Posted by Callum Vallance-Poole, on August 5, 2024.
Rainwater harvesting might seem like a new trend, but it’s actually an ancient practice that’s gaining modern appeal due to its sustainability benefits. At its core, rainwater harvesting involves collecting and storing rainwater from rooftops or other surfaces before it reaches the ground, offering a smart solution to supplement our regular water supply. This not only helps in reducing the dependency on conventional water sources but also minimises the impact on the environment.
The benefits of collecting rainwater are numerous. Environmentally, it helps conserve water, reduce runoff and erosion, and decrease the load on municipal treatment systems. Practically, it can lead to significant savings on water bills and provide an invaluable resource in times of drought.
However, one question often arises: Is it safe and practical to drink harvested rainwater? While the idea of tapping into this freely available resource is appealing, there are important considerations regarding its safety.
Is Rainwater Safe to Drink?
In the UK, the concept of drinking rainwater straight from the sky might evoke images of purity and naturalness. Naturally, rainwater is relatively clean when it initially condenses and begins to fall. However, its journey from cloud to tap is fraught with exposure to various environmental contaminants that can compromise its safety for consumption.
As rainwater falls, it can absorb atmospheric pollutants prevalent in the environment. In urban areas across the UK, the density of industrial operations and high traffic levels contribute significantly to air pollution. Pollutants like sulphur dioxide, nitrogen oxides, and fine particulate matter from these sources readily dissolve into or latch onto raindroplets, altering the water’s purity by the time it reaches the ground.
Apart from industrial pollutants, rainwater in both urban and rural settings can pick up volatile organic compounds, pesticides, and even heavy metals from residential areas and farmlands. This issue is exacerbated in regions with intensive agricultural activity or high industrial output.
However, rainwater in more remote or less industrialised parts of the UK, such as the Scottish Highlands or rural areas of Wales and Northern England, might be cleaner due to fewer air and environmental pollutants. These areas, characterised by less dense populations and lower industrial activity, present a lesser risk of significant contamination in rainwater.
Despite these regional differences, the general advice remains consistent: rainwater should not be considered safe to drink in the UK. The risk of chemical pollutants is complemented by biological contaminants such as bacteria, viruses, and parasites, which can also be present in rainwater, making its consumption potentially hazardous.
Alternative Uses for Harvested Rainwater in the UK
While the direct consumption of untreated rainwater may pose health risks, it holds vast potential for a variety of non-potable uses that can provide both economic and environmental benefits. Incorporating harvested rainwater into daily routines is not just feasible; it’s a proactive step towards sustainable living.
Garden Irrigation: One of the most common uses of harvested rainwater is for watering gardens. Rainwater is naturally soft and free of the lime, chlorine, and other chemicals found in mains water, making it better for plants. Utilising rainwater for irrigation can significantly reduce mains water usage, thereby lowering water bills and lessening the strain on local water resources, especially during peak summer months when water scarcity can be an issue.
Washing Clothes: Using rainwater in washing machines is another practical application. The softness of rainwater can enhance the efficiency of detergents, allowing for lesser amounts to be used and reducing the chemical runoff into the environment. Additionally, it can help extend the life of the washing machine by reducing limescale buildup.
Flushing Toilets: Flushing toilets account for a substantial percentage of household water use. Rainwater, collected and stored adequately, can be an excellent substitute for mains water in toilets. Transitioning to rainwater for toilet flushing can lead to substantial reductions in metered water use, providing significant savings on water bills.
Environmental Impact: The benefits of using harvested rainwater extend beyond cost savings. By decreasing the demand for mains water supplies, rainwater use helps conserve water, a precious and increasingly scarce resource. Using rainwater also helps manage stormwater runoff, reducing the risk of flooding and pollution, which is particularly important in urban areas.
Embracing rainwater harvesting offers significant benefits, from reducing household water bills to lessening the environmental impact. While rainwater may not be directly drinkable, it is incredibly useful for non-potable purposes such as garden irrigation, washing clothes, and flushing toilets.
Interested in saving rainwater efficiently? Contact us today. Our team of friendly experts are here to help you make a change to a more sustainable lifestyle.