Impacts of storage tanks under the indirect cold water supply system on household water quality: a case of Wakiso District, Uganda
Impacts of storage tanks under the indirect cold water supply system on household water quality: a case of Wakiso District, Uganda
Publication Year:
2022
Authors:
Manga, Musa; Okeny, Lawrence O.; Ngobi, Timothy G.; Pamela, Acheng O.; Namakula, Hidaya; Kyaterekera, Elizabeth, Nansubuga, Irene; Kibwami, Nathan
Language:
English
Affiliated Orgs.:
National Water and Sewerage Corporation Kampala Uganda
Resource Type:
Journal Article
Summary:
Impacts of storage tanks under the indirect cold water supply system on water quality and finds that the tanks can lead to bacterial growth and deterioration of water quality.
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Resource Information
Abstract
Water supply systems form one of the most fundamental components of building services. In many communities, especially in developing countries like Uganda, most households use the indirect cold water supply system, particularly because of the intermittent water supply problems. However, research has linked the main component of this system, particularly water storage tanks, to the contamination of water. There is a paucity of research regarding which features of these tanks contribute to water contamination. This study investigated the effects of storage tank features and cleaning practices on water quality. The results revealed that the treated water received by households became significantly (α= 0.05) contaminated with faecal coliforms (p= 0.001), total coliforms (p < 0.001), and heterotrophic bacteria (p < 0.001) while in storage tanks. Furthermore, Fe and Mn significantly increased in stored water (with p= 0.001, and p= 0.023, respectively) while residual free chlorine significantly reduced (p < 0.001). The study revealed that tank type, tank connectors, and tank age significantly affect water quality. The study concluded that tank cleaning does not guarantee improvement in the quality of stored water. Further research is recommended to determine the best tank cleaning methods and optimal cleaning frequency.
Resource Type
Journal Article
Publication Year
2022
Author
Manga, Musa; Okeny, Lawrence O.; Ngobi, Timothy G.; Pamela, Acheng O.; Namakula, Hidaya; Kyaterekera, Elizabeth, Nansubuga, Irene; Kibwami, Nathan
Language
English
Organizational Affiliation
National Water and Sewerage Corporation Kampala Uganda
Relevant Country
Uganda
Specific Contaminants
Bacteria, Faecal coliforms, Total coliforms
University Affiliation
UNC Water Institute, Makerere University, Ndejje University,
Business Connect Takeaways
The use of storage tanks in the indirect cold water supply system of high-rise buildings can lead to a deterioration in water quality due to the growth of bacteria and other microorganisms.
Factors that can contribute to bacterial growth in storage tanks include high temperatures, low flow rates, and the presence of sediment and other organic matter.
Regular cleaning and maintenance of storage tanks, as well as the use of disinfection methods such as chlorination, can help to reduce the risk of bacterial contamination and ensure that water quality remains safe for human consumption.