Cleaning, Disinfecting, and
Flushing Drinking Water
Storage Tanks at Small
Public Water Systems
Maine CDC Drinking Water Program 11 SHS Augusta, ME 04330 287-2070 www.medwp.com
Overview
Cleaning, disinfecting, and flushing potable water storage tanks at small public water systems (PWS) are
important components of proving safe and clean drinking water to consumers. This document provides
guidance for small water systems such as Transient, Non-Transient Non-Community, and Small Community
PWS to properly care for their water storage tanks.
Tanks should be cleaned:
Every 5 years (depending on water quality and system);
Annually for seasonal public water supplies during startup;
If sediments and/or biological growth is observed inside the tank;
If any repairs or modifications are done to the water system;
If coliform bacteria is detected in the water system; and/or
If there are any noticeable changes in water quality (taste, odor,
color issues).
Safety Considerations
Storage tanks meet the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) definition of a "confined space"
and entry into the tank by an individual must meet OSHA regulations for confined space entry. Confined space
regulations require that only trained individuals enter a confined space, using all necessary personal protective
equipment and extraction gear. Entry to the tank should be considered a last resort. Please also consider that
health and safety precautions should be taken when handling cleaning solutions such as sodium hypochlorite
(chlorine bleach).
Preparing to Clean Your Storage Tank
If the tank(s) cannot be isolated prior to cleaning, a Do Not Use Order must be issued at the facility and
required notifications posted at all drinking water sites. You must also notify the Drinking Water Program that a
Do Not Use Order is in effect at your public water system. This is to protect public health due to the potential of
highly chlorinated water in the distribution system. Lifting this order requires satisfactory water sample results.
STEP 1: Cleaning
Use a long-handled brush and/or power washer to physically remove any built up debris, corrosion, bio-film
and/or sediments in the tank. Use a portable pump or drain to flush out dirty water from the tank.
STEP 2: Disinfecting
Use the disinfection equation to determine the Disinfection equation for achieving a concentration of
10ppm free chlorine in a water tank
amount of chlorine bleach to add to the tank that will
result in a tank full of water with a free chlorine Using 8.5% sodium hypochlorite (concentrated Clorox)
residual of 10 ppm. Add the calculated amount of Tank volume (gallons) x 10ppm = gallons of 8.5% bleach
bleach to the empty tank and fill the tank to the 1,000,000 x 0.085 needed
overflow level with water. Leave the tank filled for 24
hours.
Example for a 5,000 gallon tank:
For alternative tank disinfection, refer to AWWA Standard 5,000 gallons x 10ppm = 0.6 gallons
C652: Disinfection of Water Storage Facilities at 1,000,000 x 0.085
AWWA.org
Keep Your Drinking Water Safe: 10/17
✓ Protect Your Source ✓ Take Your Samples ✓ Maintain Your Treatment ✓ Inspect Your Pipes & Tanks
STEP 3: Flushing
After the chlorine solution has sat in the tank for 24 hours, flush out/empty the storage tank. Do not drain the
tank into a septic system or adjacent surface water body. Chlorine solution can kill the good bacteria in your
septic system and harm aquatic creatures living in nearby lakes and streams. Refill the tank and flush all taps
until chlorine can no longer be smelled. If a portable pump is used, ensure that the intake hose is clean and
wiped down with bleach to prevent contamination. Continue flushing until the waste water is clear and no
chlorine odor is detected.
STEP 4: Testing
If a Do Not Use Order was placed on the system, contact the Drinking Water
Program to determine the necessary steps for removing the order. If a Do Not
Use Order was not necessary, once the storage tank has been thoroughly
flushed, test for free chlorine residual to ensure it is non-detectable (or zero).
This can be done using an approved HACH DPD color metric test kit. Once a
non-detectable chlorine residual has been obtained, collect operational &
maintenance (O&M) total coliform bacteria water samples. If the test results are
negative for bacteria, the drinking water is considered safe to use and drink.
Questions?
If you have any questions about this procedure please contact your public water system inspector or call the
Drinking Water Program at 287-2070.
