Is tank water safe to drink? Broadly speaking, yes. A consistently maintained rainwater tank can offer an excellent source of good quality potable water.
How to know if rain water is safe to drink?
Follow the below tips to assist you in deciding if your tank water is safe to drink:
- Is clear
- No taste
- No smell
- Sourced from a well maintained tank and water harvesting system.
If the water meets the above criteria, it is most likely safe to drink and unlikely to cause illness for many people.
Can people with weakened immune systems drink tank water?
Any person who is immunocompromised should seek advice from their doctor or general practitioner on whether it is safe for them to drink water from a tank.
In particular, very young people and the elderly should take care to boil any tank water and micro filter their water before consumption.
In all instances of water tank consumption, it’s essential to fit a suitable filter before drinking or cooking with your rainwater tank water.
Fluoride
Tank water does not contain fluoride. To ensure dental health is maintained where the main source of drinking water comes from a tank, consult your dental practitioner regarding findings means of alternative fluoride sources.
City and urban water tanks
With BASIX mandating water tanks for new and renovated dwellings in NSW, it is important to note heavy industrial areas, smelters and traffic pollution can contaminate water¹.
While this water is still perfect for use around the home including washing and watering gardens, special filters or treatment may be required for drinking, or using the water for alternative uses around the home that don’t include human consumption. Check with your local government for specific advice.
Tank and catchment system
To achieve high quality drinking water, your entire system needs to be correctly maintained and set up.
The use of first flush water diverters that discard any dirt and debris that flows along with the first portion of water from rainfall.
Ensuring the harvesting area, usually a roof, is clear and cleaned of any excess debris.
Tank Maintenance
Head over to our water tank maintenance guide, that covers desludging, treatment for smelly water and mosquito larvae.
Source: NSW HEALTH