To avoid water contamination, make sure that your storage tanks are sealed tight. It’s also a good idea to protect the tanks with a waterproof tarp if they’re stored somewhere like a shed where they could be exposed to moisture.

Temperature variance can cause condensation to collect inside your storage tank if it is not properly sealed. [7] X Research source It only takes a 7-degree temperature change for condensation to form on the walls of a fuel tank, and this moisture can ruin your fuel. [8] X Research source You can protect your fuel tanks from internal condensation by making sure they are properly sealed without ventilation to the outside environment. [9] X Research source

By the same principle, it is wise to drain the fuel tanks of vehicles that burn ethanol blends when going into storage to avoid condensation. [11] X Research source

For personal storage needs, HDPE jerry cans are one of the most popular options. [14] X Research source They can be found online and in hardware and automotive stores.

There are also oil-removing industrial soaps available in your local hardware, automotive or department store.

Recommended tank materials include double-walled steel or UL-listed fiberglass. UL is the primary safety certification laboratory for the global refueling equipment industry. [19] X Research source There are a number of retailers for large commercial tanks, such as ZCL | Xerxes, The Southern Company of North Little Rock and western Equipment. There is information on their websites about how to order one of their large ethanol storage tanks. Typically these tanks are stored underground at commercial gas stations, but above-ground tanks are also available. [20] X Research source

This is especially important for Underground Storage Tanks (UST), which are the most commonly used at gas stations. [22] X Research source These tanks are part of a system that is comprised of many different parts, all of which must be composed of proper materials that can stand up to the corrosive properties of ethanol.

Federal regulation requires clear labeling of pumps for different ethanol blends. [24] X Research source Labeling of your fuel pumps must be the official EPA labels. This is done to make it apparent to consumers which pumps are for which ethanol blends. You must attain proper certifications and inspections for storage of concentrations above E10. If switching a storage tank to a blend greater than E10, notify your implementing agency, usually a state office, 30 days prior to the switch. [25] X Research source You must maintain records that demonstrate compatibility of your equipment by an independent certifying agency, such as a nationally recognized testing laboratory or the manufacturer for use with the fuel stored. [26] X Research source

Contact your city’s or county’s environmental health and safety office to learn more about local codes.

Optic sweep: This method uses a controllable camera and probe to remove sludge, rust particles, water and other contaminants without tank downtime. [29] X Research source Steam cleaning: A person physically enters the tank and steam cleans it. Proper dry time must be allowed. [30] X Research source Filter agitator: An agitating device is lowered into the tank and the fuel is circulated to dislodge any contaminants or debris. A filtration system removes suspended debris. [31] X Research source Chemical solvents: Solvents are used to remove scale and debris. Liquid and debris are then pumped from the tank and disposed of. [32] X Research source