Is Rain Water Safer than Mains Water?

Rainwater that is captured and stored correctly is a safe, economical and sustainable source of quality water. Rainwater is as safe as any source of water, provided certain safety precautions are taken as part of water capture, storage and distribution. In fact some say that rainwater is safer than water supplied through mains or reticulated water systems. Our mains water is typically stored in dams and water tanks, treated with chemicals such as chlorine to kill of bacteria and make it safe, and then pumped through a network of pipes throughout the community.

Many Local Councils, State Health Departments and Industry Associations have either have developed, or are in the process of developing guidelines for use of rainwater harvesting systems. These guidelines have been developed to help optimise water quality. Key aspects of many of these guidelines are:

1. Incorporating Gutter Mesh Systems – to help ensure gutters do not become blocked with leaves and debris; to prevent mosquito breeding habitats

2. Fitting Rain Heads at gutter downpipes – to separate leaves and debris from the flow of water; to keep mosquitoes out of pipe systems to the tank (especially in “wet” systems)

3. Preventing the First Flush of rainwater from entering the tank – to reduce the amount of roof pollutants

4. Insect proofing all tank openings (inlets and overflow outlets) – to prevent mosquitoes breeding

5. Regular Tank Maintenance of the tank, catchment system, roof and gutters, inlets to ensure a safe supply of water. Desludging may be required every 2-3 years, and whilst regular disinfection should not be necessary, can be undertaken if preferred.

The cleanest water is always that which falls freely from the sky. The natural water cycle is very efficient in screening out contaminants that are normally found in ground water and other sources. Rainwater does not come in contact with the soil, and so it does not contain contaminants such as harmful bacteria, dissolved salts, minerals or heavy metals. Rainwater is healthy and is soft water so, among other things, you will use less soap.

Source: Rain Harvesting

It is probably inevitable that mains water supply will become more susceptible to quality control issues in the near future, especially in Africa.  By harvesting rainwater and storing it in in your own water tanks, you will be in control of the quality of water that you drink.  Water Rhapsody rainwater harvesting systems incorporate all the above attributes and only the best quality components are used in our water systems.  We also recommend and source the right water tank according to your water storage requirements.  Contact us for a free quote!