Disinfection of Water Tanks
Disinfection of Water Tanks
Disinfection of Water Tanks
400
DISINFECTION OF WATER TANKS
This information bulletin has been developed to provide information on the disinfection of
water tanks with chlorine. Chlorination is the most common form of disinfection and
successfully controls many micro-organisms.
fact sheet
CALCULATING THE SIZE OF YOUR TANK FOR CHLORINATION
Tanks come in a variety sizes ranging from 750 L (165 gallons) to over 50 000 L
(11 000 gallons). To convert a tank volume in gallons to a volume in litres, simply multiply
the number of gallons by 4.5.
Example:
Tank radius = 2 metres Tank depth = 3 metres
[The radius is the half the diameter or width of the tank].
Diagram adapted from Guidance on the Use of Rainwater Tanks, 2004, enHealth.
1 2 5
1000 25 mL 50 mL 125 mL
Please note the above calculations are only estimates. The amount of liquid bleach
required to be added to your water supply would depend on the quality of the water.
1 2 5
1000
8 mL 16 mL 40 mL
2000
16 mL 32 mL 80 mL
5000
40 mL 80 mL 200 mL
6000
48 mL 96 mL 240 mL
7500
60 mL 120 mL 300 mL
10000
80 mL 160 mL 400 mL
16000
128 mL 256 mL 640 mL
20000
160 mL 320 mL 800 mL
30000
240 mL 480 mL 1200 mL
Please note the above calculations are only estimates. The amount of chlorine required to
be added to your water supply would depend on the quality of the water.
DO NOT USE STABILISED CHLORINE.
THE CHLORINE USED MUST NOT CONTAIN ISOCYANURIC ACID.