Unless cleaned regularly, over a period of time tanks become contaminated with dust, leaf litter, roof corrosion products, particles and tars from wood fires and decomposing fauna. These contaminations can all quickly lead to inoculation with bacteria which can cause serious illnesses. The Department of Health recommend tanks being used for human consumption should be cleaned every two years.
Livestock tanks can become contaminated with the same debris as well as extra silt pumped from dams, bores, creeks or wells. Water from wells and bores can contain calcium and magnesium. Calcium salts can form a white encrustation within tanks, pipes and troughs. Cleaning livestock tanks will improve the quality of your water and the longevity of tank hardware.