Rainwater is fairly pure until it hits the roof and gutters and gets stored in a tank. Harmful pathogens can enter your tank water from faecal matter washing off your roof and gutters, from birds and possums.
A tank with leaf litter debris in the bottom of the tank provides a great environment for these microbiological contaminants to multiply. Over 90% of rainwater tank water tests show the presence of E.coli and faecal coliforms.
Protecting yourself from rain water is easy with either filtration or disinfection and here at Aqua we have a range of solutions that cover both. It is important to know that filtration is not disinfection. Installing a standard filter (0.5 microns or larger) will not protect you from getting sick. Only disinfection can do that.
Where does the water for rural homes and businesses come from?
One common source is rainwater which is harvested and stored in concrete or plastic water tanks. On other properties, water may come from surface water such as springs, creeks, rivers or from underground sources via a bore or well.
Rainwater is safe and pure, isn't it?
Rainwater is fairly pure until it hits the roof and gutters and gets stored in a tank. Harmful pathogens can enter your tank water from faecal matter washing off your roof and gutters, from birds and possums.
A tank with leaf litter debris in the bottom of the tank provides a great environment for these microbiological contaminants to multiply. Over 90% of rainwater tank water tests show the presence of E.coli and faecal coliforms.
Rainwater also picks up carbon dioxide as it falls through the atmosphere and is usually somewhat acidic. This can cause corrosion issues with household fixtures, like hot water cylinders.
But I feel fine?
Lots of people feel fine when on drinking tank water on a daily basis, however, your risk of getting sick can increase with stress, illness, age or if something unusual gets into your water tank.
It isn’t all about you either, particularly at risk are your families & visitors to your home who are not used to the water and have no resistance, especially young children, new mums, older people or those with compromised immune systems.
How can I protect myself if I am on rainwater?
What is the difference between filtration and disinfection?
Disinfection is where microbiological contaminants are removed, inactivated or killed so that they cannot cause infection.
Filtration (0.5micron and larger) is where particles are removed, particularly sediment. It is important to know that filtration is not disinfection.
Installing a standard filter (0.5 microns or larger) will not protect you from getting sick. Only disinfection can do that.
