The Department of Primary Industries recommends these 10 tips to ensure top quality tank water.

 1. Down pipe design should not allow water or rubbish to collect in dry periods.
 2. A “foul flush” or excluder system that diverts the first 10 litres of pollutants is desirable.
 3. Tank inlets should be screened to prevent entry by insects and animals.
 4. Gutters should be kept clean and roofs kept clear of vegetation.
 5. If the tank is in-ground, manholes should be sealed to prevent entry of storm water.
 6. To stop rusting, long-life polymer coatings or metaphosphate crystals dispensers
      are recommended.
 7. Light entry should be minimised to stop algal growth.
 8. Install a tap at the tank base to drain sludge.
 9. Tanks should be drained and/or cleaned every two years to remove sediment.
10. Lead-free PVC connecting pipes should be used and lead or tar based paints
       and lead structural materials on roofs avoided.