One of the most important steps you can take to provide safe water to consumers in your building is to annually clean and disinfect your hot and cold storage tanks. Here are 3 reasons why:
1. Water going through the tanks may be used by immunocompromised individuals
Healthcare facility professionals are used to the heightened care given to individuals that have a compromised immune system and are more susceptible to diseases spread by bacteria. However, it may not always be so obvious when a person is immunocompromised. Just being above a certain age increases the likelihood of disease when exposed to bacteria, as does smoking, pregnancy, and lack of sleep or proper nutrition.
2. Conditions in the storage tank make it ideal for bacterial growth
Sediment is often found at the bottom of water storage tanks, which reacts with the chlorine needed to kill bacteria. Sediment also supplies food needed for bacteria to grow. Usually, high enough temperatures will kill bacteria in storage tanks. However, sediment can act as a protective layer from these high temperatures. Storage tanks typically go through periods of stagnation which lead to amplification of bacteria.
3. Recommended by experts
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) lists hot and cold water storage tanks as an area where Legionella bacteria can grow. Furthermore, CDC states that physical cleaning of water tanks is one of the ways you can effectively help prevent bacteria from contaminating your water system.
According to Article 141 of the Administrative Code of the City of New York, Part 5 of the New York State Sanitary Code, all businesses that clean domestic water tanks in New York City must hold a Building Water Tank Cleaning issues by the New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene. Barclay Water Management has maintained this permit since 2015.
Our team is trained to perform cleaning and disinfection of water storage tanks in accordance with organizations including but not limited to AWWA and NYC plumbing codes.
To learn more about protecting your facility by partnering with Barclay, contact us now.
