8 m Steel Water Tower 5,000 L

AOFS Reference Implementation: 8 m Steel Water Tower with 5,000 L nylon tank. Designed for simple, off-the-shelf steel construction using locally available materials.

This blueprint is non-normative and intended as a practical, low-tech reference for smallholder farms, NGOs, or off-grid installations.

• Store 5,000 L of water in a tank elevated ~8 m for gravity-fed irrigation
• Provide a higher-head water source for farms requiring greater pressure
• Integrate optionally with AOFS Field Controllers for water level monitoring

• 8 m high simple steel frame tower (e.g., prefabricated angles or trusses)
• Supports a standard 5,000 L nylon tank (locally available)
• Open-top tank for inspection and filling
• Integrated Ladder for maintenance
• Tank should be secured to the steel frame to resist tipping or lateral movement.
• Consider temporary ballast or partial filling if the tank will be left empty for extended periods.
• Site placement should minimize exposure to prevailing winds.
• Designed to be assembled with basic tools and local labor

• Tank outlet feeds irrigation zones by gravity
• Minimum outlet height prevents complete emptying to maintain tank stability
• Isolation valve allows manual control
• Overflow routed safely to drainage or secondary container
• Optional integration with a small pump for secondary irrigation zones

• Keep steel frame connections tight and stable
• Ladder and hatch should be used carefully
• Ladder should be protected from being accessed by children
• Ensure the frame is level and anchored for basic stability
• Empty or near-empty tanks are more susceptible to wind forces; take care during strong wind events
• Ensure tank straps, brackets, or anchoring to the frame are installed and checked regularly
• Overflow and basic manual valve operation prevent flooding

• Tank filling and irrigation can be done manually if electronics fail
• Paper-based logs or measurement sheets supported

• Optional water level sensor for Field Controller logging
• AOFS control can read tank level for irrigation scheduling
• Controller can enforce a minimum water level to ensure the tank remains gravity-stable against wind forces
• Controller may connect to global weather forecasts when internet is available
  • High wind or storm warnings trigger alerts to the operator
  • Controller can temporarily fill or maintain tank level to prevent tipping during forecasted high winds
  • Irrigation may be suspended or modified to reduce risk to infrastructure
• Manual bypass always available — irrigation continues even if electronics are offline

• This design is simple and locally adjustable, so traditional versioning does not really apply
• Builders may adapt frame dimensions, tank placement, or assembly method according to available steel, tools, and skills
• Basic stability and functional operation should be maintained