Essential Steps in the Cistern Disinfection Procedure with HOCL After Flood Contamination

After a flood, contaminated water in your cistern can feel like just one more worry on a growing list. If your cistern is your main household water source, you need a safe way to disinfect it without dumping every drop of that precious catchment water. That’s where the Catchment & Cistern Bomb comes in. It’s powered by NaDCC (a sodium-based eco-friendly ingredient that turns into HOCL (hypochlorous acid) when added to water. HOCL is a highly effective, nature-inspired disinfectant, perfect for getting your cistern back to a safe state.

Why Use HOCL? A Simple Breakdown

So, why HOCL? Surprisingly, it’s not a lab-made chemical. HOCL is something your immune system naturally creates to fight off germs. When NaDCC is added to water, it releases HOCL, which goes to work breaking down bacteria and other unwanted microorganisms. Think of HOCL as a thorough yet gentle cleaner that won’t harm the environment—unlike bleach or other harsh chemicals. In fact, the Catchment & Cistern Bomb doesn’t just rely on NaDCC alone.

The formula includes a few other key ingredients, each adding its own benefits:

1: NaDCC
This is the main powerhouse, releasing HOCL to break down bacteria and contaminants safely.

2: Citric Acid
Works as a pH balancer, which optimizes the effectiveness of HOCL. It also helps remove mineral build-up and stubborn residues.

3: Sodium Bicarbonate  
Acts as a natural pH stabilizer, creating an environment less favorable for bacterial growth.

4: Sodium Sulfate:
Prevents water hardness and scaling, ensuring the HOCL works without interference.

5: Eco-friendly proprietary ingredients:
These additional components enhance the cleaning power, contributing to a balanced, effective disinfection.

Together, these ingredients make the Catchment & Cistern Bomb a practical, eco-conscious choice for flood-contaminated water.

Step 1: Save Some Catchment Water

Let’s start with the basics—saving a bit of that catchment water before you begin. Since this is likely your main water source, store some clean water in food-grade containers or a temporary tank, if you have one. This way, you won’t be left high and dry during the disinfection process and can add it back afterward.

Step 2: Drain and Remove Debris

Drain as much of the contaminated floodwater as possible. Check for any leftover debris like mud, leaves, or tiny bits of gravel at the bottom of your cistern—floods bring in all kinds of stuff! Scrub this out to give HOCL a clean surface to work on, much like rinsing a plate before putting it in the dishwasher. The cleaner the tank, the better the results.

Step 3: Prepare the HOCL Solution

Now for the “mixology” part! The Catchment & Cistern Bomb’s NaDCC content releases HOCL when mixed with water. Use one scoop per 1,000 gallons, though be sure to follow the instructions on your product. The solution’s balanced pH (around 6-7) ensures that HOCL is as effective as possible. Don’t stress if you’re not exact—close enough works, and the other ingredients like citric acid and sodium bicarbonate will help stabilize the pH and boost HOCL’s germ-fighting power.

Step 4: Spread the Powder Evenly

Pour your HOCL mixture into the cistern. If you have a pump, use it to circulate the water so every corner gets covered. This will help ensure that all surfaces are disinfected, much like painting an even coat over every inch. HOCL works best when it can reach every nook and cranny in the tank.

Step 5: Let HOCL Work Its Magic

Time to sit back and let the solution do its thing. Leave it in the cistern for 12-24 hours. HOCL needs this time to break down biofilms, which are slimy layers that bacteria use to protect themselves. Think of it like marinating—allowing HOCL time to sit will help it work deeper and more thoroughly.

Step 6: Flush, Rinse, and Refill

Once the solution has had time to do its job, rinse the tank with fresh water. This flush clears out any leftover solution, dead bacteria, and potential aftertastes. Now, pour in that saved catchment water along with fresh, clean water. This lets you keep some of your original water supply while ensuring everything is clean and safe.

Step 7: Keep It Clean with Monthly Maintenance

After a major clean-up like this, monthly maintenance becomes easy. Just add a small dose of the Catchment & Cistern Bomb each month to keep biofilms from building up again. With this routine, your catchment rainwater tank will stay fresher, ready for daily use.

Final Thoughts

Flood recovery is never easy, but getting your cistern back to safe, usable condition doesn’t have to be overwhelming. The Catchment & Cistern Bomb, with its unique combination of NaDCC, citric acid, sodium bicarbonate, and other eco-friendly ingredients, provides a safe, effective solution without introducing harsh chemicals. Whether you’re tackling flood contamination or just doing regular maintenance, HOCL is a smart choice that keeps your water clean, safe, and eco-friendly.

After all, your cistern is more than just a water tank—it’s part of your home’s essential resources. Taking care of it is worth the effort to ensure clean, safe water for you and your family.