3000 Gallon Plastic Water Storage Tank - Black (102" x 93")

This 3000-gallon Norwesco water tank uses FDA-approved resin rated to Specific Gravity (SG) 1.1 for potable water storage. The black polyethylene blocks 100% of light penetration, completely preventing algae growth. Standing 93" tall on a 102" base (56.7 sq ft), the full weight is 25,400 lbs distributed across the flat bottom. Norwesco #42042.

Applications & Use Cases

Potable Water Storage

This tank stores 3000 gallons of drinking water using FDA-approved resin (21 CFR 177.1520). At FEMA's recommended 1 gallon per person per day, this provides 3000 days for one person or 750 days for a family of four. For extended emergencies, account for cooking, sanitation, and pet needs — plan 2-3 gallons per person per day for total water use.

Livestock Watering

Daily water requirements: beef cattle 8-12 gal, lactating dairy cows 30-50 gal, horses 8-10 gal, sheep/goats 2-3 gal, poultry 0.08 gal per bird. This 3000-gallon tank supplies approximately 250 beef cattle, 300 horses, or 36,000 chickens for one day. For continuous supply, pair with an automatic float valve and pressure system.

Rainwater Harvesting

Capture rate: 0.623 gallons per square foot of roof per inch of rainfall. This 3000-gallon tank captures 1 inch of rain from a 4815 sq ft roof area. Size your system for your longest consecutive dry period multiplied by your daily consumption rate. A first-flush diverter should divert the first 10-20 gallons of each rainfall event to waste before collecting clean water.

Fire Suppression Reserve

At a standard fire pump flow of 250 GPM, this tank provides 12.0 minutes of continuous suppression. Many rural jurisdictions require minimum water reserves for properties without hydrant access. ISO fire ratings consider water supply availability. A dedicated 2" or 3" dry hydrant connection with draft capability allows fire apparatus to draw directly from the tank.

Agricultural Irrigation Buffer

Buffer tank for drip irrigation systems: at 100 GPH system flow, this provides 30 hours of uninterrupted irrigation. Pairs with a well pump on a timer to refill during off-peak electrical hours. Eliminates pump cycling and provides surge capacity during peak demand.

Weight Calculator

Water weighs 8.34 lbs/gallon. Multiply by specific gravity for other liquids. Empty weight: 380 lbs.

Installation Guide

Foundation Requirements

At 27,902 lbs full (14.0 tons), this tank requires an engineered foundation. Minimum: 6" reinforced concrete pad with #4 rebar on 12" centers, extending 12" beyond the tank perimeter. Verify soil bearing capacity — a geotechnical survey is recommended. The pad must be level to within 1/8" across the full diameter. Include a ring of compacted gravel around the perimeter for drainage.

Placement & Handling

This tank requires a forklift with extended forks or a crane for placement. The 102" diameter may exceed standard fork spread. Use nylon slings (never chains or cables) if crane-lifting — wrap below the widest point and use a spreader bar. Attach a tag line to prevent rotation. Set directly on prepared foundation and do not drag into final position after placement.

Plumbing Connection (Critical)

From the official Norwesco installation guide: "Rigid piping must not be connected directly to a tank — a flexible connection of some sort is required." Polyethylene tanks expand and contract with temperature changes and fill level. A flexible hose connection absorbs this movement and prevents stress fractures at the fitting boss. This single precaution significantly extends tank life.

• Outlet: Use reinforced flexible hose between the tank fitting and your valve or pipe. A cam-lock coupler provides quick disconnect.
• Overflow: Water tanks include an overflow fitting near the top. Pipe to a safe discharge point — never cap it.
• Venting: The standard vented lid provides atmospheric venting. If you modify or seal the lid, install a separate vent to prevent vacuum/pressure buildup.
• Fitting material: Standard: glass-filled polypropylene with EPDM gaskets. For chemical service: request Viton gaskets or stainless steel fittings from Norwesco ((866) 418-1777).

Material Science & Construction

Resin and Material

Manufactured from virgin linear high-density polyethylene (HDPE) specifically formulated for rotational molding. The resin includes compounded UV stabilizers for long-term outdoor durability, antioxidants for processing stability, and meets FDA 21 CFR 177.1520 requirements for food-contact applications where applicable. This is purpose-engineered tank resin — not commodity plastic.

Rotational Molding Process

Every Norwesco tank is formed as a single piece through rotational molding — the resin is loaded into a heated mold that rotates biaxially, distributing molten plastic uniformly across all surfaces. The result is a seamless tank wall with no welds, joints, or stress concentrations. This process achieves the highest strength-to-weight ratio in the tank industry. Because there are no seams, there are no inherent weak points where leaks or cracks can initiate.

UV-15 Stabilization

The UV-15 stabilizer is compounded directly into the polyethylene resin during manufacturing — it is part of the molecular structure, not a surface coating that wears off. This provides best-in-class UV degradation resistance for the entire service life of the tank. Tanks made from unstabilized resin (common in imported or recycled-material tanks) begin visibly degrading within 2-3 years of outdoor exposure.

FDA Compliance

Norwesco's resin (Norwesco-specified HDPE resin) is certified to comply with FDA 21 CFR 177.1520 (Olefin polymers), paragraph (c)3.1a. Per the official regulatory declaration dated June 2019:

• May be used as articles intended for use in contact with food
• Food contact under Conditions of Use D through G (Table 2 of 21 CFR 176.170(c))
• Temperatures not in excess of 150°F for food contact applications
• Finished article must be at least 2 US gallons for fatty food contact
• Produced under good manufacturing practice per 21 CFR § 174.5(a)

Shipping & Manufacturing

Manufactured at the Norwesco plant in Fairfield, TX.

Norwesco operates 15 US plants plus 2 in Canada �� this decentralized structure means lower freight cost and faster delivery than competitors with centralized warehouses.

LTL Freight: Ships via flatbed. Forklift or equipment required for offloading. Call (866) 418-1777 for freight quote.

Frequently Asked Questions