A rainwater system produces the safest drinking water for household or commercial use. With wide reaching environmental, social and economical benefits, rainwater is a great tasting, healthy option for you and your family. The cleanest water falls freely from the sky. Rainwater that does not come in contact with soil does not risk contamination from harmful bacteria, dissolved salts, minerals or heavy metals. (This may not be the case in heavy industrial areas)
Rainwater tanks can still become contaminated by dirt, animals, trees or by your own roof. A
First Flush Diverter can divert the first flow of water from the roof, so that the tank does not collect it. "Vector" proofing means keeping vermin out of your water supply.
Do not allow water to lie around in gutters and keep your gutters clean. Nearby trees can drop leaves that may taint the water that is being collected. There are a variety of leaf catchers and gutter mesh covers available, if trees create a problem. Most solids from gutters and downpipes are caught by the tank strainer, which must be cleaned out from time to time.
Roofing materials or roof paint may also be a source of contamination. The types of roofing materials most suitable are:
- Colorbond - steel
- Zincalume - steel
- Glazed tiles - well fired
- Concrete tiles
- Clay tiles
- Treated fibro
Note: If you have any other type of roofing material, please seek advice.
On newly painted roofs, a special type of paint suitable for the collection of rainwater must be used. This does not contain anti-mould agents, but if in doubt, seek advice.
Correct installation will prevent contamination risk.
General Facts:
- "Potable" water means water fit for human consumption, but not necessarily good water.
- "Primary water" is potable water used for drinking, showers, kitchen use, washing clothes, etc.
- "Secondary water" is used for garden water, washing cars, watering pot plants, flushing toilets, etc. Waste primary water can be used as secondary water, with treatment where necessary.
Interesting Facts:
- Only 1% of the world's water is suitable for human needs, 97% is salt water in the ocean and 2% is ice.
- A person can survive for nearly two months without food, but less than a week without drinking water.
- The human body loses 3 to 3.5 litres of water in an average day. Exercise and climatic conditions may increase this.
- The average tap flows at a rate of 20 litres per minute, depending on how far it is turned on.
The Average Amount of Water Used for Daily Activities
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Toilet flush - single cistern
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10 litres
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2.2 gallons
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Toilet flush - dual single flush
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5 litres
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1.1 gallons
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Toilet flush - dual full flush
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10 litres
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2.2 gallons
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Bath
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100 litres
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21.9 gallons
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Shower (10 minutes)
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200 litres
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43.9 gallons
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Dishwasher load
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50 litres
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10.9 gallons
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Washing machine load
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150 litres
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32.9 gallons
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Brushing teeth with tap running
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5 litres
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1.1 gallons
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Drinking, cooking, cleaning
per person per day
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10 litres
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2.2 gallons
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Hand basin per use
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5 litres
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1.1 gallons
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Garden sprinkler per hour
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1000 litres
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210.0 gallons
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Garden dripper per hour
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4 litres
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0.9 gallons
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Car washing with hose
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200 litres
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43.9 gallons
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Hosing driveway
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100 litres
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21.9 gallons
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