Frozen Water Tanks

[Qweaver]

My above ground water tanks have always frozen a few inches of ice on the sides and top.  But I have never run out of water.  I have 2 above ground and 2 in-ground and I'm running on the in-ground tanks now.  I'm going to put another 1500 gal tank in-ground tank in this summer so that I don't have to worry about frozen water.  I'll bet the ice on my above ground tanks is a foot thick after this current freeze cycle.  I don't think a 1500w tank heater would thaw them.

[coxy]

what are the tanks used for animal water or people water ;D

[SwampDonkey]

That's gonna be rough if your water freezes up. Although, your not in arctic cold like I am up here. All the old farm houses up here used cisterns for wash water and hand pump in a shelter or a spring house. One spring up the road here never freezes, and it can be -25F and still open,  8) 8)

[red oaks lumber]

qweaver
i have a couple of remote areas on the farm that require water, i use an old 25 c.f. chest freezer (non working)that i store water in. even at minus 30 the water inside is fine.

edit** i should add that i keep the lid shut, i just pail water out as needed. oops :D