The effect of household storage tanks/vessels and user practices on the quality of water: a systematic review of literature

Abstract

Background Household water storage remains a necessity in many communities worldwide, especially in the developing countries. Water storage often using tanks/vessels is envisaged to be a source of water contamination, along with related user practices. Several studies have investigated this phenomenon, albeit in isolation. This study aimed at developing a systematic review, focusing on the impacts of water storage tank/vessel features and user practices on water quality. Methods Database searches for relevant peer-reviewed papers and grey literature were done. A systematic criterion was set for the selection of publications and after scrutinizing 1106 records, 24 were selected. These were further subjected to a quality appraisal, and data was extracted from them to complete the review. Results and discussion Microbiological and physicochemical parameters were the basis for measuring water quality in storage tanks or vessels. Water storage tank/vessel material and retention time had the highest effect on stored water quality along with age, colour, design, and location. Water storage tank/vessel cleaning and hygiene practices like tank/vessel covering were the user practices most investigated by researchers in the literature reviewed and they were seen to have an impact on stored water quality. Conclusions There is evidence in the literature that storage tanks/vessels, and user practices affect water quality. Little is known about the optimal tank/vessel cleaning frequency to ensure safe drinking water quality. More research is required to conclusively determine the best matrix of tank/vessel features and user practices to ensure good water quality.

Tap Water Consumption Is Associated with Schoolchildren’s Cognitive Deficits in Afghanistan

“…Pollution of drinking water increases with low quality of the tank material and the length of storage [ 78 , 79 , 80 , 81 , 82 , 83 , 84 ]. As a result, drinking water may contain higher concentrations of several trace metals: iron, copper, zinc, lead, and manganese, above WHO standards, when stored for months in galvanized steel, polyethylene, or concrete tanks [ 54 , 84 , 85 , 86 , 87 ]. To our knowledge, no study has yet addressed this issue in Afghanistan.…”

“…These exposures may be responsible for trace metal ingestion or inhalation that is known to impair children’s cognitive development [ 48 , 49 , 50 ]. Water supply was categorized into two categories reflecting two risk–benefit ratios: (i) tap water can offer protection against fecal peril but is potentially exposed to water contamination by toxic trace metals during storage and shipping in pipelines and tanks [ 51 , 52 , 53 , 54 , 55 ]; and (ii) local water drawing (well, spring, hand pump, or river) is potentially exposed to fecal peril infectious diseases but can offer protection against toxic metal exposure [ 56 ].…”

Impacts of storage tanks under the indirect cold water supply system on household water quality: a case of Wakiso District, Uganda

“…Selection of water storage tanks for the study A systematic literature review which was recently published was carried out to identify storage tank features that may have an effect on household water quality (Manga et al 2021). Features that were investigated most; tank material/type, tank age, tank size/retention time, and tank cleaning were considered for the study.…”

“…The indirect water supply system is preferred to the direct cold water supply system because it incorporates storage in form of overhead tanks where water from the mains is first stored before running to sanitary fittings in the house, except the kitchen sink (Manga et al 2021). This is because the issue of intermittent water supply can be minimised.…”

“…This is especially because of the storage aspect which is a high-risk contamination component of indirect cold water supply system as revealed by different studies such as (Schafer & Mihelcic 2012). Water storage often using tanks/vessels is envisaged to be a source of water contamination, along with related user practices (Manga et al 2021). This makes the quality of water under the indirect cold water supply a concern, given that water storage is the main component of this system.…”