicals unsuitable for human consumption.

Transport & logistics

Horizontal leg tanks (200–300 gal) typically load onto pickup beds or utility trailers without special tie-downs.
Vertical tanks to 500 gallons fit standard flatbed trailers; taller models require clearance checks for overhead wires and bridges.
Forklift delivery common for leg tanks; operator positions forks under molded channels or reinforced base rails.

Power & supply

Gravity-fed systems require no power when tank elevation provides adequate head pressure for spray nozzles or hose bibs.
Electric transfer pumps (120 V, 5–10 A) common for filling from hydrants or for pressurized distribution to remote points.
Diesel- or gas-powered pumps used when filling from ponds, streams, or water-truck tankers without electrical hookup.

Frequently asked

What distinguishes a leg tank from a vertical tower in this size class?

Leg tanks rest horizontally on molded or welded supports, offering a low center of gravity and forklift channels; vertical towers maximize capacity within a small footprint and provide natural head pressure for gravity feed. Both formats appear throughout the up-to-500-gallon range.

How many refills per day does a 500-gallon tank require for typical dust control?

A single water-spray bar on an excavator or skid-steer consumes 5–15 gallons per hour; a 500-gallon tank supports 6–10 hours of intermittent spraying, meaning most small sites refill once daily or every other day depending on soil conditions and activity intensity.

Can tanks in this size class supply pressure washers directly?

Gravity flow from elevated tanks may feed low-pressure washdown nozzles, but gasoline pressure washers (2,000+ psi) require a dedicated transfer pump with adequate flow rate—typically 2–4 GPM minimum—to prevent cavitation and maintain steady inlet pressure.

Compare popular models

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Normalised to the same units. A dash means the figure was not published.

Model	Load capacity	Max height
Baker Tank Mix Tank System	420 gal	37 ft (11.3 m)
Baker Tank Double Wall Tank	420 gal	37 ft (11.3 m)
Chem-Tainer TC3845LC – 200 Gallon Round Horizontal Bulk Storage Tank	200 gal	3.8 ft (1.2 m)
Chem-Tainer N-44800 – 100 Gallon Norwesco Free Standing Water Tank	100 gal	3.2 ft (1.0 m)
Den Hartog HZ0055-23	55 gal	3.2 ft (1.0 m)
Den Hartog HZ0070-23	70 gal	3.7 ft (1.1 m)