Drone Inspections for Advanced Water Storage: The Future of Tank Assessment in Australia

Underwater drone inspections of potable water tank interior

Underwater Drone Inspections are transforming the way advanced water storage systems are assessed and maintained. Instead of relying solely on manual inspections, drones — including underwater ROVs (Remotely Operated Vehicles) — can access confined spaces, capture high-resolution imagery, and detect issues without draining the tank or disrupting operations.

For facilities in Australia, especially in industrial, municipal, and agricultural sectors, drone inspections mean faster, safer, and more cost-effective tank assessments.

Benefits of Drone Inspections for Advanced Water Storage

  • Non-intrusive inspections – No need to empty the tank, saving time and water.
  • Enhanced safety – Reduces the need for confined space entry by workers.
  • High-accuracy data – Drones capture detailed images and videos for precise fault detection.
  • Faster turnaround – Inspections can be completed in hours instead of days.
  • Cost savings – Lower labour costs and less downtime compared to traditional methods.

Types of Drone Inspections for Water Tanks

  • Aerial drones – Ideal for external assessments, roof inspections, and structural checks.
  • Underwater ROVs – Perfect for inspecting the internal surfaces of potable water tanks, fire water tanks, and industrial storage systems.
  • Thermal imaging drones – Detect temperature variations that indicate leaks or compromised insulation.

Common Issues Detected by Drone Inspections

  • Corrosion or rust on steel tanks.
  • Cracks or spalling in concrete tanks.
  • Liner damage or peeling in potable water tanks.
  • Sediment build-up and biofilm growth.
  • Leaks or water seepage in seams and joints.
ROV drone checking sediment build-up inside water tank

Applications in Advanced Water Storage

Drone inspection technology is ideal for:

  • Municipal water storage facilities.
  • Industrial and mining operations.
  • Agricultural irrigation tanks.
  • Fire water storage systems.
  • Desalination and treatment plant storage.

Compliance and Reporting

Professional drone inspection services in Australia ensure compliance with relevant industry and safety standards. After each inspection, clients receive a detailed digital report with photos, videos, and recommendations for maintenance or repairs. This documentation is invaluable for meeting regulatory requirements and planning long-term maintenance.

As technology advances, drone inspections are expected to integrate AI-powered defect detection, real-time condition monitoring, and predictive maintenance analytics. For facility owners, this means even greater accuracy, reduced costs, and improved water security.

Conclusion

Underwater Drone Inspections are a game-changer for advanced water storage management. They deliver safe, accurate, and efficient tank assessments while minimising operational downtime.

Contact us today at 1800 770 899 to learn how our drone inspection services can help maintain your water storage assets in top condition.