Disinfection of Water-Storage Facilities

Abstract

This standard for disinfection of water-storage facilities describes materials, facility preparation, application of disinfectant to interior surfaces of facilities, and sampling and testing for the presence of coliform bacteria, chlorine residual, and acceptable aesthetic water quality.

The standard also includes disinfection procedures for underwater inspection and/or cleaning of potable-water-storage facilities but does not describe the technical aspects of underwater inspection and/ or cleaning.

All new storage facilities shall be disinfected before they are placed in service.

Depending upon the nature of work performed on an existing tank and the potential for contamination, disinfection and/or sampling only may be appropriate.

Storage facilities dewatered for purposes of entering the tank and performing painting, repairs, or other highly invasive activities shall be disinfected and sampled.

In some cases, the tank may remain in service, or isolated, for minimally intrusive activities such as ROV or diver inspections.

Where rigorous sanitary procedures have been followed, only sampling may be required.

This standard is meant to be used for tanks within public water systems and is not intended for storage tanks within premise plumbing systems in buildings.

Premise plumbing components in buildings use a wide variety of materials, including some that may not be compatible with the chlorine concentrations in this standard.