AWWA Manual M42 2013 PDF

Full title and description

M42: Steel Water-Storage Tanks — Revised Edition (2013). AWWA Manual of Water Supply Practices providing comprehensive guidance on the selection, design, construction, inspection, operation, maintenance, and rehabilitation of steel tanks used for potable water storage (ground-supported, standpipes, elevated tanks, welded and bolted construction).

Abstract

This manual consolidates industry best practice for steel water-storage tanks for potable water. It covers typical capacities and configurations, structural and corrosion-control design, coatings and cathodic protection, appurtenances and access, foundation and construction considerations, bidding and contract practices, inspection and acceptance of new construction, routine operation and maintenance, professional examination and renovation of existing tanks, and considerations for cold-weather operation. The document is intended as a single-volume reference for engineers, owners, operators, constructors, and inspectors involved with steel water tanks.

General information

• Status: Current (revised edition, replaces M42-1998).
• Publication date: 2013 (revised edition — published May 2013, commonly listed as 2013).
• Publisher: American Water Works Association (AWWA).
• ICS / categories: Water supply / storage; typical ICS classifications include water supply systems and drinking water (for example, ICS codes under 91.140 and related drinking-water categories).
• Edition / version: Revised edition (2013) — M42-2013; revision of M42-1998.
• Number of pages: Approximately 160 pages (published editions are commonly listed between ~160 and 170 pages depending on format).

Scope

The manual addresses selection, sizing and siting of steel potable-water storage tanks and the technical details required for their design and construction. It covers both new-tank projects and existing-tank inspection, repair and renovation. Topics include structural configurations (ground reservoirs, standpipes, elevated tanks), welding and bolting practices, coatings and corrosion protection (including cathodic protection), appurtenances, foundations and site considerations, construction inspection and acceptance, contract and bidding guidance, operational procedures, routine maintenance and cleaning, and special considerations such as cold-weather operation.

Key topics and requirements

• Tank types and typical capacities — ground-supported, standpipes, and elevated tanks.
• Design principles for steel tanks: structural design, loads, and stability considerations.
• Fabrication and construction: welded versus bolted construction, shop and field practices.
• Foundations and support systems for various tank configurations.
• Coatings and corrosion control: specification, surface preparation, inspection, and maintenance; cathodic protection guidance.
• Appurtenances and access: ladders, hatches, vents, overflow, instrumentation and safety features.
• Bidding, contract language, and construction inspection/acceptance procedures.
• Operation and maintenance: routine inspections, cleaning, sampling access and operational best practices.
• Assessment and renovation of existing tanks: professional examination, repair methods, and life‑extension strategies.
• Cold-weather design and operational considerations.

Typical use and users

This manual is used by consulting and utility engineers, design firms, construction contractors, tank fabricators, municipal water utility owners and operators, inspectors, asset managers, and regulatory or permitting authorities. It serves as a design/reference handbook for preparing specifications, reviewing contractor bids, performing construction inspection, implementing maintenance programs, and planning tank rehabilitation or replacement.

Related standards

Commonly used alongside or referenced with other water-storage and tank standards, including AWWA D100 (Welded Carbon Steel Tanks for Water Storage), AWWA D110 (Prestressed concrete tanks), AWWA standards for disinfection and water‑storage facility practices (e.g., C652 and related documents), and relevant ASTM material and coating standards. The 2013 M42 revises and supersedes the prior M42-1998 manual and is typically used together with product and material standards referenced within its appendices.

Keywords

steel water-storage tanks, potable water, elevated tanks, standpipes, welded tanks, bolted tanks, coatings, cathodic protection, tank inspection, tank rehabilitation, AWWA M42, water storage design, tank operation and maintenance

FAQ

Q: What is this standard?

A: M42 is an AWWA manual titled "Steel Water-Storage Tanks" (revised edition, 2013). It is a practice manual (AWWA Manual of Water Supply Practices) providing consolidated guidance on steel potable-water tanks.

Q: What does it cover?

A: The manual covers selection, sizing, siting, structural design, fabrication and construction (welded and bolted), foundations, coatings and corrosion control (including cathodic protection), appurtenances and access, bidding and contract language, inspection and acceptance of new tanks, routine operation and maintenance, inspection and renovation of existing tanks, and cold-weather considerations.

Q: Who typically uses it?

A: Designers, consulting and utility engineers, tank fabricators and contractors, municipal water utility operators and owners, inspectors, and asset managers use this manual for design, specification, construction oversight, operations, and rehabilitation planning.

Q: Is it current or superseded?

A: The 2013 revised edition (M42-2013) supersedes M42-1998. Users should check for any later revisions or newer AWWA manuals/standards that affect tank design (for example, newer material standards or AWWA documents published after 2013) before final design or procurement.

Q: Is it part of a series?

A: Yes. M42 is part of the AWWA Manuals of Water Supply Practices series. It is intended to be used alongside related AWWA standards (D-series and C-series documents) and other referenced industry standards.

Q: What are the key keywords?

A: Steel water-storage tanks; potable water storage; elevated tanks; standpipes; welded and bolted construction; coatings; cathodic protection; inspection; maintenance; AWWA M42.