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#1 Posted : 07 April 2008 11:56:00(UTC)
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Posted By Halesowen Baggie Used by a farm to water crops/plants etc. Should it be treated for legionella, I have advised he does then I have began too doubt myself. Thoughts please?
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#2 Posted : 07 April 2008 12:03:00(UTC)
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Posted By William I think that a RA should be carried out first as its not just legionnela you may need to test for, but also leptospirosis as if this is to be used in a farm environment there may be more possibility of this due to rats.
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#3 Posted : 07 April 2008 12:06:00(UTC)
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Posted By jayjay Is this a tank for all the 'Baggies' fans to throw themselves in after Saturdays result ??
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#4 Posted : 07 April 2008 12:10:00(UTC)
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Posted By Robert K Lewis Jayjay No its far too large for that. Could add the Barnsley fans and still have room. Bob :-)
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#5 Posted : 07 April 2008 12:12:00(UTC)
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Posted By Lloyd Cole Depends on how many times he fills and empties it, stagnant water is the sole responsibility for the described bacterium
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#6 Posted : 07 April 2008 12:13:00(UTC)
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Posted By Halesowen Baggie JayJay, Proud to be a Baggie mate, Im used to disapointment now, sort of immune to it! The guy with the water tank is a mate ill have to go and have a look at this tank myself as I am now a little uneasy on advising him over the phone!
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#7 Posted : 07 April 2008 12:13:00(UTC)
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Posted By Robert. Is this not a tad OTT? What kind of assessment is carried out for muck spreading----has that been tested?
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#8 Posted : 07 April 2008 12:20:00(UTC)
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Posted By jayjay Your teams got nowt to worry about ! My teams managers office has got revolving doors in it for all the managers they've had this season. We've got a new video out at the end of the season ! Its titled '100 greatest throw ins ' !! Regards JJ 'Leicester till i die'
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#9 Posted : 07 April 2008 18:10:00(UTC)
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Posted By Ashley Wood I am not a H&S specialist but I am sure that I read an ACOP on this and it depends on the temperature that the water is stored at. Something like 22-28 degC seems to ring a bell? Also, I thought that it also depends on droplet size i.e below 20 micron? As I said, Fire not H&S is my thing so forgive my vagueness.
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#10 Posted : 07 April 2008 18:37:00(UTC)
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Posted By Anthony Edwards Hi there, You need to assess if conditions will encourage bacteria to multiply, as legionella can be found in almost all natural water sources. Is the water temp between 20-45 degC? (seems to favour growth) Is there a means of creating droplets/spray? Is there algae/slime present in the tank? Avoid water stagnation as it may encourage a bio film. Hope this helps Nutty
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#11 Posted : 08 April 2008 16:50:00(UTC)
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Posted By Christopher Kelly I dealt with this at previous place of work. From memory if the temperature can be between 21 & 60odd degrees C (take into account potential seasonal / daily variations) you have a duty to treat the tank as a potential legionella carrier. Then you need to look at any potential aerosol production. Basically if there is any chance of getting the water to that temperature you should implement a cleaning regime (usually add disinfecting / descaling tablets once a year). Also you should do periodic temp checking. Regards
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#12 Posted : 11 April 2008 15:12:00(UTC)
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Posted By alan brotherton If the water is distributed to the crops via some form of spray head then you will need to look at droplet size aerosol production at nozzle etc. as this is the way the bacteria could be harmfull. Probably need to consult manufacturer and know the delivery pressure etc. If aerosol production probable - tank treatment would be recommended. This assumes that the tank undergoes seasonal temperature changes through a range that would encourage the bacteria growth. Also fully agree with previous response regarding risk of leptospirosis from rats.
Jeremy999  
#13 Posted : 26 December 2020 13:08:13(UTC)
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Jeremy999

Reviving this old thread (apologies if not the done thing... I'm new here!) as looking for advice on reducing risk from large underground rainwater storage systems. One is about 40,000L in a concrete underground tank, which fills over winter, and is to water crops May - Oct, with it almost emptying by end of Oct. It uses a submersible pump to a drip irrigation system delivering water to soil directly, without spraying, once per day, in a field.  The second is about 20,000L, also a concrete underground tank, which feeds an outdoor hydroponic water flow system through drain pipes, for lettuces, herbs and strawberries. This pumps for 7-12 hours per day during daylight, and the system drains back into the main tank with no water remaining in the drainpipe system.

Both are fed from rainwater from roofs. The larger roof is aspestos the smaller tiled. 

Both tanks are concrete with concrete lids/covers and small access hatches. The sun shines onto these concrete areas of lid so I will deploy a temperature monitoring system.... and look at shading/insulating the lids to try to ensure water remains below 20 degrees. 

However, will this suffice? If not does anyone have any suggested mitigation methods to reduce risk further? 

Ideally I do not want to add chlorine as for food. 

Thank you so much for any advice provided!

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