Water Tank Slime

[Michael O'Hara]

Our bladder-type water tank is producing a black slime which comes out of the galley pump in small "chunks" floating in the water. This is the first occurrence of this, and we've used the boat for years. Although the situation is unappetizing, we only drink bottled water; however, we normally use the tank water for washing dishes, etc. This weekend I'll remove the tank for flushing and cleaning.Anyone else had to deal with this? Are there water treatment chemicals or a regular maintenance procedure to prevent this from happening again? I've been planning to install an in-line water filter and a hard-sided poly tank, but I'm wondering if this modification would go through the same moldy growth....All help is appreciated!Michael O'

 

[Peggie Hall/Head Mistress]

Read "Fresh Water Maintenance" in Head Mistress...

It will explain the source of your slime (the plumbing) and what you should be doing at least once each year to prevent it.As for only using your onboard water to wash dishes, or yourselves... If you're gonna use it for that, you might as well drink it (unless it doesn't smell or taste good--which can be cured by maintaining your fresh water system correctly)...'cuz unless you boil it first, any harmful bacteria in the water is gonna end up in you anyway...from the dishes or some of 'em even through your skin if you shower in it. And if you boil it, there's no reason not to cook with it.

 

[Hardy Scroggin]

H25 Water tank removal

Mike I would like to remove my water tank as you are planning on doing this weekend. Have you done this before and if so what does one have to do to get the tank out? It looks to me like Hunter built the boat around the tank.