The Importance of Proper Water Hygiene in Preventing Illness & Disease

Proper water hygiene is crucial in preventing illness and disease (such as legionella) as it helps to ensure that the water you drink, cook with, and use for personal hygiene, is clean and safe.

Contaminated water can contain various microorganisms, such as bacteria, viruses, and parasites, that can cause a range of illnesses and diseases, such as diarrhoea, cholera, and typhoid fever. These diseases can be particularly dangerous for young children, elderly people, and people with compromised immune systems. Therefore it is vital that you maintain a clean water tank regularly to avoid any harmful afflictions. 

Storing water in a clean and covered container is a crucial step in maintaining proper water hygiene. Here are a few things to consider when storing water:

Use a clean container: 

High grade water tanks should be your only storage option when storing your water supply. Containers that have previously been used to store other substances, such as chemicals or medications, should not be used to store drinking water.

Keep the container covered: 

Covering the container will help to prevent contamination from dirt, dust, and other unwanted particles. It is also a good idea to keep the container away from sources of contamination, such as sewage pipes or rubbish bins. Cross contamination of faeces or waste can cause serious health problems, so should not occur under any circumstances. If you suspect your water has become contaminated, contact a water hygiene company immediately to take care of your water supply. 

Change the water regularly: 

It is important to change the water in the container regularly, especially if it is being stored for a long period of time. Over time, the water may become contaminated or develop an unpleasant taste. When changing the water, cleaning the tank or carrying out tests, you should always make sure your hands are clean. This will help to avoid any unwanted contaminants. 

Clean the Water tank regularly:

Water tanks are large containers used to store water for a variety of purposes. Ensuring that yours is clean and uncontaminated should be a priority to protect the health of those that use the water. 

Household use: Water tanks are often used to store water for household purposes, such as washing, cooking, and personal hygiene. In some cases, water tanks may be used as a backup source of water in case of a natural disaster or other emergency.

Agricultural use: Water tanks are also used in agriculture to store water for irrigation and livestock. In areas with limited access to water, farmers may rely on water tanks to store and distribute water to their crops and animals.

Industrial use: Water tanks may also be used in industrial settings to store water for various purposes, such as cooling, heating, and fire suppression.

Community use: Water tanks may be used at the community level to store and distribute water to a group of people. This is often the case in areas where access to clean, safe drinking water is limited.

To prevent harmful illnesses and diseases, it cannot be stated enough how important it is to regularly clean and maintain water tanks. This may involve draining the tank, cleaning the interior surface, and refilling the tank with clean water. For more guidance and information on how to safely clean your water tank read here. 

Dispose of the water safely:

If you need to dispose of the water, make sure to do so safely. This may involve pouring it down the drain or flushing it down the toilet, depending on local regulations. If you are aware that the water has been contaminated, do not dispose of it into a main water system. By doing this you will put the health of others at risk. 

Why use H2O Comply?

When it comes to water hygiene you want trained professionals with expert knowledge to maintain your water systems and ensure their proper operation. By partnering with H2O Comply we can check if your water systems need chlorination certification, to help you stay compliant with the necessary standards and regulations.

We’ll help to improve the overall quality of your water by identifying and addressing any issues that may be affecting it. For peace of mind that your water is safe to use contact H2O Comply today.