There are many kinds of construction built to contain liquids. These include structures for storing potable water and structures for holding sewage or chemicals. Some of these structures are earthen, and others are made from concrete and other materials. Waterproofing for these structures is usually applied between the earthwork or surface of the structure and the liquid being contained. The materials must be:

• Safe for use in direct contact with liquids intended for human or animal consumption.
• Resistant to and unaffected by the liquid that it is containing.
• Able to resist the combined effects of exposure to sunlight, weather; and repeated wetting.
• Compatible with and able to conform to the surfaces to which it is installed, including rough concrete walls, work slabs, and compacted earth.
• If surfaces are exposed to the sun or if waterproofing is being performed during extremely hot weather; installation of the protection course and backfilling should be done within 24 hours.