Is rainwater safe to drink in the UK?

Is Rainwater Safe to Drink in the UK? Exploring Rainwater Harvesting Systems

Water regularly falls from the heavens and so the idea of going out to buy it in bottles may seem pretty silly – water is water after all. However, while it all looks the same to the naked eye, there are reasons why some forms of water are better for us than others. If you are unsure if rainwater is safe to drink in the UK, we explain more below.

Is rainwater safe to drink?

In areas where there is barely any hint of pollution (which is not many) rainwater may be safe to drink. If it could be harvested as soon as it began to fall, then it could be possible to drink rainwater wherever it fell. However, this is not a practical possibility, which means as rain continues to fall atmospheric pollutants and dust particles are absorbed which contaminates the liquid. 

Built up parts of the world (typically towns and cities) produce large amounts of pollutants which means rain water in these are would be undrinkable if taken directly from source.  

Aside from the various chemical pollutants that are absorbed on its way down, bacteria, viruses and parasites can also be an issue. In most cases the best advice would be not to drink rainwater, however, there are some harvesting systems that can make rainwater drinkable. 

And whether drinkable or not, rainwater can still be harvested and put to very good use around the home by storing it for future use. 

What is rainwater harvesting?

This process involves the collection and storage of rainwater that would typically land on the roof of your home, down the gutter and into the drain. 

Rainwater harvesting means rain is collected via the roof using a specially integrated system that connects to the downpipe, storing it safely in an underground tank. You can use this water for gardening purposes, cleaning the car, toilet and for other tasks around the home. 

By doing so you create a more sustainable home that is kinder to the local environment and will also save you a significant amount of money on water bills – as much as 50% in some instances. 

What rainwater harvesting systems are available?

We offer a number of rainwater harvesting systems made for domestic use: 

• Platin package house ECO-Plus: Tanks that can hold anywhere from 1,500 to 25,000 litres are available, with the filtration system also able to create a water supply in the home suitable for toilet flushing, washing machines and outside tap. It features modular components that make it easy to install and only reveals a single cover at ground level.
• Carat S package Professional: Store up to 13,000 litres of filtered rainwater for use around the home. It features a digital fill display so you can see current water levels at any time. Also very easy to install and maintain for ongoing usage.
• Carat S garden Comfort: You can also store up to 13,000 litres with this system. In addition to the standard features is its ability to reduce electricity consumption via the pressure drop activation system. This means electricity is only used as and when required, saving you even more money.