We purchased a new rain water tank. As it was been brought through to where it was to be positioned, it got caught on a pine tree and the pine needles went into it. My question is should we clean the needles out before connecting the pipes to it? Some people say that it won’t matter leaving them in there and others say it will make your drinking water taste sour? What should we do? Thank you.
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Yes, clean it out. If you are going to be drinking the water you do not want decomposing organic matter in your holding tank. The needles will decompost and get really nasty.
Its your drinking water! Do you want pine needles in your cups and glasses?
Not to mention that it will cause problems with the pipes and such.
if covering with a plyboard or galvanized sheets prevents the rain from flowing to the tank then try covering it with a fine mesh screen.
In addition to tasting bad, there is a real risk of exposure to some nasty bacteria and other “bugs” that can seriously effect your health.
It’s better to be safe than sorry.
If at all possible I recommend getting them out. They will eventually break down in the water causing it to taste and possibly smell bad. I don’t know how large the tank is, if it’s a larger one and hard to maneuver, then try rinsing it out.
Good Luck