Not maintaining home drinking water storage systems, whether cisterns or water tanks, is a health risk.
Residents can develop dermatological problems, gastrointestinal diseases and hepatitis, among health issues, medical experts say.
The problem with most rooftop tinacos, or water tanks, is that they are sealed hermetically, so microorganism can get in.
Some homeowners don’t even have a proper lid for their tanks, said
Dr. Arturo Penaloza Hernandez. So dust, branches, animal feces, or even small animals can get trapped inside. Imagine what that does to the water running in the kitchen or bath.
Even the best tinaco should be cleaned every six months.
“Not doing cleaning generates the proliferation of viruses such as hepatitis A and rotavirus, bacteria that cause skin diseases, E. coli, salmonella and parasites that cause gastrointestinal infections,” said Penaloza Hernandez.
For cleaning, it is advisable to close the stopcock a few days before, but make sure that the tank still has a little water in it for cleaning. Afterwards, rinse the tank and empty it completely before filling it again.
