Cistern Coatings was founded on a straightforward premise: that the integrity of water storage infrastructure matters enormously, and that the coating systems protecting that infrastructure deserve the same engineering rigor as any other critical structural component. We are a specialized coating contractor focused exclusively on water containment applications — cisterns, tanks, reservoirs, and the structures that hold water for drinking, irrigation, fire suppression, and industrial use.
Our Background and Expertise
Our team brings together decades of combined experience in industrial coatings, civil structural engineering, and water systems management. What distinguishes us from general painting or waterproofing contractors is depth of specialization: we understand the chemistry of water-contact coatings, the structural behavior of concrete and steel water storage structures, the regulatory requirements governing potable water system materials, and the practical realities of executing coating work inside confined water storage structures.
We have worked on cisterns ranging in size from 500-gallon residential rainwater harvesting tanks to multi-million-gallon agricultural and municipal water storage structures. Each project — regardless of scale — receives the same level of engineering analysis, specification development, surface preparation, and quality control documentation.
Our Approach to Every Project
We do not take a one-size-fits-all approach to cistern coating. The right coating system for a below-grade concrete rainwater harvesting cistern in a humid subtropical climate is different from the right system for an above-ground steel irrigation tank in an arid western environment, which is different again from the appropriate system for a potable water storage structure subject to NSF/ANSI 61 regulatory requirements.
Every project begins with a thorough assessment: the substrate condition, the water chemistry, the service environment, the regulatory requirements, and the client’s operational constraints. From that assessment, we develop a complete project specification — surface preparation standards, primer requirements, coating system and film thickness, application conditions, quality control procedures — before any material is ordered or any work begins.
This engineering-first approach means we sometimes tell clients that a proposed coating system is wrong for their application, that structural repairs are needed before coating can proceed, or that the proposed project timeline is not achievable without compromising quality. We consider that kind of honest guidance part of our service.
Commitment to Certified Products and Practices
For all potable water applications, we specify and apply only NSF/ANSI 61 certified coating products — verified against the current NSF certification database before each project. We maintain current documentation of certifications for all products we apply to drinking water structures, and we provide that documentation to clients as part of our project closeout package.
Our applicators are trained in the specific application requirements of the coating systems we install. Polyurea spray application, in particular, requires specialized equipment and operator training to achieve consistent, holiday-free results. We invest in ongoing training and equipment maintenance to ensure that our application quality matches the quality of the products we specify. Read more about our capabilities on the Our Services page.
Geographic Service Area
We operate primarily across the southeastern and southwestern United States — regions where cisterns play a significant role in water management for both agricultural and residential applications. Our mobile application crews can reach project sites throughout these regions, and for large-scale projects, we coordinate logistics accordingly.
Working With Us
Whether you’re planning a new cistern installation and want to ensure it’s protected from day one, managing an aging cistern that needs rehabilitation, or assessing a portfolio of water storage assets, we’re ready to help. We work with individual property owners, agricultural operations, engineering firms, municipalities, and water system operators.
The best starting point is a conversation about your specific situation. Contact our team to arrange a consultation, or explore our knowledge resources to learn more about cistern coating technology and best practices. You can also review our answers to common questions on the FAQ page.