Water tanks ‘need cleaning’

Citizens here have urged the government to introduce regulations to force landlords to clean water tanks on the roofs of their residential buildings, according to a local newspaper.
They complained that the tanks contain dirty water, parasites and insects. The impurities were coming through their taps, they added. They said the tanks should be cleaned with chlorine and other disinfectants.
Some residents said the tanks are also getting dirty because they are out in the open. Many said they had to buy extra drinking water for cleaning purposes, which was costing them a great deal of money. Installing filters could help to clean the water, others said.
Water tanks are made locally, using raw materials such as iron ore which constitute a health hazard, according to medical studies. The other material used in water tanks is fiberglass, which is more prone to fungi and algae. European health authorities recommend using polyethylene to make water tanks.
Health and water experts say that people should not use toxic pesticides to clean tanks. While drinking tap water is dangerous, there is also some hazard from using this water to bathe and wash fruit and vegetables, say experts.