Due to the water crisis we have been experiencing in Tarzana for several months, we have had to get used to periodic service interruptions. This represents a problem that many have tried to overcome by installing water tanks and cisterns at home, to have uninterrupted service.
But the suspension of the service and the use of water tanks has brought another concern: the arrival of cloudy or dirty water. This can happen for a lot of reasons and be exacerbated by service outages, so let’s explore the causes of this problem and see what we can do to prevent water from returning with sediment.
Why does the water come out cloudy?
If after a cutoff in the drinking water supply you find that brown, dirty or cloudy water comes out, you should not worry. It is something temporary that occurs in part due to the interruption of service. When water stops flowing through the pipes and the pressure shock occurs when service is restored, particles of rust, dirt and sediment deposited at the bottom of the pipe rise.
In the same way that by applying water with pressure you can remove stuck soil from the ground, for example, that water hammer (which is what the change in pressure inside the pipe is called) is capable of dragging particles that dirty the water.
If the water that comes out dirty is that which comes from the water tank or storage tank , this occurs because the container is dirty . Cleaning water tanks and cisterns should be done at least twice a year and increase the frequency if necessary. In addition to cleaning water tanks and cisterns, in CDMX it is more recommended that these containers have a hermetically sealed lid, since in the city there is a lot of dust and particles released in car gasses that can contaminate the water. . Whether in the city or in another place where you live, having a lid that does not allow contaminants to enter will be a great help to maintain good quality water.
It is possible to improve the quality of the stored water by installing a sediment filter at the tank inlet, but washing the tank every six months is non-negotiable. This is the only way to ensure that the stored water can be used for human use, whether for purification, bathing, food preparation and others.
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Another cause of cloudy water can be inside your own home. When the plumbing system is several decades old, the change in pressure may wash away rust particles from your own plumbing system. This occurs because steel pipes degrade over the years. It can be a general problem or a single section problem. You can check if when you open the tap, the water comes out cloudier in a certain area of the house.
Can I consume cloudy water?
It is not advisable to make direct use of water that does not look clean or has an earthy or metallic odor. There is no need to throw it away, you can use it for tasks such as watering the plants, washing the car, flushing the toilet or cleaning the yard. Avoid using it to wash dishes, because mineral or metal deposits can be harmful to your health. It is also not recommended to use it for washing clothes because these residues will deposit on the clothes, making them look dull or yellowish.
How to prevent water from returning with sediment
The simplest solution for water with sediment is to let it run for a bit, until it runs clear again, however this can take time and in the meantime the water is wasted. It can be used to water or wash patios, floors or sidewalks. Paradoxically, part of the national water supply problem that motivates scheduled service cuts is related to the waste of drinking water, so you should never throw it away.
One of the benefits of preventing water from returning home with sediment is precisely that it is a way to avoid wasting drinking water. Likewise, tanks should not be allowed to be filled with cloudy water because in the end these sediments settle to the bottom, dirtying all the stored water; that you will end up throwing away because it cannot be used. There are always tiny particles that escape from the filters and accumulate on the bottom and walls of the tank, which can cloud the water in the long term.
Lacking the time or knowledge to clean and maintain water tanks and cisterns is no longer an excuse, because you can hire the experts at Pasadena , who will take care of the cumbersome task in no time. You just need to schedule an appointment through their contact numbers. In fact, if you want to install a sediment filter or install a water tank or storage tank in Pasadena you can find a reliable plumber . Don’t wait any longer for water to be wasted and better hire this service.
