Are you sitting there wondering what water tank sanitising is and why hasn’t anyone mentioned this before? You may in fact be already sanitising your water but do you know just how important it is?

Having your home supplied by rainwater is fantastic – it can certainly help you save on your water costs. But should you actually be drinking it or should you just be using it for your washing, toilets and gardens?

Getting sick by drinking the water in your rainwater tank is relatively low but that doesn’t mean it is impossible. Rainwater tanks can be a breeding ground for a number of pathogens from animal droppings and dead animals. They can also be a potential breeding place for mosquitoes.

You can minimise these risks even further, especially if you are using your tank water for drinking. Sanitising and treating your water tank is quick and easy, and will keep your water healthy.

How do I sanitise my water tank?

There are three main ways to sanitise your rainwater tank – chlorination, ultraviolet light irradiation and heat (or boiling).

Chlorination is one of the more popular options for homeowners and while chlorine works on sanitising what is already in the tank, it doesn’t work on anything that flows into the tank afterwards. It is effective against some harmful bacteria as well as Giardia but is not a good long term solution.

Ultraviolet light systems can be a good option, especially if you are in the process of installing a new tank. The UV lighting can be installed in the pipes that run the water from the tank to your home but again is not a long term or highly effective solution.

Boiling your tank water is one of the more efficient ways to make it safe to drink. A normal household kettle is perfect to use, and will kill harmful bacteria and viruses. Once boiled, all you need to do is put the water into containers, cool and store in your fridge.

Above all, keeping your roof and tank clean is the most important factor in ensuring your tank water is safe. Call the team at Water Tank Cleaners today and we’ll get your water tank in top shape and ready to use.