How to Disinfect Your Cistern

Disinfecting Your Cistern

A properly constructed cistern that is filled by an approved water hauler should provide satisfactory water results.

The cistern itself should be periodically cleaned and disinfected.

If surface catchment waters i.e.: roof drains, make up any part of the water supply, it cannot be relied upon to produce bacteria free results. Water collected this way may be contaminated from many sources i.e.: bird droppings, dust, pollution, animal waste or soil. Untreated surface water is not approved for drinking or household purposes and we recommend therefore, that such exterior connections to the cistern be discontinued.

A simple batch disinfection of the cistern water to be used for human consumption can be achieved by adding 40 ml of household bleach for every 1,000L of water (or 5 to 6 oz. per 1,000 gallons). This is a temporary measure and periodic sampling is recommended.

It is recommended that a licensed professional be contacted for further information regarding cistern cleaning.

For more detailed information on drinking water storage, maintenance and disinfection using cisterns and tanks follow the link below:

http://www.agr.gc.ca/pfra/water/facts/OnfarmCisterns_e.pdf