Chemicals and Organic Matter: Warm

Chemicals and Organic Matter: Warm water temperatures
are commonly found inside water storage tanks. Warm water
favors corrosion (Fig. 3), scale formation, and the growth of
algae and other microorganisms. Over time, water storage
tanks can accumulate organic (carbon-based) and inorganic
residues and sediments, which can affect the taste, odor, and
potability of the stored water. Sediments that accumulate at
the bottom of well casings can be pumped to water storage
tanks. These sediments come from the aquifer and are usually
composed of fine sand, silt, and clay size particles. Although
harmless, these soil materials can carry chemical contaminants
and microorganisms (attached to them) into the storage
tanks. Over time, changes in water oxygen content, pH, and
temperature can produce new residues (from precipitation
and corrosion) forming scale that damages storage tank
components. These mineral crusts can trap or release
contaminants into the water, depending on many factors
such as water oxygen content, pH, and temperature changes.
Organic matter, found in the tissue of living and dead
organisms, can be introduced to water storage tanks several