How to get rid of algae in a drinking water tank?

Author: Prof. Sage Johnson DVM  |  Last update: Tuesday, May 13, 2025

Add 4 parts of *chlorine to every 1,000,000 parts water - Chlorine also stops algae growth. In this small of a ratio, the water will still be safe to drink or irrigate with.

How to remove algae from a drinking water tank?

Add bleach: To disinfect and remove algae, use bleach with a sodium hypochlorite strength around 7% and add 35mL (about 1.2 ounces) for every 100 gallons of stored water. This fix will only be temporary and will need repeating about once a week or so depending on the rate of algal growth.

Is it safe to drink water from a tank with algae?

  • Fish tank algae, in general, is not harmful to humans.
  • However, certain types of algae, such as blue-green algae (cyanobacteria), can produce toxins that may be harmful to humans and aquatic life.

Will vinegar kill algae in a water tank?

Vinegar is your friend. It kills algae and helps to descale as well.

How to get rid of green algae in a freshwater tank?

The most effective and effortless way to get rid of Green Water is to install a ultra-violet sterilizer on your aquarium. As water passes through the UV chamber, suspended algae are eliminated, along with many disease-causing organisms. The result is crystal clear water in a matter of days.

How to Prevent and Remove Algae from Your Water Tanks in 3 Easy Steps

What kills green algae in drinking water?

Add 4 parts of *chlorine to every 1,000,000 parts water - Chlorine also stops algae growth. In this small of a ratio, the water will still be safe to drink or irrigate with.

Is it safe to drink water with green algae?

Key messages. Algae-affected water may not be suitable for drinking, recreation or agricultural use. Contact with affected water can cause skin irritation, mild respiratory effects and hayfever-like symptoms. Ingesting toxins can cause gastroenteritis symptoms, such as vomiting, diarrhoea, fever and headaches.

Which chemical is used to destroy algae in water tanks?

Chlorine is one of the most important chemicals for algae control. As a powerful oxidising agent, chlorine will react to the oxygen in water to form hypochlorous acid. This acid breaks down the cell walls of the algae, killing the organisms.

Is bleach or vinegar better to kill algae?

Vinegar is a safer choice than bleach. If mold is growing on porous surfaces: Vinegar can penetrate deep into the pores of the surface, killing around 82% of it.

How much vinegar do I put in my water tank to clean it?

Disconnect the cold-water inlet, hot water outlet, T & P valve, or element holes and, using a funnel, pour one (1) gallon of regular household cider vinegar into the water heater.

Why is my 5 gallon water jug turning green?

The chances of your 5-gallon water jug dispenser turning green are very high considering water and light are the only two ingredients needed to make algae. While green algae are non-toxic, they can be quite off-putting and can even impact the flavor and smell of your workplace water.

Why is algae growing in my water tank?

Sunlight exposure: When water tanks are exposed to direct sunlight, especially in warmer climates, it creates ideal conditions for algae to flourish.

How long can drinking water be stored in a tank?

Although properly stored public-supply water should have an indefinite shelf life, replace it every 6 to 12 months for best taste. If the water you are storing comes from a private well, spring, or other untested source, purify it before storage to kill pathogens (see below).

Is it safe to drink water from tank with algae?

Direct contact with algae can cause irritation to the skin, eyes, ears, nose and mouth. To be safe, people and pets should avoid water affected by algae. Do not use untreated algae-affected water for drinking, showering or washing. Boiling algae-affected water does not remove toxins.

What can I put in my water tank to keep water clean?

In a clean quart container about half full of water, put 1 to 1 1/2 fluid ounces (2-3 tablespoons) of a standard unscented, non-detergent household chlorine bleach (5.25% concentration) for every 500 gallons of water to be treated. Pour the bleach solution directly into the storage tank.

What dissolves algae?

Shocking your pool with chlorine can be an effective method to kill algae. The process can take up to three days and we recommend checking with a pool professional for the amount of shock you should use for your particular pool.

How long does white vinegar take to kill algae?

Pay attention to areas where algae is particularly prevalent. You can also use a stronger vinegar mix for these areas if you like. Leave the mixture to work for 20-30 minutes.

Does hydrogen peroxide kill algae in water?

H2O2, or hydrogen peroxide, is a powerful oxidizing agent that can be used to kill algae in water. When added to water containing algae, H2O2 breaks down into water and oxygen, releasing free oxygen radicals in the process.

What kills mold better, vinegar or hydrogen peroxide?

It's often used as a natural and nontoxic alternative to cleaning chemicals when it comes to killing household mold. Cleaning vinegar, which contains 6% acetic acid, is the best type for killing mold.

How to remove algae from a drinking water tank naturally?

Use bleach to kill the algae. If you have a problem with algae, you can use bleach to kill it all. The ratio should be one-quarter teaspoon for each gallon in your tank. Bleach is great for killing algae (and other organisms that may lurk in your tanks) and for keeping it from coming back.

How to get rid of algae in drinking water?

The best way to get rid of algae in drinking water is with a water filter. The type of water filter required will depend on the type of algae. For example, if there's a chance of blue-green algae (cyanobacteria) - which is actually a bacteria, not algae - nanofiltration, ultrafiltration, or reverse osmosis is best.

How do you control the growth of algae in a reservoir?

Chemical control

Aquatic herbicides used to treat algae are called algaecides. They're often copper-based compounds (e.g. copper sulfate, copper chelate communes, chemical Endothall). Effective if the entire surface is treated. Algaecides are expensive and need frequent dosing.

How to stop algae growth in a water tank?

How To Prevent Algae Growth in Your Water Tank
  1. Regular Cleaning. One of the most effective ways to prevent algae growth in your water tank is to clean it regularly. ...
  2. Use Algae Treatment Products. ...
  3. Keep the Tank Covered. ...
  4. Monitor Water Quality. ...
  5. Reduce Nutrient Levels.

Why is my Brita getting algae?

Don't keep your Brita in bright sunlight, as it can cause algae to grow. Keep your Brita in the refrigerator if you plan to be away for longer than a couple of days.

What are five diseases caused by algae?

SOME DISEASES CAUSED BY ALGAE IN HUMANS:
  • Amnesic shellfish poisoning,
  • Ciguatera fish poisoning ,
  • Diarrhectic shellfish poisoning ,
  • Neurotoxic shellfish poisoning,
  • Paralytic shellfish poisoning,
  • Prothecosis.

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