Algae in water tanks, pipes and pumps

Questions & answers about kitchen units, stoves, fridges, heaters, water tanks, seats, mattresses etc etc.

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Poohbear
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Re: Algae in water tanks, pipes and pumps

Post by Poohbear » Thu Apr 18, 2013 8:22 pm

There is a lot of scaremongering going on here. There are no known cases of ingesting legionella from water splashing from a tap. This doesn't create aerosols. Even a shower is not guaranteed to create aerosols, it has to be under a very specific set of conditions. The most common place to find aerosols is around a poorly maintained cooling tower (that's my business).

Onboard tanks are usually black in colour and are also usually housed inside dark cupboards and as algae needs light to grow there is minimal likelihood of it growing in an on-board tank. Of course there is the possibility of bacteria entering the tank but again the likelihood of it thriving is small due to the lack of nutrients and the usual temperature of the water. Ours comes out of the tap cold, even in the middle of summer. The use of a steriliser like Milton once or twice a year is sufficient to kill any residual bacteria.

Of course if you only use the water for tea, you will be boiling it anyway which will kill bacteria. For cold drinks I always feel it is best to drink bottled water (or preferably beer or wine) as you generally don't know where campsite water has come from :D
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helen&tony
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Re: Algae in water tanks, pipes and pumps

Post by helen&tony » Fri Apr 19, 2013 7:12 pm

Hi
Bottled water, and for washing, I've always used Puriclean for the tanks, and puritabs for water
I've been using a Brita Water filter for the dog's water for a couple of months...one had diarrhoea. Our friend tried it on her dogs...all 5 had the same. We made tea for our builder using same...he was ill all night....I'm afraid they're no good in parts of Europe.
Bottled water is the only way, but as stated, they're not all up to standard....remember Peckham Spring Water... :lol: :lol: :lol: :lol: :lol:
I've never had problems in 45 years of camping, and I've used puritabs where water has been doubtful for nearly 35 years
One thing I always do is to rinse the tanks or aquarolls with boiling water where possible after sterilising, then I rinse 4 or 5 times with tap water at home....If I leave the tank / aquaroll for several months without rinsing, I do a quick sterilise, but usually , filling and emptying occasionally works well!
No point in taking chances if you can spare the time to clean properly.
I was looking up pollutant levels in domestic water across Europe t'other day...If interested, I can find the maps for you...
Cheers
Helen
In the beginning there was nothing , then God said "Let there be Light".....There was still nothing , but ,by crikey, you could see it better.
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