A water storage tank in Fort Pierce, Florida, has been named the winner of the 2026 Tank of the Year competition presented by Tnemec Company, a leading provider of high-performance coatings. This year's competition marks the 20th anniversary of the annual contest, which recognizes municipalities for their creative and innovative use of protective coatings on water storage tanks.
A panel of water tank enthusiasts selected the Fort Pierce tank based on criteria including artistic value, significance to the community and challenges encountered during the project. As the 2026 winner, the tank will receive the most prominent position in Tnemec's annual Tank of the Year calendar alongside the other top finalists.
Located in the heart of Jaycee Park in Fort Pierce, the winning ground storage tank features a vibrant mural celebrating Florida's coastal environment. Created by artist Christian Stanley of C. Stanley Creative, the colorful design showcases sea turtles, dolphins, manatees, pelicans and tropical fish, transforming essential water infrastructure into a community landmark. The tank is protected with Tnemec's Series 1026 Enduratone coating.
"For 20 years, this competition has showcased how communities can transform essential infrastructure into something truly special," says Kevin Morris, director of sales for the Water Tank Market at Tnemec. "The creativity and community pride reflected in this year's entries are remarkable. Fort Pierce is a great example of how a water tank can become more than a functional structure. It can become a landmark that residents are proud to call their own."
In addition to the overall Tank of the Year award, the competition invites the public to vote for its favorite tank through the People's Choice contest. This year's People's Choice winner was Detroit Lakes, Minnesota, earning recognition from voters for its standout design and community appeal.
"One of the most rewarding parts of this competition is seeing communities rally behind their local water tanks," Morris says. "Whether it's a striking new design or a familiar landmark given new life, each finalist tells a unique story. As we celebrate 20 years of Tank of the Year, we're proud to recognize the communities, designers and contractors who make these projects possible."
Since 2006, Tnemec has recognized outstanding water tank projects that demonstrate the aesthetic possibilities and long-lasting protection provided by its high-performance coatings. Over the past two decades, the competition has highlighted water tanks of all shapes and sizes, celebrating the important role they play in communities across North America.
The Fort Pierce tank will be featured as January in Tnemec's 2027 water tank calendar, with the remaining finalists and nominees featured throughout the calendar.
Aside from Fort Pierce and Detroit Lakes, this year's finalists included:
• Oak Harbor, Washington
• Percival, Iowa
• South Haven, Michigan
• Shreveport, Louisiana
• Prior Lake, Minnesota
• Scranton, South Carolina
• Elloree, South Carolina
• Cheyenne, Wyoming
• Pelham, Alabama
• Walnut Cove, North Carolina
To see pictures of the winning tank, click here. For more information about the 2026 Tank of the Year competition and to request a 2027 calendar, visit tankoftheyear.com.
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