“While there is versatility in the uses of rainwater, there is also a corresponding risk. Microbiological quality is not as reliable as high quality mains water, particularly after rain events that follow long dry spells. The risk of contracting illness from rainwater supplied from well-maintained roof catchments and tanks is very low, although it should be noted that the risk increases with less maintenance and cleaning, and in the absence of a first flush diverter. If in doubt about the microbiological quality of rainwater, the water should be either disinfected or boiled prior to use. “
• Sometimes, we just need to look up
Australian government health agencies agree in their jointly published guide that rain water is safe to drink, Guidance on use of rain tanks.
In the introduction the Guide says:
“Collection and storage of rainwater involves relatively simple systems. A reasonably low level of management can ensure provision of good quality water that can be used for a wide range of purposes including drinking, food preparation, bathing, laundry, toilet flushing and garden watering. “
At page 1 the Guide quantifies rain water use:
“Collection of rainfall from roof run-off is an ancient practice that dates back over 3000 years. In Australia the use of domestic rainwater tanks is an established and relatively common practice, particularly in rural and remote areas. In 2007, 19% of Australian households used rainwater tanks, with 10% of households using tanks as their main source of drinking water (see Table 1). Use of tanks as the main source of water for gardens (5.5%), bathing, showering and washing (6%) or toilet flushing (4.5%) is less common.
Not surprisingly, the driest state, South Australia, had the highest rate of usage, with 45% of households (ABS 2007) having a rainwater tank and 22% using them as the main source of drinking water. The Northern Territory (5.5%) and the ACT (6.7%) recorded relatively low rates of use (see Table 1). Use of rainwater tanks is more common outside capital cities with 33.5% of households having a rainwater tank, compared to 11.2% of city households. “
Domestic use of rain tanks is shown in the Guide for the states and territories in this table:
• Domestic use of rain tanks in Australian states and territories
More data on the quality of city rainwater, drawings, examples, designs and ideas are in my book, Sustainable House 2Ed 2010.
So, go to; harvest, store, drink and use the water that falls for free on you roof.
Keep the drops, and may the water be with you, M