Cape Town has a Mediterranean climate, so we have hot summers and wet rainy winters. We’re fast approaching winter so it’s the optimal time to harvest rainwater. If you have a rain tank collecting water, you may wonder if you can drink rainwater. Read on!
The answer is yes, you can. However, you will need to filter and purify the water before you drink it. The rainwater that falls from the sky is generally fairly clean. However, it can collect contaminants during its journey to your water tank. Pollutants like debris, sand, leaves, animal droppings, microorganisms and air pollution from your roof and gutters can contaminate the water.
When it comes to treating your rainwater you need to follow these steps:
- Install a leaf beater on the outlet of the gutter before it enters the tank. This prevents leaves and bigger bits of debris from entering your tank.
- The sediment filter has a finer mesh that catches whatever the leaf beater didn’t filter out.
- A Carbon filter removes the smell of the water and the tank.
- A UV sterilizer removes bacteria, e-coli, the effects of algae and any microorganisms
As you can see then, you can drink rainwater provided it’s treated as outlined above. And once it’s been treated it’s best to take a water sample and do a water analysis to make sure it’s safe for consumption. You can do a water analysis through Bemlab which is connected with Pathcare.
Our winter rains in Cape Town provide us with the opportunity to collect rainwater. As a result, this can go a long way in providing our water needs in Summer. However, if you’re looking for a long-term water solution that is cost-effective then a borehole is an excellent option.
Let’s take a look at the benefits of a borehole:
BENEFITS OF A BOREHOLE
- A borehole increases the value of your property
- It helps you save potable water
- A borehole helps you save money on your water bill
- You can fill your pool with borehole water once treated appropriately
- You can use borehole water for your irrigation system
- It gives you water security
- It allows off-the-grid living
As you can see a borehole comes with a variety of brilliant benefits. This truly makes it well worth the investment because you will reap these rewards over a long period of time. And most importantly, you will have water security which is absolutely priceless.
Contact us for a borehole drilling quote, water tanks, and water filtration, Cape Town!