Is Rainwater Safe to Drink?

Have you ever wondered whether it’s safe to drink rainwater? In general, rainwater is safe to drink, and in many cases, it may even be cleaner than the water from city supplies. However, there are a few important factors to consider to ensure its safety.

Rainwater typically has a pH level between 5.0 and 5.5, making it slightly acidic. As rain falls through the atmosphere, it can combine with sulphur dioxide and nitrogen oxide by-products from industrial activity, cars, and planes. This can make the rainwater more acidic, sometimes approaching the level of “acid rain,” which has a pH around 4.0. A drop in pH from 5.0 to 4.0 means the water’s acidity has increased by ten times.

 

What Can Contaminate Your Rainwater?

While rainwater may initially be clean, it is only as clean as the roof it falls on and the tank it’s stored in. Several factors can contribute to contamination, including:

• Animal Droppings: Birds, lizards, mice, frogs, and possums can leave behind harmful microorganisms.
• Debris: Insects, dead animals, and other debris can introduce bacteria and other harmful elements.
• Air Pollution: Nearby industrial emissions or heavy road traffic can contaminate rainwater.
• Industrial or Agricultural Activities: Dust and pesticide spray can drift and find their way into your rainwater supply.
• Bushfires & Wood Heaters: Smoke and emissions from nearby fires can affect water quality.
• Dirty Storage Tanks and Pipes: Tanks and pipes that are not cleaned regularly can harbour harmful bacteria.

 

 

Should You Filter Rainwater?

Considering the potential for contamination, it is highly recommended to filter and disinfect rainwater before using it for drinking. Since rainwater is more acidic than regular town water, it’s also advisable to add corrosion protection to prevent pipes and fittings from deteriorating. This also helps to extend the life of hot water systems and household appliances.

 

Understanding the Water in Your Tank

Your rainwater storage tank contains both healthy and unhealthy water at any given time. The healthier, more oxygenated water is usually at the top of the tank, while the lower, deoxygenated water tends to settle at the bottom.

However, most tank systems draw water from the bottom of the tank where the deoxygenated water resides, which is why sometimes your rainwater may smell or taste unpleasant. This is due to the pressure pump pumping the lower-quality water into your home.

 

How to Access Cleaner Water

To ensure you’re drinking clean, oxygenated water, it’s worth consulting with a local plumber. A system using a float can help draw water from the top of the tank, where the cleanest water is stored.

It’s always beneficial to install a home filtration system to ensure you and your family are drinking the cleanest water possible. A range of home water filtration systems and solutions will be available soon. Watch this space!