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Water Tower Maintenance Safety

Maintaining a farm water tower is work at height, sometimes inside an enclosed tank. It is a job for trained and equipped people, not a weekend task for whoever is handy.

What risks come with water towers?

Elevated tanks combine several hazards. Climbing and working at height bring fall risks. Entering a tank is a confined space entry with its own risks, including air quality. Coatings, cleaning chemicals and electrical equipment add more.

Add weather and age, and a routine check can become dangerous. Many farm tanks are older than the people maintaining them.

Many farm tanks supply livestock, irrigation or household use, and the scope of work depends on that. Make sure the contractor understands how your water is used, since that affects cleaning and coating choices.

• Fall risk while climbing.
• Confined space risk inside the tank.
• Chemical and electrical hazards.

Who should do the work?

For inspections, painting, cleaning and repair, hire a qualified contractor who works on elevated tanks. They should have training, equipment, insurance and a rescue plan. Ask for references and proof of qualification.

If your tank supplies drinking water, there may be health rules for cleaning and disinfection. Ask your state or local health department and your water system operator what applies.

Compare more than price. A contractor who explains rescue planning and shows training records is better than one who simply gives the lowest number.

• Ask for proof of training and insurance.
• Ask how they will protect workers and bystanders.
• Ask about confined space procedures.
• Get the scope of work in writing.

What about climbing?

Access to a tank may be by ladder, by stairs or by a platform. All of these involve height. Follow the guidance in the ladder and fall protection guides on this site, and confirm what applies with OSHA.

Do not climb in wind, ice, rain or lightning. Do not climb alone. Do not use the tank structure as an anchor unless a qualified person has said it is suitable.

Check the ladder and the platform at the top before anyone climbs. Cages, rails and hatches should be in good shape, and surfaces should be clean and dry.

What about entering the tank?

Entering a tank is a confined space entry. The air can be unsafe, and a person can be overcome quickly. This guide does not describe entry procedures. Do not enter a tank without training, testing, ventilation and a rescue plan from qualified sources.

If someone collapses in or near a tank, call 911 immediately. Do not enter to help. Rescuers have been hurt in this way, and trained responders have the equipment needed.

If a tank was used to store anything other than water, or was coated, the air inside may be different from what you expect. Only trained people with testing equipment should judge it.

What about chemicals and electricity?

Coatings, cleaners and disinfectants may be hazardous. Read labels and safety data sheets and follow the maker's guidance. Do not mix chemicals unless the instructions say so.

Pumps, lights and controls need power. Lock out and tag the power as the equipment instructions require, and keep water and electrical equipment apart.

Keep copies of safety data sheets for any product used on or in the tank, and make them available to the contractor and to emergency responders if needed.

How do you plan routine care?

Schedule inspections regularly and record findings. Check the base, supports, ladder, hatches, vents and signs of leaks or corrosion from the ground first. A lot can be seen without climbing.

Use binoculars or a drone service for roof views if appropriate, and have a professional follow up when something looks wrong.

Do a ground-level walk each season: look at footings, the base, pipe connections and signs of leaks, and take photos so you can compare them from year to year.

How do you keep other people safe?

Fence the base, lock the ladder access and post warning signs. Children are drawn to towers. Make the rules known to everyone who visits the farm.

Keep a record of who has keys or access, and tell your insurer about the structure.

If vandalism or trespass is a problem, ask your local law enforcement about options, and think about signage that explains the danger.

• Locked access and a fence.
• Warning signs.
• A record of who has keys.

Last reviewed: November 12, 2026. Written by the Farm Safety Editorial Team. See our editorial policy.