If you have, or, are thinking of having a potable water storage system on your property, along with determining the quantity and benefits of having enough water available when you need it you should also evaluate the potential dangers associated with incorrectly handling this precious commodity.
Standing or polluted water, including water used for drinking and cleaning purposes, can be contaminated through the growth of pathogens (disease-causing microorganisms).
Testing for bacteria is the only reliable way to know if your water is safe. You cannot tell by the look, taste, or smell of the water if disease-causing organisms are in it.
You can contract Cholera, an E. coli infection, Legionnaires disease, a Gastrointestinal illness amongst other illnesses from stagnant water.
Did you know you contract Legionnaires' disease or Pontiac fever when you breathe in small droplets of water in the air that contain the bacteria?
Symptoms of gastrointestinal illness from contaminated water can include diarrhea, abdominal cramps, nausea and vomiting.
Microscopic bacteria in water!
Potentially harmful bacteria can rapidly grow in stagnant, low circulation water sources. Water can become stagnant in as little as 24 hours, mold and bacteria begins to grow within 48 hours.
Some varieties of bacteria are dangerous to humans and animals. Drinking stagnant water or even touching it and not washing your hands could make you and your children very sick.
Stagnation can be caused by a number of factors including using oversized water storage tanks, under-utilising stored water, poor system designs and practices, or issues in your water system causing blockages or poor water flow. Some level of stagnation will always be present in water tanks, therefore, regular cleaning and disinfection is necessary even if these risks are low.
Cold water storage tanks are a common source of nutrients for bacteria, including Legionella. Over time a tank can become dirty and develop limescale, sediment and rust deposits. Water tanks can even become contaminated with debris coming in from the mains or organic matter such as leaves and small animals.
Water storage tanks should be inspected and cleaned at least once a year, more often if contamination is found.
Our system designs, cleaning and sterilization practices, water management collection and testing processes are guided by W.H.O. guidelines for drinking water quality and ISO 5667 established principles of sampling water intended for human consumption.
Incorrectly managing your water storage may result in unintentional water stagnation and bacterial growth such as Legionella pneumophila (Legionnaire's Disease), Escherichia coli 1,2,3,4,9 (E coli coliform, fecal coliform), Molds and Viruses.
Let's chat and arrange a free site visit. After evaluating the property's water needs and plumbing network, our team will prepare a proposal guiding you along a water system installation/ re-design or managing the turnover of water, mineral & organic buildup and pathogenic microorganism growth within the storage tanks