Q: I just moved to Blackstrap Lake south of Saskatoon and have a 1,000 gallon water tank. We haul our water from the city.
There is sediment in the bottom of the tank and some “floaties” on top. There is no offensive odour coming from the tank.
How do we go about cleaning the tank? How much chlorine do we need to put into the tank every time we add water? Also, how often should we add the clorine?
A: The city water you are hauling in is already chlorinated. To ensure that the water is free from bacteria that may be growing inside the tank, I suggest you add one ounce of chlorine for every 500 gallons of water.
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You may notice a stronger chlorine taste and odour, which is fine.
I also suggest you install a carbon cartridge filter after the holding tank. The carbon cartridge will remove the taste and odour of chlorine and also will remove any sediment and floaties.
Five gallons of chlorine (sodium hypochlorite) will cost around $35 and a good cartridge-type carbon filter will cost about $50.
The carbon cartridge filter has a lifespan of two to three months.
Q: We have a 2,000 gallon fiberglass underground tank that we use for drinking water. A neighbour hauls the water to us from the Biggar, Sask., town supply. He also hauls untreated water for his cattle and garden.
We’ve had this arrangement for 20 years. We also have a Brita tap filter.
Our concern is although we have had no problem to date, what can we add to the tank to ensure a clean supply for drinking?
A: To keep the tank clean from any algae growth or possibly bacteria, I suggest that you add three to five ounces of liquid chlorine to your cistern once a week.
The chlorine will eliminate algae and kill bacteria that may be growing in the tank. You can buy a chlorine test kit, which costs about $15. It would be beneficial if you could have about one part per million of chlorine in your underground cistern at all times.
The Brita filter that you are using will remove chlorine taste or odour from your drinking water. These filters use activated carbon as their primary media.
If you have a specific water problem and would like advice, write to the Water Clinic, attention Philip Stadnyk, 850-47th St. E. Saskatoon, Sask., S7K 0X4, e-mail philip@thewaterclinic.com or phone 800-664-2561. Stadnyk is president of the Water Clinic and a member of the Canadian Water Quality Association. His views do not necessarily reflect those of The Western Producer.
