Whether you’re storing water for household use, irrigation, or commercial purposes, It’s crucial to take proactive steps to prevent contamination.

Contaminated water can lead to serious health risks, including waterborne diseases and chemical exposure. 

By understanding the proper steps to clean, monitor, and protect your water tank, you can keep your water supply safe and pure. 

Luckily, we can help with that! Here’s how to maintain a water tank to prevent contamination:

1. Clean It Regularly and Remove Sediments

Ideally, the tank should be cleaned at least once a year to give you clean water, though more frequent cleaning might be necessary depending on the quality of the incoming water and the tank’s environment. 

The cleaning process involves draining the tank completely to remove all water and scrubbing the insides to remove algae. Of course, cleaning a large or commercial tank isn’t a walk in the park. Fortunately, we can help with that. Our professional water tank cleaning services will keep your tank in top condition, extending its lifespan and keeping your water safe.

In addition to the annual cleaning, it’s important to address sediment buildup, which occurs naturally as particles settle at the bottom of the tank over time. Installing a sediment filter can help capture these particles before they enter the tank. Alternatively, you can use a syphon or vacuum pump to remove sediments on a regular basis. 

2. Consider the Water Source

The quality of the fresh water entering your tank is just as important as maintaining the tank itself. If the water source is untreated, it’s advisable to use a filtration system to remove impurities before the water reaches the tank. 

You should also regularly test the water to monitor for microbial contamination, pH levels, and chemical impurities. 

If the water is untreated, consider periodic chlorination to kill bacteria and viruses. However, it’s important to follow the recommended guidelines for chlorination to avoid over-chlorination, which can make the water unsafe to use.

3. Prevent Algae Growth

Someone holding algae in their hand

Algae and bacteria can quickly compromise the quality of water stored in your tank. Unfortunately, they commonly grow in water tanks because of exposure to sunlight.

Consider using a dark-coloured tank or covering the tank with a UV-resistant material. This reduces the amount of light entering the tank, thereby reducing the growth of algae. You can also get a Pioneers Antimicrobial tank liner that prevents the growth of bacteria, algae, and mould.

If algae become a persistent problem, you can consider sparingly using algaecides, although you should do this with caution to avoid introducing harmful chemicals into the water.

Installing a UV filter in your water system is another effective way to combat bacterial growth. UV filters use ultraviolet light to kill bacteria, viruses, and other microorganisms without adding chemicals to the water. 

4. Control Access to the Tank

Limiting access to the tank is another important preventive measure to maintain clean water for drinking and other uses.

Only authorised personnel should have access to the tank, particularly if it’s a communal or commercial tank. This reduces the risk of accidental contamination or deliberate tampering. 

For outdoor tanks, consider installing a fence around the tank to prevent unauthorised access by people or animals. Or, you can install a locked gate for an additional layer of security.

5. Inspect Regularly for Damage

Over time, tanks, especially those made from steel, may develop rust or corrosion, which can create small holes or cracks.

That’s why regular inspections are vital for detecting any leaks, cracks, or other forms of damage that could lead to contamination. Repairing small leaks promptly can prevent them from worsening, which could lead to more extensive and costly damage.

Additionally, it’s important to maintain the seals around the tank’s inlet, outlet, and inspection openings. These seals can wear out over time, leading to potential leaks. 

Regularly checking and replacing worn seals ensures that the tank remains watertight, protecting the water from contamination.

6. Monitor Filters and Replace Them

If your tank system includes filtration, it’s critical to regularly monitor and replace the filters. Pre- and post-filters catch impurities and prevent them from entering the tank or the water supply system. Over time, these filters can become clogged, reducing their effectiveness and potentially allowing contaminants to pass through. 

You can check the manufacturer’s guidelines to determine when you should replace the filters.

Discolored Water in a water tank

7. Use a Float Valve and Overflow System

A float valve and overflow system are essential components in preventing contamination caused by overfilling. Overfilling can lead to surface runoff entering the tank, bringing with it dirt, debris, and potentially harmful substances.

A float valve automatically stops the inflow of water when the tank reaches its maximum capacity, preventing spillage. 

Meanwhile, an overflow pipe, properly installed and leading to a safe drainage area, will ensure that excess water is safely diverted away from the tank. This prevents backflow, which could contaminate the water supply.

8. Keep Records of Everything

Finally, keeping a detailed maintenance log is a key step in water tank management. This log should include records of all cleaning, inspections, and water testing activities. 

By maintaining a log, you can track when maintenance tasks were last performed and identify patterns that might indicate emerging issues. This approach helps you schedule timely maintenance, ensuring that your tank remains in optimal condition and significantly reducing the risk of contamination.

Final Thoughts

Maintaining a water tank is not just about ensuring a continuous supply of water but also about safeguarding the health of those who rely on it. 

By implementing regular cleaning routines, monitoring water quality, and taking preventive measures against contamination, you can significantly extend the life of your water tank while ensuring the purity of the water it stores.

If you’re unable to do these steps, it may be wise to consider installing a tank liner. It’ll maintain the integrity of your tank for longer, and it can always be replaced when it’s old enough—it won’t cost half as much as replacing the entire tank.