Is your water tank hiding a dangerous secret?

The Australian backyard is often a place of tranquillity and natural beauty, where one can enjoy the unique flora and fauna that our great country has to offer. However, for some property owners, it can also be the site of rather unsettling discoveries, as was the case for one NSW Central Coast household this week. The find was so extraordinary that it serves as a stark reminder to all Aussie property owners about the importance of regular water tank maintenance.

Imagine going about your day, only to learn that your private water supply has been silently compromised by the presence of a deceased kangaroo. That’s exactly what happened when tank cleaners made an ‘incredibly unusual’ and ‘unbelievable discovery’ during a routine cleaning job. The decomposed remains of a kangaroo were found inside a residential water tank, shocking both the homeowners and the cleaning crew.

A kangaroo carcass inside a water tank isn’t just a rare sight—it’s a serious health concern. Credit: Pristine Water Systems / Facebook

The images shared by the cleaners depicted a grim scene: the carcass had been in the tank long enough for only bones and decomposing flesh to remain. The sight was far from pleasant and highlighted a serious health risk that had gone unnoticed by the property owners.

Glen Gillingham, who operates Pristine Water Systems on the NSW Central Coast, shared that while finding a kangaroo carcass is very rare, it’s not unheard of. He recounted a similar incident from just over a year ago where he extracted a kangaroo from a 150,000-litre tank. The health implications of such a find are severe, with the risk of bacteria and other contaminants leaching into the water supply.

In these cases, the only solution is to drain the tank entirely and perform a thorough cleaning. But how does such an incident occur? In the previous case Glen mentioned, the tank was set into a hillside with the lid at ground level. The lid had rusted and weakened over time, and it’s believed that a kangaroo accidentally jumped on it, fell through, and perished inside.

While kangaroos in tanks are rare, there’s another creature that’s more commonly found and poses similar health risks: snakes. According to Glen, snakes often enter tanks through pipes while pursuing prey like mice or frogs and then find themselves unable to escape. He recently removed a deceased three-and-a-half-metre python from a family’s water tank, noting that he’s extracted several pythons over the years, all of which had died and contaminated the water.

The presence of these animals in water tanks is not just a matter of poor taste or smell; it’s a significant health concern. Drinking water contaminated by decomposing animals can lead to a host of illnesses and should be addressed immediately.

So, what can Aussie homeowners do to prevent such a distressing and hazardous situation?

Regular inspection of your water tank is crucial. Check for any signs of damage, rust, or weak spots on the lid or structure that could allow animals to enter. Ensure that all entry points, including pipes and vents, are properly sealed or covered with mesh to prevent animals from getting in. If you find any unwelcome guests in your tank, contact a professional cleaning service immediately to address the issue and sanitise your water supply.

The safety of your drinking water is paramount, and regular tank maintenance is a small price to pay for peace of mind. Have you ever encountered a similar issue with your water tank? Share your experiences in the comments below and let’s discuss the best practices for keeping our water supplies safe and clean.

Also read: Bottled water not as pure as we thought

Abegail Abrugar
Abegail Abrugar
Abby is a dedicated writer with a passion for coaching, personal development, and empowering individuals to reach their full potential. With a strong background in leadership, she provides practical insights designed to inspire growth and positive change in others.

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