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Q: Is Tank Water Better Than Mains Water?
Tank water is of better overall quality than the water supplied in some small rural towns. Rainwater is usually free of colour and suspended material and it does not have the brackishness and hardness problems characteristic of many bore supplies. It is not surprising to find that many communities have a decided preference for using tank water for drinking and food preparation, and even for washing and bathing.
While tank water systems provide very palatable water, they are particularly vulnerable to faecal pollution. Birds and other small animals, such as possums, leave their droppings on roofs and in gutters. These wash directly into the tank whenever there is a reasonable storm. Roofs, gutters and tanks are often inadequately maintained and cleaned. This neglect compromises the quality of the water collected.
When tanks are tested for contamination, they more often than not fail standard faecal pollution tests. In urban areas the presence of airborne contaminants (for example, lead from exhaust emissions) may make collected rainwater unsuitable for drinking.
Because of the low buffering capacity of rainwater it is not uncommon so see elevated levels of copper and lead in water that is plumbed into the house via copper pipes.
Q: Does AWQC provide testing of rainwater for private use?
A: Yes.
The information pack below contains important information for you to consider before you decide to test your rain water. If you decide to proceed with having your rain water tested please complete the application form included with the information pack.
Download the Rain Water information pack including application form.
Publications produced by the South Australian Department of Health provide guidance on the use of rainwater tanks and are available by clicking here.
Q: Does AWQC provide testing of bore water for private use?
A: Yes.
Please read our Bore Water information pack including application form which details bore water testing that AWQC conducts. If you decide to proceed with having your bore water tested please complete the application form included with the information pack.
We have also provided three guideline extracts dependant on your required use for the the bore water.
Guideline for Bore water for:
Human consumption,
Irrigation Guideline
and Livestock Guideline.
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