Water storage tank cleanings are a vital part of tank maintenance. It allows tank owners to maintain clean and healthy potable water for their community, and gives inspectors a chance to identify potential corrosion and structural issues in the tank. However, many tank owners are unsure of how often they should have their water tank cleaned.
The answer depends on a few different factors, such as AWWA standards, local/state regulations, and teh water system. While there isn’t a quick answer to this question, this article goes over a few of the most common factors that can indicate when you should have it cleaned.
AWWA Standards
The first step in identifying when a tank should be cleaned is to have it inspected. The American Water Works Association (AWWA) recommends a water storage tank to be inspected every three to five years.
However, depending on the usage, water treatment, and type of tank, it may need to be inspected on a more proactive schedule.
Local & State Regulations
Many states have their own regulations that determine how often a water storage tank should be cleaned and inspected. KLM inspects tanks across the country, but here are a few examples of state regulations we work with:
- Minnesota: While the Minnesota Department of Health doesn’t have any state-specific rules, they strongly suggest tank owners follow the AWWA’s recommendations of inspecting a tank every 3-5 years, depending on the water quality.
- Wisconsin: The Wisconsin DNR requires an inspection every five years, and a drain down cleanout every 10 years with no exceptions.
- Iowa: The Iowa DNR requires an inspection every two years and a cleanout every 10 years at minimum.
- Missouri: The Missouri DNR doesn’t have any state-specific rules, but they strongly suggest tank owners follow the AWWA’s recommendations of inspecting a tank every 3-5 years, depending on the water quality.
Always check with your state regulatory to know how often you should be cleaning your tank(s).
Tank Condition
If your tank builds up too much sediment, it may be in your best interest to have the tank inspected and cleaned more often. This is common for areas that do not have a water treatment plant to help filter out sediment prior to the water being pumped into the tank.
It’s important to listen to the recommendations of your inspector/engineer to determine a tank inspection schedule if your tank is susceptible to sediment and/or corrosion. This can help catch potential damage early or prevent certain damages altogether.
Is your tank due to be cleaned? If so, give us a call at 651-773-5111 to get it on the schedule today – you’ll be glad you did!