This information is a guide for residents who are getting deliveries of water from a water carrier.
Before ordering a load
Check the water carrier is licensed with Council before ordering. When ordering, ask where the water comes from. All water carriers are must get their water from an approved source, like a Council standpipe.
Before the water arrives
Clean out any sediment in your tank with any remaining water, as the sediment will be stirred up when filling and may give the water an unpleasant taste or odour. Be aware that scrubbing the sides of your tank may add an unpleasant taste or odour to the water.
Arrival of the water
Check the water carrier has the permit number clearly marked on the tank. If you have any doubts about the water, ask for a sample before accepting the load. The water should be clear, however, it may taste of chlorine if it has come from a treated supply. If the water is not clear and has a taste other than chlorine, do not accept the load.
After receiving the water
If the water has an undesirable taste, this might be the mixing of sediment, sludge and algae from inside your tank. If you can, let the water settle for 24 to 48 hours before drinking. Any chlorine taste should go after a couple of days in a well-ventilated tank.
From time to time, due to the organic load in your tank, like anaerobic bacteria from the bottom of the tank and chlorine can make by-products, like iodine, chloramines, trihalomethanes, ammonia and hydrogen sulphide which cause a very unpleasant taste and odour.
You might have received water deliveries from a water carrier in the past and this problem did not happen. This is because of the organic content and algae in your tank has increased. You may even notice this odour while you are showering. To reduce the highly-unpleasant taste and odour, you can try the following:
- clean roof, gutters and tank - some tank cleaning companies can vacuum out the sludge with minimum water loss, then filter and disinfect your water with silver
- aeration of the tank water - ensure gauze on openings are free from debris to allow aeration, or use a bubbler
- installing a filtration system - dual filter systems are better than single filters in reducing odour and improving taste. Changing filters regularly helps reduce the filters being a source of bacterial contamination
- boiling drinking water - boil drinking water to reduce pathogens that could make you sick. These bacteria may be present from the organic matter in your tank.
Improving the water quality
Regularly cleaning the roof, gutters and tanks will help reduce the organic load and bacterial contamination of the water supply.
Installing a "first flush" diverter is recommended to divert the first run-off from the roof into the tank after a dry period. The first water washed from the roof has higher levels of contaminants in it from dust, leaves, bird droppings etc., and is best not to go into the water tank. Filters can also reduce sediment and organic matter as long as they are well-maintained and changed regularly.
Water can be treated to destroy bacteria by boiling, ultra-violet treatment, chlorination or ozone.
Water sampling service
Businesses offering this service can be found on the internet. Water can be tested for bacterial, chemical, pesticide and heavy metal contamination.