Cisterns and Other Rain Catchment Systems
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In many areas of the world, people get drinking water from catchment (collection) systems that trap and store rainwater. Even when these systems are constructed and used properly, they are easily contaminated by germs that can cause sickness. Some water supply systems use surfaces such as rooftops to capture and channel water to a cistern (storage tank).
Floods and heavy rains can wash large amounts of debris and pollutants into cisterns and rain catchments systems, causing drinking water contamination. When cisterns and similar systems come in contact with floodwater, you should assume that your drinking water is contaminated. If you are concerned about contamination of your drinking water source, please refer to Disinfection of Cisterns and Other Rain-Catchment Systems. Advice on cleaning storage tanks or tankers can also be found in the World Health Organization’s step-by-step guide to emergency Cleaning and Disinfecting Water Storage Tanks and Tankers [PDF – 4 pages].
If you do not get your water from a cistern or a well, refer to Emergency Water Supply Preparation for information on disinfecting your water.
IMPORTANT: Water contaminated with fuel or toxic chemicals will not be made safe by disinfection. Do not enter the cistern. Gases and vapors can build up, creating a hazardous environment.
Cleaning the Cistern
- Clean the catchment area (for example, rooftop and gutters) and remove all debris.
- Remove all debris and water from the cistern.
- Scrub the inside with a stiff brush and a solution of 1 cup (about 0.25 liter) of unscented liquid household bleach (5%-8.25%) mixed with 10 gallons (about 38 liters) of water.
- Rinse cistern with clean, safe water, then drain.
- Refill the cistern with clean, safe water.
Disinfecting the Cistern
- If the cistern is connected to any water treatment units, close valves to those units. Follow manufacturer recommendations for treatment system disinfection.
- Add 3 cups (a little less than 1 liter) of 5%-8.25% unscented liquid household bleach for every 100 gallons (about 380 liters) of water in the holding cistern. This should give you a chlorine concentration of about 100 parts per million (ppm)or mg/L.. Table 1, below, shows cistern capacity volumes.
- If the cistern is connected to interior plumbing, open each faucet and run the water until you smell chlorine (bleach).
- Turn off all faucets and allow the solution to remain in the cistern and plumbing for at least 12 hours.
- Drain all water from the cistern.
- Refill the cistern with safe drinking water.
- Open each faucet and run the water until you do not smell chlorine (bleach).
- Add 1 tablespoon of 5%-8.25% unscented liquid household bleach for every 100 gallons of water in your cistern to prevent microbial growth.
| Cistern Capacity | Unscented Household Bleach (5%-8.25%) |
|---|---|
| 100 gallons | 3 cups |
| 200 gallons | 6 cups |
| 300 gallons | 9 cups |
| 400 gallons | 12 cups |
| 500 gallons | 16 cups |
| If you do not know the cistern capacity, use one of the following formulas to determine the amount of water it will hold.
For a rectangular cistern:
For a round cistern:
Note: radius = half of cistern diameter. |
|
Maintaining the Cistern
Maintaining water quality in cisterns can be difficult. Consider installing a treatment system to improve the quality and safety of cistern water. Contact your local health department or a water treatment specialist for more information.
Measure the chlorine residual regularly; chlorine test kits can be found at most swimming pool supply stores. Maintain a free chlorine residual between 0.2 ppm to 2.0 ppm to prevent microbial growth.
- Page last reviewed: October 4, 2017
- Page last updated: October 4, 2017
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