Is rainwater drinkable?

[ros1]

Hello Everyone

I am thinking of collecting rainwater, if i can get a container big enough, and i was wondering if the water is filtered can it be drank?
advice welcome.
thanks.
Rosi

[jeana]

It would depend more upon how long it was stored- like how long have the first few drops been lying there- I'd say fresh it wouldn't kill ya but if it's been lying around it depends- was the container sterile? If not little bacteria's could be having a great time in there- also as it's fairly stagnent and not moving the bacteria and other nasties could be having a great time in there lol- Also depends on how good your filter is- Water purification tabs might work- britta water filter....hmmmm...doubt it-
Anyway, best of luck
Jeana

[ros1]

Thank you Jeana

[Chris P]

Hi ros1,

A Google search will provide you with lots of opinions and information on whether rainwater is drinkable or not:

http://uk.answers.yahoo.com/question/index?qid=20081101084616AA4LAvY

from "Ask a Scientist" website:
http://www.newton.dep.anl.gov/askasci/wea00/wea00044.htm

Regards
Chris P
Admin

[noddytown]

I don''t think it'd be safe if it has travelled down the roof valleys which are mostly made from lead and strips of lead hold the slates in place too . So there might be a danger fof getting lead poisoning, from it, apart from the guys that might be living in there, in that stagnant water.

[ros1]

thanks
i will collect a little and filter it, will let you know how i get on.
if you don't see me after a few bits and bobs gulp, then you know it was no good.
Thanks everyone

[jenniferalan]

ros id recommend u use the rainwater for water for doing jobs around the house like cleaning and power hosing-washing the car/decking etc and watering in the garden during the summer....not for drinking! Perhaps u could link it up some way to use it for flushing toilets... now that would be very eco friendly!

[ros1]

Hi
Yes we intend to link up for the toilet and washing machine, if possible.
thanks again.

[jenniferalan]

let us know how u get on im very curious about how that would be set up! best of luck anyway

[ros1]

well iam open to suggestions, i cant see it being that tricky.
thanks again.

[kiara]

I seriously wouldn't drink it my tap water isn't even safe! You'd really need to research sterile sealed things for collecting drinking water or you could make yourself very sick, and if your considering just leaving containers around you might consider what else might drink from them... birds, rodents? I think the idea for toilet water is fantastic, but toilet water and drinking water are worlds apart! I hope, lol! Kiara x

[Binario Duo]

hi there, the main problems with drinking rain water are firstly the danger from rat pee, which is potentially fatal (they are fond of guttering, they think of it as a public loo), and mineral deficiency!
We depend on our drinking water for a large amount of our minerals and trace elements. In the normal run of events these are gathered as the water runs it's course along and through the rocks that make up the water table, picking up these subtle but essential elements!
If you had a big fancy filtration system (and i don't mean a britta,) you may overcome the safety issue, but in the long run it's as much about the danger of what you miss out on in minerals, as anything else!
Rainwater makes great washing water though......and they say it leaves your skin and hair like silk!

[Sinamo]

hi there,
no i wouldn't drink rain water myself...like said in the above postings if it was drinkable people would have bottled it and sold it by now
but it is a good idea to try and collect rain water and use it around the house
myself and my partner went out and bought a new big black plastic bin and turned the lid upside down and drilled holes in the handle in the middle and have collected loads of water so far and use it to clean the car, water indoor plants etc....so we're not using less water from our mains

[marylamb]

Dont drink it, for all the reasons above, but it,s great for washing your hair, gives a lovely shine.

[Chris P]

Hi ros1,

Here's an UK/Irish company that specialises in helping those interested in rain-harvesting and greywater recycling (from baths/showers etc).

http://www.rainharvesting.ie

Regards
Chris P
Admin

[ros1]

thanks everyone

[ros1]

thanks Chris, fantastic.