Cleaning and disinfection of Drinking

Water Membrane System (tanks and

reservoirs)
Construction

Contents

1. Scope of application

2. General remarks

3. Cleaning and disinfection

3.1 General remarks

3.2 Initial cleaning and disinfection before filling

3.2.1 General
3.2.2 Execution

3.3 Light to normal soiling or contamination

3.4 Heavy soiling or contamination

3.5 Important remarks

3.6 Periodic cleaning and disinfection during service

Sika Services AG, Industriestrasse 26, CH-6060 Sarnen

Tel.+41 58 436 79 66 / Fax +41 58 436 76 60
E-Mail: graenicher.reto@ch.sika.com
www.sika.com
 1. Scope of application

These recommendations apply to the cleaning and disinfection of drinking water containers (e.g. reser-
voirs and tanks) lined with FPO (flexible polyolefin) waterproofing membranes.
2. General remarks

The periodic inspection, cleaning, and disinfection of drinking water containers must be performed with
great care. Next to professional design and execution, this maintenance is the basis for long-term and
problem-free service.

The extent and frequency of the cleaning will depend on the characteristics of the water and the con-
Construction

tainer: the type of construction, type of use, and condition of the structure. Cleaning is also governed by
local regulations in each country.

The waterproofing liner must be installed following the manufacturers recommendations.

3. Cleaning and disinfection

3.1 General comments

It must be assumed that the surface of any newly installed liner is contaminated with dust and infected
with micro-organisms.

Therefore initial cleaning requires particular attention.

3.2 Initial cleaning and disinfection before filling

3.2.1 General

Only cleaning agents that are approved (regarding both technical suitability and hygiene) for drinking wa-
ter containers may be used for the initial cleaning of the FPO-lined container.

3.2.2 Execution

Cleaning and disinfection work will basically depend on the type and degree of soiling or contamination.
Depending on the task, the following steps should be anticipated:

3.3 Light to normal soiling or contamination

- Scrub and clean gently with a soft brush or scrubber.

- Spray the cleaned surfaces with drinking water.
- Spray with steam (120C) and rinse well with cold water.
- Spray the surfaces with the cleaner/disinfectant diluted according to the manufacturers instructions.
The generally applicable industrial safety regulations must be observed. Let the chemical work for the
period of time recommended by the manufacturer.
- The operator must drain the rinse water with cleaning chemical from the container.
- Fill the container with drinking water.

Sika Services AG, Industriestrasse 26, CH-6060 Sarnen

Tel.+41 58 436 79 66 / Fax +41 58 436 76 60
E-Mail: graenicher.reto@ch.sika.com
www.sika.com 2/3
 3.4 Heavy soiling or contamination

- Spray with steam (120C) and rinse well with cold water.
- Scrub and clean gently using a soft brush or scrubber.
- Spray the cleaned surfaces with drinking water.
- Spray the surfaces with cleaner/disinfectant diluted according to the manufacturers instructions. The
generally applicable industrial safety regulations must be observed. Let the chemical work for the pe-
riod of time recommended by the manufacturer.
- The operator must drain the rinsing water with cleaning chemical from the container.
- Fill the container with drinking water.

3.5 Important remarks

Construction

A pressure steam cleaner may be used for both types of cleaning but only if the appliance is used prop-
erly. It must be fitted with a wide-slot nozzle and no other type. A distance of at least 20 cm must be main-
tained between the nozzle and the liner at all times. Before the appliance is used, the manufacturer
should verify that the appliance is suited to the task.

Once the chamber is filled, water samples must be taken for bacteriological investigation. When it has
been verified that the bacteriological measurements meet the applicable safety requirements for drinking
water, the tank or reservoir will be approved for use. Additional tests will be necessary to continually
monitor the water quality.

3.6 Periodic cleaning and disinfection during service

The water container should be periodically inspected, cleaned, and disinfected.

Regular cleaning may be done using any standard type of suitable liquid cleaner. The suitability and ap-
proval for contact with drinking water must be certified.
The waterproofing membrane possesses good mechanical strength, so special protective measures dur-
ing cleaning are not necessary. But the use of pointed or sharp objects should be avoided.

Cleaning and disinfection work should be executed generally as described in Section 3.2.

Sika Services AG, Industriestrasse 26, CH-6060 Sarnen

Tel.+41 58 436 79 66 / Fax +41 58 436 76 60
E-Mail: graenicher.reto@ch.sika.com
www.sika.com 3/3