Africa Water, Sanitation & Hygiene Africa water, Sanitation May-June2015 Vol. 10 No.3 | Page 17

Rainwater Harvesting & Water Supply

Is collected rainwater safe to drink? Does it have to be
inspected or tested before being used?
Collected rainwater is generally safe to drink after treatment.
As rain falls through the atmosphere and on to the
catchment surface it may pick up microbial and chemical
contaminants and particulate matter. These contaminants
must be removed before the water is used. Currently, there
are no federal or state water quality standards for harvested
rainwater. However, appropriate county health department
and city building staff should be contacted for local testing
requirements prior to using rainwater for drinking purposes.
What are some of the benefits of rainwater harvesting?
There are a number of benefits to using water from rainwater
harvesting systems:
• The water is practically free: the only cost is to
collect and treat it.
• The end use is located close to the source thereby
eliminating the need for costly distribution systems.
• Rainwater provides a source of water when
a more traditional source such as groundwater is
unavailable or the quality unacceptable.
• The zero hardness of rainwater helps scales from
building up on appliances and so extends the life of
appliances.
• Rainwater is free of sodium.
• Rainwater is superior for landscape use and plants
thrive on rainwater.
• Rainwater harvesting reduces flow to storm sewers
and the threat of flooding.
• Rainwater harvesting helps utilities reduce peak
demands during summer months.
• By harvesting rainwater, homeowners can reduce
their utility bills.

Rainwater harvesting tank system

Men in rural part of Uganda constructing a rainwater harvesting tank

Water Fund to benefit conservation
A new project that aims to deliver sustained water supply to
over 9.3 million people while conserving the environment
has been launched today in Kenya.

“Water funds are foun