PVC pipes for water storage

Yes, its been done to the death but as I posted some weeks ago, I'm preparing my Detour motorcycle camper for travelling and need water storage.

I recently had made a battery storage box mounted under the floor. Its on the passenger side of the camper at the rear. The drivers side has a wind down leg. There is the following area left for a tank 740 (L) x 320mm (W) x (150mm) high. This is maximum usage of that area allowing 40mm from the tank to the axle etc.

Searched high and low and cant find a black square tank of thos dimensions hence to make my own.

Emailed the following person to seek if PVC pipes can be used for drinking water-

Hi Tony,

PVC is the most commonly used pipe system by water agencies to deliver safe drinking water to your home so you are not breaking new ground with your proposal.

Whilst the raw materials used to manufacture the pressure pipes (such as the ones bringing water to your home) are the same as those used in the PVC pipes taking waste water away from your house there are additional test requirements placed on the pressure pipes to ensure they meet the Australian Standard 4020 that covers the suitability of materials for contact with drinking water. So to be absolutely sure your installation is suitable for drinking water applications I would suggest you use a pressure pipe manufactured to the Australian Standard as all PVC pressure pipes made to these standards are required to meet AS4020.

The waste water pipes you would commonly get from Bunnings may also be OK but as they are not intended for carrying drinking water the Standard does not require testing to AS4020.

Bunnings may not have pressure pipes in 150mm diameter but your local Trade Link or Reece stores will have these. They will be more expensive than the non-pressure pipes from Bunnings.

Cheers
Mark Hurndell
Heathcote - Executive General Manager
PIPA

So you can use it but obtain the pressure type from Reece or Tradelink that exceeds the Australian Standard.

By the way, my plan is to use two pipes 150mm diameter 700mm long equals about 23 litres. No food safe tank can be found that measures the area 700x300x150mm. The area is directly behind the axle and will assist with balancing of the trailer. Hence making my own.

Cheers. Tony Dawson