| Capacity | 2,000 US gallons / 7,570 liters / 267.4 cubic feet |
| Weight Empty | 250–400 lbs (poly) · heavier for steel and fiberglass |
| Weight Full | 16,690 lbs water · 16,940–17,090 lbs total loaded (poly) · 8.35 US tons |
| Typical Dimensions (Vertical) | ~88" diameter × 60" tall (poly; varies by brand) |
| Typical Price Range | $1,200–$2,800 (poly) · higher for steel and fiberglass |
| Delivery | Freight / flatbed only — crane or heavy equipment required for placement |
| Common Uses | Large farm, off-grid household, serious fire protection, large rainwater systems |
| Foundation Required | Yes — reinforced concrete pad or engineered base; no exceptions |
Who Needs a 2,000 Gallon Water Tank?
At 2,000 gallons, you are firmly in commercial and serious agricultural territory. A full tank weighs 16,690 pounds — 8.35 tons. This is a permanent infrastructure installation, not a storage purchase. Plan it, engineer it, and permit it accordingly.
- Agricultural irrigation and livestock: 2,000 gallons supports large-scale crop irrigation, feedlot watering systems, and dairy operations that smaller tanks can't supply without constant refilling.
- Fire suppression: 2,000 gallons supports 20 minutes at 100 GPM — a meaningful fire suppression reserve. Many rural property insurance policies and local fire codes require this capacity for commercial buildings and large residential properties without municipal water access.
- Commercial operations: Construction sites, manufacturing facilities, car washes, and other water-intensive commercial applications that need a reliable on-site supply.
- Municipal and community backup: Small communities, remote facilities, and disaster-preparedness applications where municipal supply can be interrupted.
- Large-scale rainwater harvesting: Primary storage for large catchment systems on commercial roofs, agricultural buildings, or large residential properties in arid climates.
Dimensions by Style
| Style | Diameter / Width | Height / Length | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Vertical Round (Poly) | 88" | 60" | Norwesco, Snyder — confirm spec sheet |
| Corrugated Steel (Round) | Varies by panel count | Varies | On-site panel assembly; most common at large sizes |
| Fiberglass | Custom / varies | Custom / varies | Usually custom-order; used for chemical storage |
| At this size, confirm dimensions directly with your supplier before finalizing your foundation design. Manufacturer specs vary. | |||
Material Options
Polyethylene (HDPE)
Still available at 2,000 gallons from manufacturers like Norwesco and Snyder, though at this capacity corrugated steel often becomes more cost-competitive. Poly remains the lightest option and the easiest to move before placement — but "easier" is relative when the empty tank weighs 250–400 lbs. Potable-rated versions are available.
- Lightest at 250–400 lbs empty
- Seamless — no welds
- FDA-rated for potable water
- No liner required
- UV degradation over decades
- Requires crane for placement at this size
- Steel becomes cost-competitive at this capacity
Corrugated Steel — Often Preferred at This Size
At 2,000 gallons, galvanized corrugated steel tanks assembled on-site from bolt-together panels are the most common choice for agricultural and commercial installations. They're assembled in place (no crane required for the panels — just a small crew and hand tools), have 30–50+ year lifespans, and look appropriate on a working farm or commercial site. A food-grade butyl liner is required for potable water and needs replacement every 10–20 years.
Product Options for 2,000 Gallons
At this capacity, availability varies more by region and retailer than at smaller sizes. Contact the suppliers below directly for pricing and lead times — large tanks often ship to order.
Where to Buy
| Retailer | Material Options | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Tank Depot | Poly + Steel | Best selection nationwide; freight delivery; local pickup in many states |
| Pioneer Water Tanks | Steel only | Premium corrugated steel specialist; on-site installation team available |
| Snyder Industries (direct) | Poly | Direct orders for large commercial quantities; confirm regional distributor |
| Local agricultural suppliers | Varies | Often best for steel at this size; can arrange local delivery and assembly crew |
Installation Requirements
At 2,000 gallons, this is not a DIY project. Key requirements:
- Foundation: Engineered reinforced concrete pad designed for the specific load. Hire a structural engineer to spec the slab — it needs to be rated for the full wet weight plus safety margin.
- Equipment: Poly tanks at this size require crane placement. Corrugated steel tanks can be assembled in place by a crew of 2–4 people using standard hand tools.
- Permitting: At this capacity, permits are likely required in most jurisdictions — for the structure, the plumbing connection, and potentially a fire suppression system. Contact your county building department and local fire authority before purchasing.
- Plumbing: Minimum 3" outlet fittings for adequate flow; 4" or larger for fire suppression applications. Work with a licensed plumber for potable water connections.
- Access: Plan delivery routes before ordering. A flatbed delivering a 2,000-gallon poly tank needs 14-foot clearance and a solid surface to set up a crane.
Frequently Asked Questions
A 2,000-gallon tank holds 16,690 pounds of water — 8.35 US tons. Add the empty tank weight (250–400 lbs for poly) for a total loaded weight of approximately 16,940–17,090 lbs. A reinforced concrete foundation is mandatory.
Poly tanks run $1,200–$2,800 for the tank itself. Add freight shipping ($150–$500), crane rental or placement service ($300–$800), and a reinforced concrete pad ($800–$2,500 depending on thickness and size). Total project cost is typically $3,000–$9,000 at this size depending on material and installation complexity.
Almost certainly yes for most jurisdictions at this size. Check with your county building department, local fire authority, and state water resources board. Fire suppression systems connected to structures typically require a fire code inspection. Rainwater collection may be regulated by state water rights law. Agricultural use may be exempt in some rural counties — confirm before ordering.
Both work well at this capacity. Poly is lighter when empty (easier to move before placement), seamless, potable-rated without a liner, and slightly lower upfront cost. Corrugated steel is assembled on-site (no crane for the panels), has a longer lifespan (30–50+ years vs. 20–30 for poly), and looks more permanent on agricultural and commercial properties. Steel requires a butyl liner for potable water. For most agricultural and commercial applications, corrugated steel is the preferred long-term investment at this size.