Service
Cistern Cleaning
Contact Us
Water Systems
724-897-7140
A cistern is basically a water reservoir of any kind, which is used to accumulate and store water for future use. Cisterns are usually constructed close to the building, which will use their water, sometimes even inside it. All water storage cisterns that are to be used for drinking or potable water are at risk of contamination either from external sources or from bacterial growth.Over time, a water cistern can become contaminated due to a build-up of silt and sediments, dead animals, molds, slime, bacteria and chlorine build-up. This can build up to toxic levels well before it is noticeable to the naked eye. Left too long, this sludge build up will foster anaerobic fermentation creating an odor and a yellow colour to the water. Left unchecked, the water is no longer safe to drink and may cause serious health problems.The main reasons for cistern contamination are:disinfection residual by chlorine depletion, resulting in microbial re-growth and contamination;increasing concentrations of oxidized minerals and organic matter; chlorine reacts with organic and inorganic matter (e.g. iron, manganese, calcium, magnesium, hydrogen sulphide, dissolved organic carbon, etc.);increasing concentrations of disinfection by-products such as trihalomethanes when chlorine reacts with organic matter;contamination and biodegradation from living organisms such as insects, rodents, reptiles, birds, etc. that crawl or fall into the water;internal contaminants added to the water from an improper, dirty or corroding cistern/tank;algal growth may form toxins from cyanobacteria, and will also cause problems with taste, odour, clogging of water treatment equipment, and increased organic content, and generally impair water quality and safety;microbial contamination and growth of microorganisms causing biofouling of the water tank and pipe walls;contamination from air borne particulate or living organisms or their waste products;chemical, physical or biological contaminants may be carried by rain or seepage into poorly-constructed, poorly-maintained, leaking tanks – this is especially critical if buried cisterns/tanks are located in pervious or semi-pervious soils, or in locations where contamination may occur from septic fields, lagoons, leaking waste water pipes, fertilized or sprayed fields, corrals or barns, waste or refuse disposal sites, etc.As a rule, your cistern and the water quality should be inspected and tested at least twice a year and fully cleaned every 2-3years. During the inspection, either by yourself or a trained professional make sure to check the following:Leaks, which can allow water to escape or contaminants to enter the tank.Floating intake filter.Any gauges, intakes, pumps, connections, and fittings.Poor fitting covers or lidsCracks or breaks in the plastic wallsShifting or movement of the water lines and connections.PROCEDURES FOR CLEANING AND SANITIZING A WATER CISTERN1. Vacuum pump out all of the old water from the tank.2. Provide adequate ventilation by use of a fan or other mechanism.3. Clean and sterilize all boots, and other equipment, then enter the inside of the tank.**Make sure someone is around to provide assistance if required.4. Physically remove all debris from the bottom and sides of tank.5. With a stiff brush and power washer, scrub the walls and floor with a sodium hypochlorite water solution of sufficient strength to remove any bacterial slime and mineral encrustation.6. Clean or replace the floating intake filter.7. Flush the inside of the tank with a high volume spray of potable water, then pump out the rinse water8. Refill the tank with potable water hauled in from a public water supply.The proper cleaning of a cistern can be complicated, and dangerous due to its small opening, and confined air space. If you don’t have experience working in enclosed spaces, or have the proper safety equipment, vacuum pumps, and access to large amounts of potable water, it is recommended to call a professional.Additional safety concernsNo cistern should be entered until appropriate measures have been taken to insure the cistern air quality is safe and should not be entered unless the person entering the tank has been trained in confined space entry and follows the appropriate safety procedures for entry.Chlorine dioxide gasWhile using sodium hypochlorite, such as household bleach, as a disinfectant, one has to keep in mind that hypochlorite be extremely dangerous, especially when disinfection takes place in a sealed space. Acute exposure of the skin or eyes to chlorine causes irritations and burns. Eye exposure to chlorine dioxide causes irritations, watering eyes and a blurry sight. Hypochlorite gas can be absorbed by the skin where it damages tissue and blood cells. Inhalation of the gas causes coughing, sore throat, severe headaches, lung edema and bronchio spasma. The symptoms can begin to show long after the exposure has taken place and can remain for a long time.
Cistern Cleaning
218125_216099341749316_100000477560660_944511_5642145_n.jpg
imagesCAJCXG5G.jpg
water softners.jpg
goulds_submersible.jpg
wxt2.jpg
1ws_homepage.jpg
All Rights Reseved
Cistern Cleaning
