BS EN 13280 Cold Water Storage Tank Standards | Tricel Water UK
BS EN 13280 is the recognised British and European standard that sets out the design, construction, and performance requirements for cold water storage tanks. Meeting this standard is essential for ensuring water storage systems are safe, reliable, and compliant with UK regulations.
This guide explains what the standard covers, how GRP tanks meet the requirements, and how it differs from older British Standards that are no longer in common use.
Key Highlights
- BS EN is the official British and European standard for cold water storage tanks.
- It covers design, construction, performance, and testing requirements.
- Tanks must be built from safe, non-toxic materials suitable for potable water.
- GRP tanks naturally meet BS EN 13280 through strength, WRAS-approved materials, and hygienic surfaces.
- The standard replaces older British Standards, with stricter testing and harmonised EU requirements.
- Compliance is essential for building control approval, water authority acceptance, and insurer confidence.
What is BS EN 13280?
BS EN 13280 is the benchmark specification for cold water storage tanks in the UK and Europe. It defines the technical requirements for:
- Design – ensuring tanks are structurally sound and fit for purpose.
- Construction – covering materials, joints, and manufacturing processes.
- Performance – ensuring tanks can withstand loading, pressure, and environmental conditions.
- Testing – including checks for leakage, strength, and long-term durability.
By complying with BS EN 13280, manufacturers and installers can provide assurance that tanks meet the expectations of building regulations, water authorities, and insurers.
How GRP Tanks Meet BS EN 13280
Glass Reinforced Plastic (GRP) tanks are widely used in the UK because they naturally align with BS EN 13280 requirements. Key compliance features include:
- WRAS-approved GRP materials that are non-toxic and suitable for potable water.
- Panel construction designed for strength, allowing tanks to withstand hydrostatic pressures.
- Smooth internal surfaces that minimise bacterial growth and support hygiene.
- Factory-fitted insulation to prevent freezing or overheating of stored water.
- Flexible modular design enabling installation in confined spaces while maintaining compliance.
Tricel manufactures and installs GRP tanks specifically engineered to BS EN 13280, backed by certification and technical documentation.
Differences vs Older British Standards
Before BS EN 13280 was introduced, cold water storage tanks were often built to outdated national standards. The key differences include:
- Broader scope: BS EN 13280 harmonises standards across Europe, whereas older standards were UK-only.
- Improved performance criteria: It includes stricter testing for leakage, pressure, and durability.
- Material requirements: Outdated standards allowed for materials that would no longer pass WRAS approval.
- Documentation: BS EN 13280 requires clearer certification and record-keeping than earlier frameworks.
Today, tanks built to older standards may not pass inspections or meet compliance requirements, making replacement with BS EN 13280 and WRAS-approved tanks strongly recommended.
Conclusion
BS EN 13280 is the definitive standard for cold water storage tanks in the UK, ensuring systems are safe, durable, and hygienic. GRP tanks naturally meet these requirements and provide long-term reliability. Organisations with tanks built to older standards should consider upgrading to BS EN compliant solutions to avoid compliance risks.
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