Rainwater can be a safe, economical and sustainable source of quality water.
In fact, some people would even suggest that rainwater is safer than water supplied through mains or reticulated water systems, which is typically stored in dams, treated with chemicals such as chlorine to kill bacteria and then pumped through a network of pipes to your home.
The key to rainwater quality and safety is, of course, correct rainwater harvesting and storage.
By designing a Rain Harvesting system with appropriate equipment, processes and safeguards in place to prevent contamination and preserve water quality, you can be confident that your rainwater is of a quality and safety that makes it fit-for-purpose for use around your property.
Council & Health Department Recommendations for Rainwater Quality & Safety
Many Local Councils, State Health Departments and Industry Associations have developed, or are currently developing, guidelines for the use of Rain Harvesting systems.
These guidelines have been developed to help optimise rainwater quality and safety.
Key recommendations among many of these guidelines include:
- Incorporating gutter guard systems to help ensure gutters do not become blocked with leaves and debris and to prevent the formation of mosquito breeding habitats
- Fitting rain heads at gutter downpipes to separate leaves and debris from the flow of water and to keep mosquitoes out of your downpipes
- Diverting the first flush of rainwater to prevent it from entering the tank, thereby reducing the volume of pollutants that wash from your roof to your tank
- Insect proofing all tank and pipe openings including inlets and overflow outlets to prevent mosquitoes breeding
- Regular maintenance of the entire Rain Harvesting system to ensure a safe supply of water (tank desludging may be required every 2-3 years)
Learn More
To learn more about official recommendations regarding rainwater quality and safety, read the enHealth Council’s national guidelines for the use of rainwater tanks.
You can also download The Rain Harvesting Handbook which outlines the necessary Rain Harvesting equipment, processes and maintenance to ensure your Rain Harvesting system provides you with a reliable, high quality supply of rainwater.
