Back in the 1960s, some Queensland Councils banned urban rainwater tanks largely due to the potential health risks of mosquitoes breeding in the tanks. Rainwater tanks, once again, have become part of the urban landscape.
The recent extended drought and government rebate schemes increased the number of rainwater tank installations in the Brisbane metropolitan area. Yet little has been done to raise public awareness of the necessity of rainwater tank maintenance to ensure the water quality and avoid potential health problems.
Water Tactics provide rainwater tank maintenance and tank cleaning services. Following are some of the cases they have dealt with lately:
- Blocked first-flush diverters and rain heads harbouring mosquitoes
- Tanks installed without insect screening - dead possum and mosquitoes inside
- Vegetation breakdown causing tainted and smelly tank water
- Roof and gutter cleaning washing debris into tank resulting in putrid water
- D-I-Y tank maintenance not re-securing fittings resulting in mosquitoes in tank
- Deliberate removal of overflow strainers allowing mosquitoes entry
According to Jim Steel, Director, Water Tactics, they are dealing with some serious problems with rainwater storage, which could be avoided with regular rainwater tank maintenance. People have invested in water conservation but if water tanks are not maintained properly, they can become a health risk.
Mosquitoes breed in rainwater tanks but only where the installation or the maintenance is sub-standard. With recent outbreaks of Dengue fever in Northern Queensland, the issue of rainwater tank water hygiene needs to be taken seriously. Defaulters can be fined if mosquitoes are found breeding in their tanks.
Residents need to ensure that their rainwater tank systems are maintained regularly and undergo a thorough inspection annually to avoid potential problems.