Iqaluit (Jun 26/06) - Even though it's officially summer, it's a good time to think about your fuel tank.

There have been more residential and commercial oil leaks and spills than Robert Eno can remember over the past several years.

"Most of our problems are caused by fuel tanks that haven't been maintained properly," he said.

Eno, manager of pollution control and air quality for the Department of Environment, said water at the bottom of tanks - accumulated through condensation over the change of seasons - causes rust. It can eventually lead to leaks or ruptures. Therefore tanks should be drained annually, preferably by a plumber as some fuel will invariably mix with the water, Eno noted.

Another common problem is flex connectors, which attach tanks to pipes on the exterior of buildings, he said. While the connectors are designed to accommodate some shifting of the tank and the building, they can get contorted and break if neglected for too long, he explained. In some cases they get buried in ice and snow and crack, allowing fuel to pour out.

Spills from over-filling tanks can be prevented by a "tank whistle," which will sound when it's nearing capacity.