Flood contaminated Rain Water Tanks

RAIN/ BORE WATER HOLDING TANKS

If your rain or bore water holding tank has been submerged in flood water, it is likely to be contaminated with organic matter that is unsafe for human consumption. It may therefore be unsafe for showering and bathing etc.

Do NOT drink, shower, wash or bathe in flood affected water until steps have been taken to ensure that it safe to use.

In most cases this will include draining, cleaning and disinfecting the tank, the pump and ancillary pipe-work etc. If there is a filtration system in place, it should also be disinfected and filter cartridges replaced. As a further safeguard Pristine Water Systems recommends post cleaning bacteria testing.

If there is no other source of safe water please seek immediate advice before drinking or otherwise ingesting.

MAINS WATER FILTERS/ DRINKING WATER PURIFIERS

In most cases you should be advised by authorities if your mains water supply is either safe or unsafe for drinking and showering etc.

If in doubt check with your local health department or water treatment authority as a matter of urgency.

If there is a likelihood that the mains water treatment plant in your area was flood affected, it is possible that – where fitted - home filtration systems and/ or under-sink drinking water purifier filter cartridges may have been in contact with contaminated mains water for a period of time. Your shire council, local health authority or water treatment provider will be able to confirm if this event is likely to have occurred.

Where filter systems have been in contact with contaminated water supplies, the system should be disinfected and all filter cartridges replaced before using.

Further information has been provided by the Queensland Health Department: http://www.health.qld.gov.au/healthieryou/disaster/documents/floodwater.pdf

QUADCLEAN AND/OR SANITIZATION

At the very least, your Rain Water Tank will need Sanitization in preparation for future rainwater catchment. But there are other problems you will need to attend to first:

• Clean the roof
• Clean the downpipes feeding to the water tank
• Flush out all hoses and pipes to and from the water tank

The Pristine Water Systems QuadClean process is designed to clean out your water tank, filter the existing water supply, and sanitise the drinking water and water tank.

During this Flood Crisis, however, the quickest and best solution is for you to dump the water out of the water tank and sanitise the catchment area and the tank itself. By doing so, your water tank will be prepared for the next rainfall.

For the Flood victims, there are many problems that need to be addressed and sanitising the water tank may be the last thing you or someone you know, will think about. But you could make your family extremely sick by using any contaminated flood water in and around your home. So we beseech you to remind your friends or family that they need to flush out their rain water tank as soon as possible.

Please contact Pristine Water Systems if you have any further questions or enquiries.

NOTE: This advice is of a general nature only.If in doubt and/ or for further advice please contact your nearest health services authority. Pristine Water Systems provides filter disinfection and cartridge replacement servicing.