Concrete Coatings That Protect More Than Concrete: The Critical Role of NSF-Approved Systems in Water Infrastructure

At Phoenix General Contractors, we’ve worked on enough reservoirs, clearwells, and water treatment structures to know that what goes on concrete is just as important as the concrete itself. Especially when that concrete lines a structure carrying drinking water.

In municipal and federal water facilities, NSF-approved concrete coatings aren’t a nice-to-have—they’re a regulatory must. These specialized products do more than seal cracks or improve aesthetics. They serve as the invisible barrier between public health and chemical leaching, corrosion, or microbial contamination.

If your facility stores or processes potable water, here’s why NSF coatings should be non-negotiable—and why choosing the right contractor matters just as much as choosing the right product.

What Are NSF Coatings?

NSF International (formerly known as the National Sanitation Foundation) provides testing and certification for products that come into contact with drinking water. NSF/ANSI Standard 61 is the benchmark for any material used in potable water systems, from pipes and valves to interior tank coatings.

For concrete structures like clearwells, storage reservoirs, and distribution vaults, NSF 61-approved coatings form a durable, chemically inert surface that prevents:

• Contaminants from leaching into the water

• Corrosion of embedded reinforcement or piping

• Deterioration from constant moisture and treatment chemicals

These coatings are extensively tested for extraction levels, toxicity, and long-term durability before receiving certification.

Why It Matters for Government Projects

When it comes to public infrastructure—especially water systems—the standards are higher, and the scrutiny is tighter. Agencies like the EPA and state regulators require NSF 61 compliance for any component in contact with drinking water. Failing to meet these standards can result in failed inspections, rework orders, or even compromised water quality.

As a government contractor, Phoenix General Contractors understands that compliance isn’t optional—it’s foundational. Our crews are trained not only to apply NSF coatings properly, but to sequence projects with environmental controls, curing time requirements, and product-specific safety measures in mind.

Common Applications in Water Facilities

We've seen NSF-approved coatings used in a wide range of infrastructure environments, including:

• Clearwells & underground reservoirs

  Like our recent rehabilitation of Clearwell No. 3 in El Paso, these are critical holding areas where untreated or treated water may sit for long periods. Coating systems must resist constant moisture, support structural integrity, and remain chemically inert.

• Pipe interiors & vaults

  Steel piping, often vulnerable to corrosion, benefits from NSF-compliant lining to extend its life and prevent contamination of flowing water.

• Chemical containment areas

  Areas exposed to chlorine, fluorosilicic acid, and other treatment chemicals often

  require dual-function coatings that protect both the concrete and the water supply.

What Makes a Good NSF Coating?

Not all coatings are created equal. At Phoenix General Contractors, we work with product lines that meet both NSF/ANSI 61 certification and the durability demands of large-scale infrastructure.

Some of the systems we’ve successfully applied include:

• Sikalastic® FTP Primer – A solvent-free epoxy primer designed to create a strong substrate bond.

• Sikagard® 7600 VG & HG – High-performance epoxy coatings for vertical and horizontal surfaces, respectively. These systems provide chemical resistance, watertight protection, and meet NSF 61 requirements.

The success of these products depends not only on their formulation but also on:

• Proper surface preparation (sandblasting, grinding, moisture mitigation)

• Controlled environmental conditions (temperature, humidity, ventilation)

• Precise application methods (film thickness, layering, curing)

Not Just a Concrete Coating—A Long-Term Safeguard

The truth is, concrete coatings don’t just protect infrastructure—they protect people. A degraded coating system can allow chlorides, bacteria, or by-products from degraded concrete to enter the water supply. In many cases, these failures aren’t visible until health issues arise or regulatory violations are cited.

By choosing NSF-certified products and applying them with expert precision, you create a multi-layered defense: against corrosion, contamination, and costly rework.

How Phoenix General Contractors Gets It Right

We don’t cut corners on coatings—because we know what's at stake. Every NSF application we perform is backed by:

• Manufacturer-trained applicators

• Certified surface prep procedures

• Quality control documentation and third-party testing

• Coordination with facility operations to minimize service interruptions

Whether it's a federal facility, a municipal treatment plant, or a regional water district, we understand the mission-critical nature of these systems—and deliver accordingly.

Final Thoughts

Concrete is tough, but in the world of water infrastructure, it's only as good as its protective system. At Phoenix General Contractors, we treat every NSF-approved coating not as a finish, but as a frontline safeguard—one that helps keep water clean, systems running, and agencies in compliance.

If your facility needs structural rehab or coating restoration, let’s talk. We’re certified, experienced, and ready to deliver coatings that protect more than concrete—they protect communities.