Guide for a proper maintenance of water reservoirs

The correct maintenance of water reservoirs requires great responsibilities and constant attention. There is no reason or time for carelessness when it comes to ensuring the protection of water quality and its preservation, avoiding waste and damage to the structure.

Importance of water tanks maintenance

Problems related to water tanks are very common. If maintenance is not done properly and periodically, it is very likely that over time problems will arise in the generally used waterproofing coverings, which often go unnoticed.

Infiltrations can occur that will compromise the waterproofing of the structure and, therefore, initiate a process of corrosion and deterioration that jeopardizes its safety.

In the most critical cases, it may be necessary a recovery intervention and total waterproofing of the structure.

The state of conservation of potable water tanks determines the quality of water stored and it is essential to identify the anomalies that frequently occur in these Infrastructures.

The lack of cleanliness causes a vast list of infections that can be contracted by residents. Therefore, its proper maintenance requires maximum care and attention to problems that can result in serious health hazards.

Prudêncio’s Work: waterproofed tank with TPO Aqua – Rocha Brava Village Resort

Guide that guarantees you a correct maintenance

Although the water looks clean, it is very important to be aware that it can still be contaminated, even if the symptoms are not immediate and noticeable.

You may consider the water to be contaminated and therefore unsuitable for consumption when it is found to have some smell, small particles of dirt in suspension, and/or when it is not transparent, showing a yellowish, orange or brownish color.

Therefore, preventive maintenance should be performed frequently by a specialized company. Know how you can guarantee the correct maintenance of water tanks:

1. Diagnosis

The cleaning and disinfection of water tanks should be done at least once a year, but it is recommended that it occurs more frequently, especially if it is verified or suspected that the water is contaminated or has residues or objects inside.

Before starting the cleaning and sanitization, it is necessary to previously structure an action plan that ensures a short period of time for the tank to be rendered unusable in order to avoid waste and supply failures.

The diagnosis of the water tank must be carried out and, afterwards, its rehabilitation. The diagnosis should check the its waterproofing conditions, checking possible water losses and residues inside. If this is the case, choose a good waterproofing system, ensuring that the rehabilitation is carried out safely and efficiently.

The solution proposed by Prudêncio guarantees speed of application and start of use. A tank with 150 m2 can be waterproofed and filled in order to be operational in 24 to 48 hours, a scenario impossible to achieve with other coatings.

2. Cleaning and sanitation

The Water and Waste Services Regulator (ERSAR) warns that “the washing and disinfection of a reservoir should always be done after an intervention, whether it is new works, repairs or interventions in tank cells” and that even an emergency situation “may require an immediate cleaning intervention of the tank”.

During cleaning, you should make a careful selection of the chemicals and materials to be used for disinfection, since they can cause damage to the walls of the tanks leading to faster deterioration of the system and consequent infiltrations.

At Prudêncio, we recommend waterproofing systems with the application of Köster TPO Aqua membranes, certified for drinking water. Their maintenance is very simple and involves cleaning with running water, after the tank has been emptied, using soft sponges or brushes. In case of further accumulated detritus, a household detergent can be used to help remove it.

3. Water quality control

Once the cleaning is done, it is recommended to check the conservation status of the reservoirs and to perform water potability tests that consist of a physical-chemical laboratory analysis to identify the presence of bacteria, germs, among other organisms harmful to humans.

ERSAR recommends that “the quality of the water in the reservoir should be controlled after it has been filled with disinfected water intended for human consumption at a minimum water level of 1 meter high and ensuring a contact time of not less than 6 hours, before the collection of one or more water samples”. This analysis must be conducted by a specialized and independent laboratory.

4. Continuous monitoring

The condominium or the owner must be aware of pathologies and deficiencies in the tanks and problems that can arise in different phases of the project, both in construction and development. It is very important to continuously confirm the condition of the water and whether it is in the ideal and legally required conditions for consumption.

Prudêncio’s work – Waterproofed reservoir with TPO Aqua – FADEUP – University of Porto Sports Faculty.

Trust us with the rehabilitation of your water tank

Did you know that the conservation and maintenance of the building network is a responsibility of the respective owners or condominiums? They must guarantee the execution of cleaning and maintenance work on the water tanks, ensuring that safety requirements are respected.

We rehabilitate your water tank by applying Köster TPO Aqua membranes. These waterproofing membranes meet the most stringent hygienic requirements for drinking water environments, are guaranteed for 15 years and provide extreme durability.