Disinfection Of Cold Water Tanks | Trusted water hygiene services across the UK | Green Water Services
At Green Water Services, we specialise in the professional cleaning and disinfection of cold water storage tanks. Operating nationwide, our expert engineers ensure your tanks are maintained to the highest standards, helping you stay compliant, safe, and efficient.
Why is Cold Water Storage Tank Cleaning Important?
Over time, cold water storage tanks can accumulate sediment, scale, rust, and other contaminants. Without regular cleaning and inspection, this can lead to stagnation, bacterial growth, and reduced water quality, especially where Legionella risk is a concern.
While there is no legal requirement to clean tanks on a fixed schedule, UK regulations and Legionella control guidance highlight the importance of annual inspections. These checks will determine whether cleaning and disinfection are necessary, particularly in:
- Newly installed systems
- Systems left unused for extended periods
- Drinking water supply tanks
- Tanks in poor condition or non-compliant installations
What’s Involved in Water Tank Cleaning?
Our tank cleaning process follows industry best practice and British Standards, including BS EN 806-5:2012, BS 8558:2015, and BS PD 855468:2015.
Here’s how we clean and disinfect your tank:
Isolation and Drainage
The tank is isolated from the water system and fully drained using a drain valve or submersible pump.
Physical Cleaning
Our engineers enter the tank (confined space trained and equipped) to remove sediment and debris where required. A wet vacuum thoroughly cleans the interior.
Disinfection of Cold Water Tanks
We disinfect the tank using a chlorine solution (typically 50 mg/l for a minimum of 1 hour).
Neutralisation & Rinse
Chlorinated water is safely neutralised with sodium thiosulphate and flushed away.
Refill and Commissioning
The tank is refilled with clean water and returned to service.
How Much Does Tank Cleaning Cost?
Tank cleaning and disinfection services typically range from £100 to £1,500+, depending on:
- Tank size
- Location and access
- Condition of the tank
- Whether it’s a confined space
We offer site surveys to assess your needs and provide accurate, no-obligation quotes.
Can I Clean the Tank Myself?
Cleaning water tanks, especially those supplying drinking water, should only be carried out by trained and competent personnel. Poor cleaning practices can lead to contamination or non-compliance.
Some tanks are classified as confined spaces, meaning specialist equipment and risk assessments are required to carry out the work safely and legally. British standards require disinfection of any tank that is entered or handled internally.
Compliance & Common Issues
Unfortunately, many tanks we inspect are installed in breach of water regulations or BS 8558:2015. A Legionella risk assessment is essential. It helps identify non-compliant installations, dead legs, poor turnover, and other issues affecting water hygiene and safety.
We include a full inspection and compliance report highlighting any improvements or upgrades needed with every cleaning service.
Nationwide Coverage | Free Surveys Available
Green Water Services operates throughout the UK with fully trained engineers ready to support your site. Whether you’re a commercial, industrial, or public-sector customer, we’re here to help you maintain safe, compliant water systems.
