Importance of potable water tank cleaning and disinfection
Have you ever wondered why potable water tank cleaning and disinfection is so important? Clean and disinfected water tanks are essential for providing healthy and safe drinking water. Not only do they prevent contamination from microorganisms, but they also help control the growth of parasites, bacteria, and viruses in the water. In this blog, we’ll discuss the importance of regularly cleaning and disinfecting your potable water tanks to ensure the safety of your family and others.
“WATER IS FOOD, IF YOU ARE FOCUS ON HYGIENE IN YOUR KITCHEN OR ANY RESTAURANTS, CONSIDER THAT THE WATER YOU CONSUME OR USE FOR YOUR PERSONAL HYGIENE NEEDS TO BE SAFE FOR YOUR HEALTH”
Why is it important to clean and disinfect your potable water tank?
Over time, dirt, debris, moulds, dust, harmful microorganisms and bacteria including Legionella can accumulate in your water tank. The debris that build up may come from the water mains or from the surrounding environment if the tank is not properly covered. Storage tanks may also contain nutrients essential for the growth of biofilm and proliferation of bacteria including Legionella. Dirty reservoirs may over time develop rust, sediment and silt. Water tanks that haven`t been checked and cleaned over long periods can be contaminated with organic matter such as leaves and small animals in some rare cases.
It is essential to note that stagnation and poor water circulation provide a potential breeding ground for bacteria and other microorganisms to proliferate. Stagnation is often caused by under-utilised water and excessively large tanks (thinking of storing water for long periods is not a good idea if you can`t ensure that your water tank is regularly cleaned and disinfected).
What are the consequences of not cleaning and disinfecting your potable water tank?
If you don’t clean and disinfect your potable water tank, the consequences can be serious. Your water could become contaminated with bacteria, viruses, and other microorganisms that can cause illness. In some cases, these contaminants can even lead to death.
While it’s true that water treatment plants do a good job of removing most contaminants from our water supply, there are still some that can come through the mains (old pipe networks, poor treatment on some days, etc.). Also, other debris and contaminants can slip through the cracks. That’s why it’s so important to disinfect your water tank on a regular basis.
If you don’t, you could be putting yourself and your family at risk. So, take the time to clean and disinfect your water tank today. It can save your life.
How often should you clean and disinfect your potable water tank?
Assuming you have a water tank for storing potable water, it is important to keep it clean and disinfected to prevent the growth of bacteria and other microorganisms. While the frequency of cleaning and disinfecting will vary depending on the tank’s size and location, a good rule of thumb is to clean and disinfect your tank at least once a year.
If you live in an area with a high water turnover rate, or if your tank is exposed to direct sunlight or high temperatures, you may need to clean and disinfect your tank more often. Additionally, if you notice any changes in your water’s taste, smell, or appearance, it is important to clean and disinfect your tank as soon as possible.
Cleaning and disinfecting your water tank is a simple process, and there are a variety of products available to do the job. Be sure to follow the manufacturer’s instructions carefully, and always flush the tank with fresh water before using it again.
Basic procedure for tank cleaning and disinfection – using bleach solution available in supermarkets – for larger tanks in commercial buildings, please request the service of a professional company such as H2EAU Services Ltd.
- Empty the tank – if you do not want to waste too much water, close the tank water supply and use the water until tank is empty.
- Vacuum the debris at the bottom and clean all surfaces with a brush fix to a handle. Clean the tank properly and ensure no debris is left.
- Fill the tank with water and add bleach solution. The bleach solution available on the market usually contains 2.6 % chlorine (YOU NEED TO CROSS CHECK THE CONCENTRATION WITH THE SUPPLIER). The concentration of chlorine in the tanks needs to be around 50 mg/l. Therefore, for a 1000 L water tank you should add approximately 2L of 2.6 % Bleach solution. Let the water settle for some time (30 minutes) and then open all taps to flush your water lines. Once you start smelling chlorine, close all the taps. Refill the storage tank with water if necessary. The minimum contact time of the chlorinated water in the tank shall be of minimum 12 hours (max 24 hours).
- Drain the tank (neutralise the chlorine if possible). However, do not let the water inside your septic system because the chlorine will kill the microorganisms beneficial for degradation of the organic matter. Dispose of the water in a safe way.
- Refill the tank with water and flush all water lines until there is no or slight chlorine smell.
- If you want to ensure that the process was successful take a water sample for testing in an accredited laboratory. Parameters to be tested are Escherichia Coli and Faecal Coliforms – you can also analyse for Total Viable Counts.
If you don’t feel at ease with the above procedure, it is important to contact a professional to have your water tank cleaned and disinfected. Drinking contaminated water can lead to serious health problems, so it is important to be safe and make sure your water is clean.
What are the benefits of clean and disinfected potable water tank?
There are many benefits of having a clean and disinfected potable water tank. For one, it helps to ensure that the water you are drinking is free of harmful bacteria and other contaminants. Additionally, it can help to prolong the life of your water tank by preventing the build-up of sediment and other debris. Finally, regular cleaning and disinfection of your water tank can help to improve the taste of your water, making it more refreshing and enjoyable to drink.
References:
https://www.wcs-group.co.uk/wcs-blog/domestic-water-tank-cleaning
