2. Storage Tank Inspection and Cleaning

EPA requests comment on the value and cost of  periodic storage tank inspection and cleaning . There are instances of storage tanks being the source of waterborne disease outbreaks at PWSs. In December 1993, aSalmonella typhimurium outbreak in Gideon, Missouri resulted in over 600 people affected by diarrhea, 31 cases of laboratory-confirmed salmonellosis and seven deaths of nursing home residents who had exhibited diarrheal illness (four deaths were confirmed by culture). The larger of the two storage tanks had a breach in the roof hatch that allowed pigeon droppings to be carried into the tank and likely accumulated in the several inches of sediment. This contaminated sediment, more than likely, was pulled into the distribution system by a flushing program that  drained the tank (Clark et al. 1996). Salmonella typhimuriumwas isolated from the sediment of one of the towers, and tap water tested positive for fecal coliforms (CDC 1996). In March 2008, Alamosa, Colorado (with a population of about 9,000 people) experienced a waterborne disease outbreak associated withSalmonella. The report released by the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment (Falco and Williams 2009) indicated that the outbreak resulted in 442 reported cases of illnesses, 122 of which were laboratory confirmed, and one fatality. The State epidemiologist estimated that a total of 1,300 people may have been ill. Two storage tanks in Alamosa had several inches of sediment and breaches; one tank had breaches large enough for birds and animals to enter. Some of the key factors that contributed to these two outbreaks include significant levels of sediment (several inches to feet) and the presence of breaches of the integrity of the storage tank. Sediment accumulation occurs within storage facilities due to quiescent conditions which promote particle setting. Over time sediment continues to accumulate in a tank, even if the finished water is consistently treated tobelow 0.1 nephelometric turbidity unit(NTU). For surface water systems, it isnot uncommon to have 1⁄4 to 1⁄2 inch or more of sediment accumulate after two to three years (Kirmeyer et al. 1999).

While there are no turbidity regulations for ground water systems (except for ground water under the direct influence of surface water (GWUDI)), the levels of turbidity can be significant in the water pumped from an aquifer. Sand particles, if allowed to accumulate, provide pore spaces that house diverse populations ofbiota (which may include pathogenic microorganisms) (Kirmeyer et al. 1999; van der Kooij 2003). Periodic high flows in the storage tank may scour, stir up, and suspend the sediment (along with entrapped bacteria and pathogens) and carry it into the distribution system, with greater accumulation of sediment being a more significant concern. Other water quality problems associated with sediment accumulation include increased disinfectant demand and disinfection byproduct formation. The storage tank’s vulnerability to contamination increases when breaches of the storage tank allow insects, animals, and birds and their associated diseases to enter. Contamination from bird and other animal excrement can potentially transmit disease-causing organisms to the finished water.  Waterfowl, for example, are known carriers of many different waterborne pathogens including Vibrio cholerae(Ogg et al. 1989). Based on the potential public health implications associated with poorly maintained storage tanks (e.g., as indicated by significant sediment accumulation and breaches), EPA is interested in receiving comments and supporting information regarding the state and condition of tanks that have been cleaned and inspected, costs of storage tank inspection and cleaning, and how public health can be better protected. EPA requests information on whether there are States that recommend or require periodic inspection and cleaning of storage tanks. If so, what are the requirements, the frequency of inspection and cleaning, and how successful are they? Are inspections and cleaning done by individual PWSs or by contractors?

DATES: Comments must be received onor before September 13, 2010.

ADDRESSES: Submit your comments, identified by Docket ID No. EPA–HQ–OW–2008–0878, by one of the following methods:

• Federal eRulemaking Portal: http://. www.regulations.govFollow the on-line instructions for submitting comments.

• Mail:

Water Docket, Environmental Protection Agency, Mailcode: 4101T, 1200 Pennsylvania Ave., NW., Washington, DC 20460, Attention

Docket ID No. EPA–HQ–OW–2008–0878. In addition, please mail a copy of your comments on the information collection provisions to the Office of Information and Regulatory Affairs, Office of Management and Budget (OMB), Attn: Desk Officer for EPA, 725 17th St., NW., Washington, DC 20503.

Ron Perrin Water Technologies offers stat of the art underwater inspections that allow you to keep your system in service during the inspection.  This saves you time water and money.  Our dive team can also clean your water tanks with minimal water los and little if any disruption.

Visit our web site for more information at: www.ronperrin.com

The Rule:

62-555.350 Operation and Maintenance of Public Water Systems.

(1) Suppliers of water shall operate and maintain their public water systems so as to comply with applicable standards in Chapter 62-550, F.A.C., and requirements in this chapter.

(2) Suppliers of water shall keep all necessary public water system components in operation and shall maintain such components in good operating condition so the components function as intended. Preventive maintenance on electrical or mechanical equipment – including exercising of auxiliary power sources, checking the calibration of finished-drinking-water meters at treatment plants, testing of air or pressure relief valves for hydropneumatic tanks, and exercising of isolation valves – shall be performed in accordance with the equipment manufacturer’s recommendations or in accordance with a written preventive maintenance program established by the supplier of water; however, in no case shall auxiliary power sources be run under load less frequently than monthly. Accumulated sludge and biogrowths shall be cleaned routinely (i.e., at least annually) from all treatment facilities that are in contact with raw, partially treated, or finished drinking water and that are not specifically designed to collect sludge or support a biogrowth; and blistering, chipped, or cracked coatings and linings on treatment or storage facilities in contact with raw, partially treated, or finished drinking water shall be rehabilitated or repaired. Finished-drinking-water storage tanks, including conventional hydropneumatic tanks with an access manhole but excluding bladder- or diaphragm-type hydropneumatic tanks without an access manhole, shall be checked at least annually to ensure that hatches are closed and screens are in place; shall be cleaned at least once every five years to remove biogrowths, calcium or iron/manganese deposits, and sludge from inside the tanks; and shall be inspected for structural and coating integrity at least once every five years by personnel under the responsible charge of a professional engineer licensed in Florida.

Ron Perrin Water Technologies offers Qualified Inspections meeting all Florida requirements for potable water tank inspections.  Using underwater cameras, ROV’s or divers we are able to inspect 100% of your facility without any disruption in service.

If your tank is out of compliance for the cleaning requirement our professional potable water divers are available to remove all sediment from your water storage tanks at competitive prices.

Call 1-888-481-1768 for a quote today!

Florida Inspection Rule:

62-555.350 Operation and Maintenance of Public Water Systems. (1) Suppliers of water shall operate and maintain their public water systems so as to comply with applicable standards in Chapter 62-550, F.A.C., and requirements in this chapter.   (2) Suppliers of water shall keep all necessary public water system components in operation and shall maintain such components in good operating condition so the components function as intended. Preventive maintenance on electrical or mechanical equipment – including exercising of auxiliary power sources, checking the calibration of finished-drinking-water meters at treatment plants, testing of air or pressure relief valves for hydropneumatic tanks, and exercising of isolation valves – shall be performed in accordance with the equipment manufacturer’s recommendations or in accordance with a written preventive maintenance program established by the supplier of water; however, in no case shall auxiliary power sources be run under load less frequently than monthly. Accumulated sludge and biogrowths shall be cleaned routinely (i.e., at least annually) from all treatment facilities that are in contact with raw, partially treated, or finished drinking water and that are not specifically designed to collect sludge or support a biogrowth; and blistering, chipped, or cracked coatings and linings on treatment or storage facilities in contact with raw, partially treated, or finished drinking water shall be rehabilitated or repaired. Finished-drinking-water storage tanks, including conventional hydropneumatic tanks with an access manhole but excluding bladder- or diaphragm-type hydropneumatic tanks without an access manhole, shall be checked at least annually to ensure that hatches are closed and screens are in place; shall be cleaned at least once every five years to remove biogrowths, calcium or iron/manganese deposits, and sludge from inside the tanks; and shall be inspected for structural and coating integrity at least once every five years by personnel under the responsible charge of a professional engineer licensed in Florida. Dead-end water mains conveying finished drinking water shall be flushed quarterly or in accordance with a written flushing program established by the supplier of water; additionally, dead-end or other water mains conveying finished water shall be flushed as necessary whenever legitimate water quality complaints are received.

Water Tower Inspector

Please visit our main web site at www.ronperrin.com

and our blogs at  www.tankdiver.us and  www.ronperrin.us

And our new Florida Blog at www.floridatankinspector.com

Ron Perrin - Owner Ron Perrin Water Technologies

ronlooks@aol.com

Ron Perrin Water Technologies has provided the best Non-Engineering visual inspection reports on potable water tanks since 1997.  Or inspections document all AWWA and state required inspection points with digital photos and underwater video, professionaly narrated and divifered in a binder that incluces a certification of inspection, printed report and  the video on a DVD format.

The underwater video is available from three different sources.  Our most popular is the  most remote under water tank inspection camera,  next our Remotely Operated Vehicle (ROV) provides more information on larger facilities and if needed we can deploy a potable water diver.   Our non-engineering inspections are the best way to meet annual visual inspection requirements required by some states.

When a more comprehensive report is required our seasoned potable water tank inspectors work under the supervision of our PE to safely collect the information needed while the water system remains in service.

For the inspection you need at a price you can afford call Ron Perrin Water Technologies  1-888-481-1768

Water Tank Inspector

For more information about our water tanks inspection services and our water tank inspectors

Visit our web site at www.ronperrin.com

You can also see video of In Service Water Tank inspections and water tank cleanings on our other blog

The Water Project  Water tank Inspection & Cleaning blog www.ronperrin.us

Diver with scuba & Back up air

Photo:  The diver is in a dry suit that completely seals him in his own environment.  No part of the divers body touches the water.  He is also wearing a mask equipped with communications and dual air supply for safety.

Since 1997 Ron Perrin Water Technologies has been serving the water utility industry.  Based in Fort Worth Texas we primarily serve Texas and the Southeastern United States.

Visit our web site at www.ronperrin.com to see more information on Potable water tank Cleaning

Link to our Potable Water Tank Cleaning Web Page

For a free quote on Potable water Tank Inspection or Tank Cleaning

call 888-481-1768Visit our other blog at  www.ronperrin.us for more information on contaminates commonly found in potable water tanks.

Our TANK CLEANING web page at www.potablewatertankcleaning.com

Sediment being removed from a potable water storage tank

Call us Toll Free 888-481-1768

In that case follow these steps to safely inspect your own water storage tank to meet state standards.

Inspection Technician on tower

Check the vent screen, that is the most common problem we see day after day.  The chlorine & other treatment chemicals used in potable water are very hard on steel mesh screens,  do not use stainless steel, seems like an upgrade but wont last any time at all.

Vent Structure

Next check sediment levels.  If you don’t have an underwater camera handy you should drain the tank at least down to the level you can see the sediment on the floor, make a note of the depth & what it looks like, make sure there are no insects, birds or other contaminates in the tank.  DO NOT ENTER the tank.  If you need to make entry into the tank you should follow all Confined Space Entry protocols including having at least a three man trained team.  This is really important!  Chlorine gas can form above the water line in potable water storage tanks that have been treated with chlorine, in addition to that corrosion on the steel can deplete oxygen levels in the tank making a deadly combination.  Our crews go in on their own air to dive the facility or use a remote camera to make entry we NEVER ENTER THE TANK alone or unprotected.

If you choose to use an underwater camera to get a look make sure it is purchased for and only used in potable water.  Cross contamination is a serious issue that you need to be aware of!  Visit our other blog at  www.ronperrin.us for more information on water storage tank contamination.

If You are inspecting a tank or tower with a ladder be sure to have the fall protection equipment you need to get the job done safely.

View from the top of the ladder

Inspector on tower www.ronperrin.com

The proper safety equipment & Training is the key to performing a water tower inspection safely:

Proper Safety Gear Must Be Worn

Get a copy of the Texas State Rules,  for water tank inspection Directly from the TCEQ Here:

TCEQ 290.46 go to : Chapter 30,   TAC §290.46(m)(1)(A)

The State Form is available HERE:

Texas Commission on Environmental Quality Tank Inspection Form

Other states can follow AWWA recommendations. Here are the main coponents that are required to be inspected annually in Texas and  should be included in any potable water tank inspection.

Foundation: settling, cracks, deterioration

Condition of  Exterior Coating: rust, pitting, corrosion, leaks

Water Level Indicator: operable, cable access opening protected

Overflow Pipe: flap valve cover accessible, operable, sealed

Access Ladder: loose bolts or rungs

Roof: low spots for ponding water, holes along seams, rust

Air Vents: proper design, screened, sealed edges and seams

Cathodic Protection Anode Plates: secured and sealed

Roof Hatch: proper design, locked, hinge bolts secured, gasket

Interior inspections should include:

Condition of  Interior Coating : Check for rust, corrosion, blistering & scaling.

Water Quality Check for:

Insects in the tank both on the surface of the water and on the interior floor.

Floating debris

Sediment levels on the interior floor – (Sediment can be a habitat for bacteria & other contaminates).

Is your tank a Pressure  Type Tank ?

Pressure Type Tank

Check Operational Status: pressure release device, pressure gauge, air-water volume device

In Texas Pressure  Type Tanks that are large enough to have an inspection port are required to be inspected annually.

They are also required to be opened up and have the interiors inspected at least once every five years.

All inspection reports performed in Texas should be kept on file and available for TCEQ review for five years.

———–

This should help you gat started on your potable water tank inspections.  My 157 page book is another great resorce it includes tank inspection and cleaning methods as well as state rules and common contaminates that are found in our nations water system.  It is available now at    www.ronperrin.com or this link  : “Inspecting & Cleaning Potable water storage”

INSPECTING & CLEANING POTABLE WATER STORAGE By: Ron Perrin

Our company is here to serve you when you are looking for a contractor to perform potable water tank inspections or cleanings.

We have the proper training, inspection and safety equipment to safely deliver you the most information for the least cost..

Video Ray ROV

ROV Controller & Video Recorder

My book is a great reference point for state rules and requirements.

The State of Florida is one of the only states if not the only one that requires you be a Florida

licensed engineer to inspect a water storage tank.   The City of New York is one of the few if not the only municipal government in the U.S. that requires annual water tank inspections their requirements are listed below.

The City of  NEW YORK Requires The Following:

§141.07 Building Drinking Water Storage Tanks

(a) Applicability. The owner, agent or other person in control of a building which has one or more water

tanks used to store potable water which is distributed as part of the building’s drinking water supply

system shall comply with the provisions of this section. This section does not apply to the domestic hot

water system.

(b) Inspection Requirements. The owner, agent or other person in control of a building shall have the

water tank inspected at least once annually. The inspection shall include the examination of the general

condition of the tank, including but not limited to the condition of overflow pipes, access ladders, air

vents, roof access hatches and screens. The interior and exterior of the water tank and its sealed edges and

seams shall be inspected for evidence of pitting, scaling, blistering or chalking, rusting, corrosion and

leakage. Inspection of sanitary conditions, including the presence of sediment, biological growth,

floatable debris and insects in the tank and rodent or bird activity on and around the tank, shall be

performed. The inspection shall include sampling of the water in the water tank to verify the

bacteriological quality of the water supply in compliance with Subpart 5-1 of the State Sanitary Code.

Sample results shall be reported by a State certified laboratory equipped to analyze drinking water, in

accordance with the latest edition of the Standard Methods for the Examination of Water and Wastewater,

published jointly by the APHA, the AWWA and the WEF.

My underwater videos of water storage show actual public water systems being inspected and cleaned by dive crews.

Current TV video web site link

Also visit the CLEAN WATER TANK PROJECT blog at www.ronperrin.us

INSPECTING & CLEANING POTABLE WATER STORAGE

By Ron Perrin

A reference mauual for Water Utility Managers & Directors.

Are you a water utility manager having trouble funding the tank inspections & cleanings you need?  This book is for you!

Over time sediment builds up in all water storage tanks.  This book shows you what it looks like when it is removed from water storage tanks and towers.  If a picture is worth a thousand words these full color photos give you a thousand reasons why potable water storage tanks should be inspected and cleaned on a regular basis.  Chapters cover, state rules, contamination found in potable water, inspection methods and cleaning methods.

Bacteria, protazoa and even viruses can find the sediment in the floor of a water storage tank an inviting habitat. The sediment can allow many microbiological contaminates to get a foothold in your system, grow and create a larger problem. The EPA has determined that microbiological growth in distribution systems is a threat to public health.

If you cant get your supervisors, directors or council members to look at this web site, now you can order the book and put it in their hands.

These photos make the case- Inspecting & Cleaning Public water supplies should be a top priority.

	INSPECTING & CLEANING POTABLE WATER STORAGE By: Ron Perrin ISBN: 1-4415-3244-7 (Picture Book ) ISBN13: 978-1-4415-3244-2 (Picture Book ) Understand why inspecting and cleaning public water storage is important to public health.    Color photos of sediment being removed from water storage tanks and towers.

Click here to order the book:

Buy the book Click Here

For more video of Divers Cleaning Water Storage Tanks see or blog at www.ronperrin.us

This video shows you a diver removing sediment from a water tower and what it looks like coming out!