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Our New Promotional Video
We are proud to introduce our 2021 Promotional video. This one-minute video quickly reviews our primary services. We inspect and clean potable water storage tanks and towers. We offer remote underwater camera inspections, diver inspections, diver cleaning and we use our DEEP TREKKER Submersible Robots to both inspect and clean potable water storage tanks. For more information see: http://www.ronperrin.com
To see more about our Deep Trakker Cleaning robot see: MEET OUR ROBOT in episode #3 of our TAP TALK Video Series.
In our Tap Talk video series, we will explore municipal drinking water systems from the inside out. Since 1997, Ron Perrin Water Technologies, Inc. has been a leader in the inspection and cleaning of water tanks and towers. We hope you enjoy this series as we take a closer look at how our water systems work and the technical skill and effort it takes to keep these facilities inspected, clean and safe. Each Tap Talk post has a new short video to watch.
For an inspection or cleaning quote, you may contact Robert Perrin at perrinsales@gmail.com, or call our office at 817-377-4899.
Batten Down the Hatches…
Hurricane season starts in June 1 and ends in November 30, with the peak of this season starting after August. Although September marks the beginning of fall, it also tends to be the most active month for hurricanes in the Atlantic.
In late August the gulf was hit by a Category 4 Hurricane, Hurricane Ida. Hurricane Ida swept through Louisiana, and Mississippi leaving damage, destruction, and losses for many. According to apnews.com, Hurricane Ida became the fifth most powerful hurricane to hit the United States. Along with this record it also became the second most damaging hurricane to hit the state of Louisiana, with estimates of 50 to 60 billion dollars in damage.
Not only did Hurricane Ida strike Louisiana and Mississippi, it became a Tropical Storm that swept through the Northeastern United States. The hurricane left the Northeastern States with record flash flooding and rainfalls.
Like many catastrophic storms, many were left without electricity or running water. Apnews.com reported three days after the storm hit Louisiana and Mississippi millions were still without electricity and state health officials stated more than 600,000 were without running water.
We have all seen the images of destruction a hurricane or tropical storm can cause like flooding roads, fallen trees, and damaged structures. But what we don’t see is the damage it can do to our Water Systems, including the water storage tanks and towers.
After a hurricane, tropical storm, or even a severe thunderstorm has impacted your area, it is critical to complete an inspection to evaluate any damages that may have occurred to your water system or water storage tanks. These powerful storms can cause numerous problems for the water tanks and towers, problems that might not be seen from the ground below. The high winds can cause damage to hatches, vent structures and air craft warning lights, and in some cases even be blown off. Even the foundations of the water storage tanks, like homes and buildings can be affected due to the severe rainfall and flash flooding. Without evaluating the damages that can occur to your water storage tanks, you may be leaving entry ways that can allow birds, insects, and other pollutants to enter the tank.
The latest Tropical Storm to hit the Texas Gulf Coast, tropical storm Nicholas, brought flash flooding and high level rainfalls. With more tropical storms and potential hurricane to come this hurricane season it is important to stay current with your TCEQ inspections. After disasters have occurred the most important necessities that people need is shelter, light, and WATER. By doing your inspections you can be sure your water system is prepared to provide your community with SAFE water.
If you would like a free quote for your tanks email perrinsales@gmail.com
or
Call us at 888-481-1768.
Visit us at ronperrin.com for more information about us and our services!
Like our company Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/ronperrinwatertech/
Toll Free: 888-481-1768 Direct: 817-377-4988 Fax: 817-246-1740
Fun in the Sun
As the year summer comes to a close, many people got to take advantage of the beaches, lakes, and rivers to cool down. Travel during the summer seems to have been high, higher than last year at least. Some people opted to stay home and enjoy water attractions, and public pools near or in their own communities. Most of us wouldn’t ever think about getting sick from a trip of relaxation, and just soaking up some sun. But according to the CDC they reported almost 500 recreational water outbreak illnesses. These reports were gathered from 2010 to 2014, and the three most common illnesses reported were Acute Gastrointestinal illnesses (diarrhea or vomiting), Skin illnesses (rashes), and Acute Respiratory illnesses (cough or congestion).
While public pools, water attractions, and water playgrounds do undergo routine inspections, a CDC study found more than 10 percent of the inspections resulted in immediate closures because of severe violations. These inspections also included hotel and motel pools, spas, and hot tubs. Despite the fact most pools and water attractions give off a chlorine scent, many can be over chlorinated. Over chlorination can lead to something minor like red, irritated eyes to something as severe as Chlorine Poisoning. Although many of us associate chlorine in water to be safe, even at the correct levels it could not be as effective as one may think. Used at the recommended levels chlorine does in fact eliminate most germs in the water in minutes. But there are some germs like Cryptosporidium (a germ that causes diarrhea) that can live in accurately treated water for days, infecting many people and even causing outbreaks.
Recreational pools and waterpark attractions aren’t the only place that can harbor these bacteria and viruses. The water we use from the tap can potentially contain the bacteria and viruses. The water is usually distributed from water tanks and towers. These water storage tanks and towers do require an annual inspection to be done and are usually enforced by the state’s water associations. These annual inspections are important for a water utility to complete because it will provide valuable information on the condition of the water tank and the levels of sediment in the tank.
In Texas the inspections are enforced by the TCEQ, Texas Commission on Environmental Quality. While inspections are done yearly, cleanings are done as needed.
Some tanks are on a cleaning schedule while others are seldom and even some never cleaned at all. In many of those there is a breeding ground for bacteria and viruses inside these water tanks and towers. The breeding ground is in a layer of sediment that accumulates at the bottom of these tanks and towers.
Some water utility managers and supervisors may not know that a thin layer of sediment is enough for the bacteria and viruses to get a foothold in the water storage tank and towers. Sediment that accumulates in almost all water storage systems can be a safe habitat that can harbor a wide range of contaminants. Sediment that is allowed to build up on the floor of water storage tanks provides shelter from chlorine and other treatment chemicals allowing the intruders to grow and be a potential problem.
And even though water utility managers and supervisors do their part to ensure clean drinking water, most may not be aware that cleaning the sediment at the bottom of the tank could be a great help to them in getting better water quality results. But who wants to take a tank out of service? What if you do not need to shut your system down just to clean the sediment out? Removing the sediment while the tank remains in service is possible with the help of fully certified divers to remove the sediment at the bottom of the tank or tower. There are only a few specialty companies like ours that only dive in potable water.
Ron Perrin Water Technologies is a company that offers water storage tank and tower inspections, and cleanings. Ron Perrin Water Technologies even offers a new service that allows you to clean standpipes, which could be very difficult to do with a diver and would usually be drained to have a cleaning done because of the height of these tanks. Ron Perrin Water Technologies combated adding this new service in which they drop a cleaning robot into the standpipe to get help clear the layers of sediment. With these services that Ron Perrin Water Technologies offers there is little to no disruption of service to the water utilities. If you would like a free inspection or cleaning quote, you can contact them at 817-377-4899.
Visit us at ronperrin.com for more information about us and our services!
Like our company Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/ronperrinwatertech
Remotely Operated Vehicles
An ROV can be a big help to a water utility operator. There are two basic types of ROV’s to consider: a Submarine type that has propellers for movement, or a crawler type with wheels or tracks. Our Sub ROV’s are excellent tools for underwater inspections. The ability to inspect the facility while it remains full of water saves time, water and money.
Our crawler ROV we call WALLIE, is equipped with a cleaning tip and has the ability to remotely remove sediment and works in water depth up to 165 feet. This makes WALLIE an excellent way to clean standpipes. Removing tank sediment is essential to maintain water quality standards. Keeping tanks free of sediment removes the habitat that bacteria, protozoa and even viruses can use to get a foothold in your tank, grow, and become a larger problem. After we clean water storage tanks, our customers tell us they use less chemicals to maintain water quality standards. Our potable water dive crew is available to clean GSTs or ESTs, and WALLIE is ready to clean your STANDPIPE water storage Call today to find out how we can help your utility.
For more information please visit our web site www.ronperrin.com or blog: www.taptalk.blog
To schedule service, contact our office Manager, Debi Wheelan, at: 817-377-4899.
For a free proposal, e-mail Robert Perrin at: perrinsales@gmail.com.
“There’s WHAT in my WATER?!”
Water tanks are an essential part to a community. It is an absolute essential that cannot afford to be neglected. Water systems are in charge of maintaining the water tank structure and also maintaining the safety of the water for the community. Though most water tanks can be around for many decades, in order to increase the life of the water storage tank yearly inspections must be done in order to prevent any small problems turning into major issues.
After severe storms with high winds, including tropical storms and hurricanes a water tank should be inspected to ensure there is no damage to the structure of the tank. Some of the damage that can occur is vent structures being blown off, leaving an open entry points for insects, birds, and bats. These types of breaches can lead to bacteria, protozoa, and virus from contaminating the water.
In Texas the summer comes with the heat and droughts, leading most animals in search of water. The water stored in water storage tanks can be appealing for insects, birds, and rodents. Though an open vent structure or hole in the vent can make entry easy, exiting the tank can be difficult for them. In some water tank inspections Ron Perrin Water Technologies have completed there have been bones of birds and bats found at the bottom of the tanks. In some tanks there were even crawdads, and frogs swimming around!
In July 2015 a city in Texas turned on their tap water only to find worms coming out! Small red worms filled up their drinking glasses, and bathtubs. Click the link to read more http://wp.me/P56sW-GSO . This is one story of how insects gained access to a community’s drinking water. The rule of thumb is if the hole of a vent is enough to fit a finger digit insects can get in. If you can put your fist in it, birds and bats can gain access into the water tank. All these issues that could potentially come along is having your water tank inspected after severe storms. A water system can do these inspections or hire someone to inspect their tanks for them.
If you would like a free quote for your tanks email or call us at 888-481-1768.
Visit us at ronperrin.com for more information about us and our services!
Like our company Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/ronperrinwatertech
Toll Free: 888-481-1768 Direct: 817-377-4988 Fax: 817-246-1740
Content source: Ron Perrin Clean Water Tank Project
Crisp, Clean, and Refreshing?
When you drink a cold glass of water you know it’s good when you can describe it as “crisp, clean, and refreshing.” What if that crisp, clean, and refreshing glass of water was contaminated with bacteria that could lead to illness and even death? The bacteria and viruses in the water wouldn’t even be seen by the naked eye. Unless you could test your water every time you turned on the tap, there would be no way for you to know what you were drinking.
It is very important for a water system to maintain their water safety, whether that means keeping up with their yearly TCEQ potable water tank inspections or just checking their chlorine levels. If a water system has high use of chlorine it is probably due to the chlorine fighting some sort of contaminate in the water. There is a chance the contamination in the water tank could be breeding in the sediment of the potable water storage tank. An important step a water system can take is to remove any sediment that is found to have accumulated in their water tanks.
Though some sediment is common in most potable water storage tanks, it is important to know when too much sediment accumulates it can cause a big problem. Bacteria like Legionella, protozoa like Cryptosporidium, and a wide range of viruses including Norovirus can HIDE and GROW in the water tank sediment. Once the bacteria have a foothold in the water tank it can cause problems for not only the water system, but for the community they are providing water to. Most of the bacteria can cause nausea, vomiting, fever, and diarrhea and in some cases exposure to the bacteria or virus can be fatal.
With yearly inspections, and testing your residuals often you can have the knowledge you need to prevent infiltration of these bacteria and viruses. By cleaning the sediment in your water storage tank you can prevent any bacteria or viruses from maintaining a hold in your water tank. These simple steps can be the difference of maintaining the quality of the water that is essential to the community.
If you would like a free quote for your tanks email or call us at 888-481-1768.
Visit us at ronperrin.com for more information about us and our services!
Like our company Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/ronperrinwatertech
Toll Free: 888-481-1768 Direct: 817-377-4988 Fax: 817-246-1740
Content source: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
Hurricanes and Water Systems
South Texas just officially welcomed our first hurricane of the season. Hurricane Hanna greeted South Texas with flooding, damaging winds, and power outages. Most people think hurricanes are very active in the summer months, but the most active month for hurricanes in the Atlantic is actually in September.
Though rain can be a relief in Texas too much of it can cause problems. If we look at the aftermath of what a Hurricane can leave in path, we can see flooding roads, fallen trees, and damaged structures. We have all seen the news showing what kind of destruction a tropical storm or a hurricane can cause. But what we don’t see is the damage it can do to our Water Systems.
After tropical storms and hurricanes have impacted your area, it is critical to complete an inspection to assess any damages that may have occurred. High winds can do damage to hatches, vent structures and air craft warning lights, and in some cases even be blown off. Even the foundations of the storage tanks, like homes and buildings can be affected from severe rainfall and flash flooding. Without assessing the damages that can occur to your water tanks, you may be leaving openings that can allow birds, insects, and other pollutants to enter the tank.
As the hurricane season is just starting it is important to stay current with your TCEQ inspections. After disasters have occurred the most important necessities that people need is shelter, light, and WATER. By doing your inspections you can be sure your water system is prepared to provide your community with SAFE water.
If you would like a free quote for your tanks email or
call us at 888-481-1768.
Visit us at ronperrin.com for more information about us and our services!
Like our company Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/ronperrinwatertech
Toll Free: 888-481-1768 Direct: 817-377-4988 Fax: 817-246-1740
Water Tank Inspection and Cleaning
Our company specializes in potable water tank inspection and cleaning. Since 1997 Ron Perrin Water Technologies has been a leader in remote camera and ROV inspection of municipal water storage tanks and towers. Our remote underwater cameras and Remotely Operated Video cameras are able to get a good look at the interior condition of water storage tanks with No Disruption of Service and No Water Loss!
If the tank is in need of cleaning our potable water dive crew can make quick work out of removing all sediment from the floor of the tank.
Check out our web site at www.watertankinspection.com or call us toll-free at 1-888-481-1768
ROV Water Tank Inspection
Water Tank Inspection. Water Tank Cleaning. ROV Water Tank Inspection. Since 1997 Ron Perrin Water Technologies has been a leader in underwater inspection services for potable water storage tanks. Our inspection methods include Remote Cameras, ROV inspections and Potable Water Diver inspections.
Our inspections offer the most information for the lowest cost while never disrupting water service or draining your tank. Check out our new ROV Tank Inspection Video on youtube.
We have a a fleet of ROV’s to insure we are ready to meet your inspection needs. For a free price quote call Debi at 817-377-4899, or toll free at 888-481-1768.
Visit our new web page at www.watertankinspection.com
DIY Potable Water Tank and Tower inspection. Updated June, 20, 2020
GST – Ground Storage Tank Inspection
EST – Elevated Storage Tank Inspection
In Texas, potable water tanks are required to be inspected inside and out each year. Of course, that is our business and we are sure we have the best inspection method and offer the most information for the lowest cost. Sometimes circumstances may arise that prevent funds from being available.
In that case, follow these steps to safely inspect your own water storage tank to meet state standards.
There are safety concerns before you get started. The first step is to be sure the person assigned to climb any type of water storage facility is fit. Obviously climbing a water tower is physically challenging, but even smaller ground type storage tanks can require an exhausting amount of physical effort to climb.
Make sure everyone who is working on elevated surfaces (any water tank or tower) has completed a basic OSHA approved course on working at height. Employees who conduct work on elevated surfaces are exposed to fall hazards and are required to receive fall-protection training. If you are going to make entry into the tank you will also need to acquire confined space training. Employees who work in confined spaces face increased risk of serious physical injury. Hazards involving a confined space include entrapment, engulfment, and dangerous atmospheric conditions. As a result, employees who conduct work within confined spaces must be properly trained.
Next, you need the right equipment. Starting with a full body safety harness with Fall Protection Shock Absorbing Lanyards. If you are going to enter the tank for an inspection, a multi-gas monitor to perform atmospheric testing prior to entering a confined space is required under OSHA’s 1910.134. You will also need at least a three man entry team that includes a supervisor, entrant and attendee.
Len Pardee Environmental Compliance Officer and Inspection Supervisor (c) 2017 RPWT.
Inspection Technician on tower, using an underwater inspection camera and lighting system for a no-entry inspection.
Check the vent screen as it 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, so do not use stainless steel – it may seem like an upgrade, but it won’t last any time at all.
Vent Structure on EST
Next, check the level of the sediment on the bottom of the tank floor. 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 sediment depth & what it looks like, and make sure there are no insects, birds or other contaminants 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 view the interior. We NEVER ENTER THE TANK alone or unprotected!
If you choose to use an underwater camera to get a look inside, 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 also available HERE:
Texas Commission on Environmental Quality Tank Inspection Log
Some other states follow AWWA recommendations. Here are the main components 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 contaminants).
Is your tank a Hydro–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.
Do you need a Texas Inspection form? Click here: TCEQ TANK INSPECTION FORM.
Do you know how to inspect a water tower and stay safe? Click this link to find out!
This should help you gat started on your potable water tank inspections.
If you need an inspection contractor call 817-377-4899 or see: www.ronperrin.us
Since 1997 we have performed thousands of inspections for water utilities in 14 states.
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.
For safety training check out the OSHA Regional facility near you.https://www.osha.gov/otiec/
For online safety training check out https://www.oshatrain.org/
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RON PERRIN WATER TECHNOLOGIES
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The Clean Water Tank Project
Sediment being removed from the floor of a potable water storage tank
WATER TANK CLEANING
Sediment Being Removed From a Water Storage Tank
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