The drawback of this method is the potential of stirring-up the sediment in the tank bottom each time water is added. Many atmospheric tanks have additional threaded connection points in the butt end of the tank or along the top crown of the tank. These openings are typically sealed by a screwed plug. If these connection points are not located inside the pump station, it may be necessary to temporarily remove the backfill along the outside crown of the tank to find such fittings. Corrosion protection should be considered on that pipe and backfill should be replaced to cover the pipe so as to protect against vandalism.
All atmospheric tanks have a vent pipe.
It may be possible to fabricate a fitting that allows both the venting function and the emergency refill function to take place simultaneously. Most incoming raw water feed lines from wells are plastic, and thus are very easily tapped. Since these lines are small, multiple connections could be used to allow a quick discharge of the water tanker. The side wall of an atmospheric tank can be cut by an acetylene torch and the proper size threaded connector welded on. This is not a preferred alternative.