Cistern and farm water tank cleaning

Rural homeowners on cisterns or hauled water, cottage owners opening up for the season, farmers and hobby farms, and small campgrounds.

A fixed price per tank, set by size and how dirty it is, with extras for water testing coordination, disinfection and travel. Many customers book a yearly or twice-yearly clean, which gives repeat work.

• Comfortable with physical, wet and sometimes cramped work
• Careful with chemicals and safety procedures
• Reliable scheduling and clear quotes

• Commercial general liability insurance, and check that it covers work on drinking water systems
• Entering a tank can count as confined space work, so check your provincial occupational health and safety rules and training requirements
• Check provincial drinking water and disinfectant rules, and which products are approved for potable water
• Winter freezing and road conditions limit work in many regions, so plan for a seasonal business
• Wastewater disposal: check where you may legally discharge tank water and sediment

Startup costs are typically estimated at around $3,000 to $15,000, depending on the pumps, pressure washer, approved disinfectant and vehicle you need. Jobs are usually paid per tank at rural homes, cottages and farms.

Monthly revenue is typically estimated at around $1,500 to $7,500, depending on how many tanks you clean and the season. Winter freezing and road conditions limit work in many regions, so plan for a seasonal business.

Check that your liability insurance covers drinking water work, provincial confined space rules and training, provincial drinking water and disinfectant rules including approved products for potable water, and where tank water and sediment may legally be discharged.