Department of Health: Tank Water Advisory

The Department of Health said they have been receiving numerous queries from the public following Hurricane Gonzalo regarding the treatment of tank water after a storm or hurricane.

“The Department would therefore like to direct members of the public to read the water advisories posted on their website, which answer many of these questions: www.health.gov.bm [‘click’ on Environmental Health]” a spokesperson said.

The Health Department also provided the information below:

After a hurricane it may be noticed that your tank water has been affected.

Typically during a hurricane, the temperature is elevated [as it is the summer season], the salinity of tank water may increase from windblown spray [even inshore] and the close passage of a storm will cause a dip in pressure – all things which limit the amount of oxygen that dissolves in the water.

To make matters worse vegetation sometimes enters the tank. Normal bacterial action on this matter then has the potential to use up all the remaining oxygen in the water. As these aerobic bacteria then die off it allows an explosion in the population of anaerobic organisms.

These new organisms do not live by biological oxidation but instead use inorganic salts such as sulphates that are in the water. As a consequence the water begins to smell from the by-products of their metabolism. This is often reported as a “bad egg” smell.

The Solution

• 1. Remove as much vegetation from the tank as possible – if there is an excessive amount empty the tank.

• 2. Aerate – adding oxygen to the water in order to ensure that anaerobic bacterial action does not persist.

• 3. Aeration can be achieved by setting your garden hose nozzle onto the roof or onto the surface of the water in your tank. To quicken the process a booster pump may be used.

• 4. Chlorinate in order to reduce the numbers of bacteria in the tank and pipes. Using regular household bleach [4 oz per 1000 gallons] to kill germs.

• 5. Chlorination should only be performed if the water is clear and the tank relatively free of sludge. Organic matter contained in the sludge inhibits disinfection.

• 6. Salty water – empty the tank and fill with fresh water or use bottle water for drinking.

If your tank has not been cleaned within the last six years – empty and clean. [By Law your tank should be cleaned completely every six years].

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