Farmers across Africa face the same challenge: storing water efficiently and minimising evaporation losses. However, a storage solution that protects water from the effects of heat, sunlight and the atmosphere is easier said than done.

The ideal solution is a sealed water storage system that minimises evaporation, even under hot African conditions. This is where Water Bladders plays a role: because the water is stored in a closed system, it is not exposed to the atmosphere like water in an open dam or tank.

A Water Bladders water bladder helps protect the stored water against direct sunlight and large temperature fluctuations. The water remains in constant contact with the material, while the opaque, sealed construction limits the impact of the sun and the surrounding environment.

Simon Cotton, owner of Silver Solutions, Water Bladders, and Dam Liners, explains: “The principle is that the inner lining prevents light penetration. This limits evaporation and creates unfavourable conditions for algal growth.”

Traditional tanks do not prevent water evaporation.

A sealed system limits evaporation

Water Bladders limits evaporation by storing water in a sealed system. Unlike storage dams, reservoirs and open water tanks where the water surface is directly exposed to the atmosphere, every water bladder, from small to large, is completely sealed.

“The water must remain stable, but sunlight must also not penetrate the water bladder. It does not matter whether the inner lining is black or not, because the PVC prevents sunlight from getting through. The material consists of six layers joined together by machine during the manufacturing process,” Cotton explains.


A storage dam can be contaminated with algae and other unwanted organisms.

Water quality inside a bladder

Because the company’s water bladder excludes light, conditions for algal growth are unfavourable. The sealed system also reduces the chance of new external contaminants reaching the water. However, the quality of the stored water still depends on the source water, filtration and system hygiene.

If the water stored in the water bladder is not pre-filtered or sufficiently clean, debris and sediment can accumulate in the system. Cotton explains that bacterial activity can then develop around this organic material.

Water Bladders offers filtration systems that can be installed to remove debris from the water before it is stored. UV treatment can further be used to reduce the amount of living micro-organisms in the water entering or leaving the system.

“Roof debris and other rubbish that end up in the water bladder settle to the bottom. Micro-organism activity can develop around this material, which is why proper pre-filtration is important,” says Cotton.

For more information about Water Bladders, contact Simon on 082-495-7997 or visit the company’s website at www.waterbladders.co.za.