Cold Water Storage Tank Maintenance
The outbreak of Legionnaire's Disease or any other water-borne infection can be prevented by maintaining water storage tanks and water systems. Two important factors to monitor are temperature and hygiene. Water should be stored either below 200 C (dormant below this temperature) or above 600C (can't survive above this temperature). Water should always be kept free of impurities and never be allowed to stagnate.
Legionnaire's Disease is a pneumonia-like illness caused by legionella bacteria. The disease can be contorted by inhaling airborne water droplets containing viable legionella bacteria.
Legionella bacteria is commonly found in water and multiply where temperatures are between 20 and 450C and where there are nutrients in the water.
To prevent Legionella Bacterial growth in cold water storage tanks they should be cleaned periodically and fitted with lids and insect screens to prevent contamination. The tank itself also needs to be maintained. Galvanised storage tanks need to be checked for the onset of corrosion and leaking where the sheet panels join. Storage tanks showing signs of deterioration can undergo tank refurbishment, which is generally more cost effective than having to replace a tank. Unlined tanks can be converted to accept either EPDM or Butyl liners.
Concrete tanks used for storage of water also need to be maintained to ensure that water does not stagnate, get contaminated or allow water temperatures to rise above 200C. Concrete tanks have additional potential risk to the quality of water stored. If small cracks appear on the inside of concrete tanks they become home to E. Coli bacteria. Concrete tanks should be lined with a PVC or rubber liner to stop water leaking out or lime leaching into the water as well as the added risk of E. Coli.
If you require tank refurbishment, contact a Russetts representative who will discuss