Is Rainwater Safe to Drink?

08/12/22 03:30 AM Comment(s) By Marc Prosch


Is Rainwater Safe to Drink?

You've probably seen all the good and bad news about water quality, as there has been a great deal of discussion about it. How about rain? Is Rainwater Safe to Drink? Does rainwater contain any harmful chemicals? We often wonder whether rainwater collected from rooftops is safe for drinking as rainwater collection becomes easier and more common.


“Drinking rainwater from a properly collected container is usually safe; however, the environment from which the rainwater is collected and the objects with which it has been in contact ultimately determine whether it is safe to drink.”


Considering how rainwater can sometimes be dangerous to drink, let's explore the issue in more detail before we take a sip. So let’s get started:

Rainwater can make me sick if I drink it directly?

Is drinking rainwater that has not been treated, even if you take a mouthful, safe? 


Rainwater's impurities and how regularly you drink it will all determine whether it's safe to drink. Impurities in rainwater are toxic, so you should be concerned. You are exposed to a host of serious diseases like cancer, bone damage, and kidney disease if you consume it frequently enough. 


When the atmosphere is frequently cleaned by rain, there are fewer impurities. There are times, however, when the rain travels to other lands and does not fall for weeks at a time on your own. Those impurities end up in the water when rain returns, cleaning nature's cleanup.


All of that would be ingested if you drank the rainwater directly. Are you still not convinced? Here's what you need to remember: Never drink rainwater from buildings that have toxic surfaces or dirty containers.

Does Boiling Rainwater Make It Safe To Drink?

Water that has been boiled is said to be detoxified and fit for consumption by removing all the toxins. Does that sound easy to you?


Rainwater can contain harmful chemicals and substances, so starting with that is important. Boiling rainwater can kill germs and bacteria. The dirt and dust you remove may also be removed, but the harmful acids might not be. Daily, dozens of harmful acids are released into the air due to industrial pollution. When it rains, water is formed when these acids amalgamate, such as sulfur dioxide and nitrogen dioxide.


However, it may be harmful to your health, even if it is safe for washing clothes, due to the fact that such water still contains acid, even after boiling it. You may suffer from severe stomach aches, health problems, and even underlying health problems from drinking such harmful water, including acids.

How to Make Rain Water Safe to Drink at Home?

Rainwater can be made safe to drink at home in a number of ways. They're all easy to understand, so you won't have to go all science. 

Filtration

If rainwater is to be boiled, it should first be filtered. Impurities and contaminants can be removed by filtration. Water filter systems, such as coffee filters, are great for filtering out rainwater so you can use it in your home. It would still be safer if you boiled it.

Use a Home Filtration System

The second step is purifying the home water using a filtration system. It should not be too difficult to find a purification system of this size nowadays since many sizes are available. Several types of water purifiers are available for use in refrigerators. These purify water as you pour it in and dispense it from the front.


To remove unclean rainwater substances, strong sunlight is often exposed to them. During the summer, sunlight can be a useful method to ease this process because ultraviolet rays are known to kill bacteria and viruses. This can lead to rainwater being improved and harmful substances being removed from it.

Safe Collection

Home water treatment can also be accomplished with a safe collection strategy, which is often overlooked. A clean container can be used to collect rainwater from the sky. Water collected in this manner does not need to be touched by a questionable roof, gutter, or pipe.


You should see debris and other heavy particles settle at the bottom of the collected water if it's left undisturbed for an hour or two. Filter and boil the water to remove potentially harmful particles. 


Fact: You can further improve its quality by refrigerating rainwater. Microorganisms in water are slowed down by refrigeration. 

Are There Nutrients In Rainwater?

You may be able to benefit your plants from rainwater because it is rich in nitrogen. Plants require enough nitrogen to thrive without any inconvenience, so they need healthy quantities. Soils contain nitrates that plants absorb from the soil, resulting in better bloom. The development of lush foliage begins with this process.

Places to Avoid Collecting Rainwater From

Rainwater purity is greatly influenced by the specific spots where it is collected. You should avoid collecting rainwater in the following places:


Puddles: Upon contact with other objects or the ground, rainwater that forms puddles becomes contaminated. As a result, sediments, as well as germs, will contaminate the water collected this way.


Roof runoff: Drinking water that flows through gutters or along roofs is not recommended. There are pollutants and debris accumulations on the roof and rodent, bird, and frog waste. It is also possible for these animals to die on roofs and in gutters, which contaminates all runoff that runs off them.


Dirty containers: A gardening pot or a watering pail might be better options than open-faced trash cans if someone asks if you would drink water from one. Animals and other pollutants have the potential to contaminate any unsanitized container.


Contaminated water can cause unnecessary suffering for your body if you avoid those pitfalls.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does rainwater need to be filtered?

You can also reduce the use of chemical conditioners by using rainwater in a washing machine or an agricultural sprayer. In order to ensure that your roof water is as clean as possible and does not go sour or smelly before you use it, make sure that it is first filtered before being stored in water tanks.


Is rainwater cleaner than Potable water?

The water from rain is usually a lot purer than the water from taps, wells, or city water. Unlike city water, rainwater rarely contains salts, minerals, or chemicals used in treatment or pharmaceuticals. Even though it is relatively pure, pollen or dust may be present in rainwater.


Can Drinking Rainwater Make You Sick?

It has been linked to outbreaks of disease caused by bacteria, parasites, viruses, and chemicals in rainwater. Your location, the frequency of rainfall, the season, and the way you collect and store rainwater may affect your risk of getting sick from rainwater.

Bottom Line

In many parts of the world today, rainwater is the primary source of water. Due to rising water scarcity rates, rainwater harvesting becomes imperative every year. This is why rainwater should be used widely and to its full potential.


Rainwater should be used for day-to-day activities, and filtered water should be used for drinking. If you follow these essential tips and tricks, you are only a step away from saving this planet for future generations.

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