Access to clean and safe drinking water is essential for a healthy population, a fact well recognized by the National Water and Sewerage Corporation (NWSC), which has made significant investments to ensure that quality water reaches its customers. However, despite these efforts, NWSC continues to receive a stream of complaints about water quality from its customers. While water quality can deteriorate at various stages, such as during supply, storage at reservoirs, and distribution, the majority of these complaints are found to be localized. This suggests that the primary cause of water quality deterioration occurs within customer premises.
Household water storage is a widespread practice, particularly in regions where continuous on-site water supplies are unavailable or irregular. Even with improvements aimed at ensuring a steady water supply, many households continue to store water due to habitual practices, concerns about potential service interruptions, or simply for convenience. While properly maintained stored water can benefit from the natural decline of pathogens over time, it can also suffer significant quality degradation. Exposure to airborne dust, contact with contaminated hands and utensils, insects, and the formation of biofilm can all contribute to the deterioration of water quality. Notably, underground storage tanks are vulnerable to contamination from nearby latrines, animals, open defecation practices, and runoff, further compromising water safety.
The deterioration of water quality in household storage affects both its physiochemical properties such as color, turbidity, and pH, and its bacteriological quality. To mitigate these issues, several critical aspects of water storage tank maintenance should be considered:
First, the choice of tank material is paramount. Water storage tanks should be constructed from high-quality materials, such as durable plastics or galvanized metals. Tanks made from these materials are less susceptible to rust and corrosion, reducing the need for frequent maintenance and helping to preserve water quality.
Regular cleaning is another crucial aspect of tank maintenance. Sediments, algae, and bacteria can accumulate at the bottom of the tank over time, adversely affecting water quality. Tanks with a capacity ranging from 1,000 to 5,000 liters should ideally be cleaned at least once every three months. Larger tanks, particularly those underground, should be cleaned by professionals. Regardless of cleaning frequency, visual inspections should be conducted regularly to check for changes in color, consistency, and other physical properties of the water.
Finally, keeping the tank covered is essential to prevent contamination. Uncovered tanks are vulnerable to dust, debris, insects, birds, and even mammals. A simple lid or cover can significantly help maintain water quality and reduce the frequency of necessary cleanings.
So, while NWSC continues to strive for the highest water quality standards, customers must also play their part in maintaining the safety of their stored water. Proper storage practices and regular maintenance are vital to ensuring the water remains safe and potable. After all, the last line of defense in water quality is often found at home.
