WHO Technical Note for Emergencies 3: Cleaning and Disinfecting Water Storage Tanks and Tankers

During and shortly after an emergency, it is often necessary to quickly provide a basic water supply for the affected population. This may be because the normal systems of supply have been damaged or destroyed. The most common, immediate solution is to hire vehicles and tanks that have been used for other purposes or to retrieve collapsible tanks from an emergency store. In either case, they must be cleaned and disinfected before being used.
 
This techical note outlines a four-step approach to cleaning and disinfecting water tanks and tankers.

Contents:

Steps for rehabilition

Step 1: Select the tanks to use

Step 2: Cleaning

Step 3: Disinfection

Step 4: Safely dispose of waste liquids