Water Treatment

There are a variety of issues that can lead to the necessity to have the water in your tank treated.

In warm to hot weather the bacteria that lives in the sediment build up in the bottom of tanks that have not been cleaned frequently enough goes into an anaerobic phase, leading to the production of sulphides, with a distinctive sewage or rotten egg-like smell.  Even if your water tank is relatively clean it may still develop an off taste or odour, and this is generally caused by stagnant water being held in pipework between rain events, like u-bends or underground piping from roof catchment.  These environments allow for slimes and biofilms to form, also leading to the production of sulphides, the same way as it does in the sediment build up.  The installation and use of a simple first flush system on your pipes can help prevent this problem occurring in the future.

Despite having leaf screens and first flush diverters, dust, debris and other contaminants can still make their way into your water tank.  Nearby vegetation increases the chance of animal or bird droppings washing into your tank. Animals also have a tendency to enter your tank for a drink or shelter, but unfortunately are unable to get out again.  The main problem associated with animals and tank water is increased levels of E. coli and Cryptosporidium contamination.  Keeping nearby trees and bushes pruned can greatly reduce the risks.

Should your tank get to this point, or if you have been unfortunate enough to have some poor critter pass away in your water tank, we can treat the water with chlorine dioxide to restore its ability to be consumed, but please do not confuse this with ordinary pool chlorine.

Aside from animals, stagnation and decaying debris, contamination can be from roof restorations or even ash from bushfires entering into your tank.  If you are having any roof restorations done, we recommend disconnecting your downpipes to avoid contaminants being washed into your water tank.

Water Testing

Water testing is available, but we won’t charge you for a job you can simply do yourself.  All you need to do is take a sample of your water to any pathology lab and ask for a ’Suitability for Drinking’ test.