Community Keeps Drinking Water Safe with a Fabric Covered Building

Animals and debris can no longer contaminate the water reservoir because of the protection provided by the fabric building.

Location: Angelica, NY
Building Size: 90' W x 230' L
Application: Water Treatment Plant Fabric Covered Building

When local engineers in Angelica, N.Y. began to search for a cover for an existing water reservoir because current systems were failing, it didn't take them long to discover a tension fabric structure was the perfect solution. "The wide clearspan space and how the fabric building is engineered and designed really impressed me.  There is nowhere for snow or rain to collect and leak into the manufactured water supply," says Phil.

Hunt Engineers, Architects and Land Surveyors, P.C. were commissioned by Angelica to design a $2.5 million water improvement development, which included covering the existing one million gallon water reservoir. A 90' wide x 230' long tension fabric structure was the logical choice. "Budget and maintenance costs were major considerations in the planning stages," says Davis. "A concrete tank was completely beyond our financial means. This fabric covered building met the fiscal responsibilities of our tax base and is almost maintenance free."

"A concrete tank was completely beyond our financial means.  The fabric covered building met the fiscal responsibilities of our tax base and is almost  maintenance free." -Phil Davis

The water reservoir had been protected by a floating canvas cover that required ongoing maintenance and repair. Because of recent new state department of health regulations and the continual threat of contamination from wildlife and debris, the floating cover was no longer suitable. "We now have a fabric structure that was efficient to install and able to withstand heavy snow loads and winds that are close to hurricane levels," says Davis. Tension fabric structures are rated for wind and snow loads across North America and are available in widths from 30 to 300+ feet.

"The new improvements meet the community's expectations and the the tension fabric structure has become a landmark for Angelica," says Davis.

A crane lifted the building's steel trusses over the existing water reservoir onto the foundation.

According to the construction inspector, the new fabric covered building water reservoir cover has become a village attraction.

An 18 inch concrete beam was constructed along the bottom of the fabric building for added support and ground insulation.