Coldwater Cisterns can you drink from them? - Plumbing Forum | Plumbers Forums

Readingplumber · 20-06-2008

Hi,

I wonder if any of you experts out there can answer this -

A domestic coldwater cistern that has adequate lids on and filters etc can the water from say a basin tap that is fed from this be drunk?

If the answer is yes - then would a BS1212 part 1 ball valve be permitted?

Also If the same cistern feeds the hotwater storage, would the (minute steam/vapour that comes out through the vent pipe into the cistern would tht cause it to contaminate the coldwaer supply?

Many thanks in advance

20-06-2008

i surpose you can drink it to a certain degree as you do when cleaning your teeth or having a bath etc.
but it not classed as potable water (drinkable)

fuzzy · 21-06-2008

in flats they have break tanks, they are drinkable so yes, i would say if it fed cw only and complied with recent water regs then it would be wholesome and therefore drinkable

21-06-2008

fuzzy is he talking about a standard cws with the vent pipe etc ?
if its got a vent pipe into it it wouldn't be potable.
only if use as a potable water tank.

buster · 26-06-2008

Hi, The cistern you describe is not potable water even if you have a bylaws 30 kit fitted(LR13) and you can not put in a part 1 float valve (Portsmouth valve) in to a cold water cistern unless replacing an existing part 1 valve. You must use a part 2 valve because of the type A air gap so you comply with the water regs.
Buster

fuzzy · 03-07-2008

buster, the regs have altered quite a bit, no type a and b air gaps anymore, there are around 20 different types!but yes of course you should have a part2 at least
i dont see why a cistern with a full bylaw30 kit wouldnt be wholesome as long as you could design it so the water would change every 24hours, no chance of contamination, fully insulated would keep the temp down. think of flats with no choice