Water is essential for human survival. As we require water for all of our daily activities. Hence, Wastewater management is vital to life! Rainwater harvesting, also known as RWH, is the process of collecting the rain that falls onto a catchment area of a structure, where the water is collected and stored in a storage tank that can be used for a variety of purposes in both residential and commercial buildings.
Rainwater Harvesting for Drinking Water
Rainwater harvesting is the oldest and most sustainable method of collecting, storing, and purifying rainwater for potable use. Rainwater harvesting for drinking water effectively addresses the issue of water scarcity. Rainwater that has been collected is only drinkable after it has been disinfected. Rooftop rainwater harvesting is the most common rainwater harvesting (RWH) technique for domestic consumption. To remove disease-causing microorganisms, rainwater can be disinfected before consumption.
Problems with Rainwater consumption for drinking
However, it is critical that the rainwater system is properly maintained and that the water quality is suitable for the intended use. Rainwater contains germs and other contaminants.
The risk of becoming ill from rainwater varies depending on where you live, how frequently it rains, the season, and how you collect and store rainwater. Dust, smoke, and airborne particles can contaminate rainwater before it reaches your roof. Roofing materials, gutters, piping, and storage materials can all introduce harmful substances into the water, such as asbestos, lead, and copper.
Dirt and germs can be washed into collected roof rainwater, especially if rain falls after several days of dry weather. Testing the water can reveal whether it contains harmful germs, chemicals, or toxins. Filtration, chemical disinfection, and boiling are all options for water treatment. Some germs and chemicals can be removed through filtration.
Chlorine or iodine treatment of water kills some germs but does not remove chemicals or toxins. Boiling water kills germs but does not remove chemicals.
The RWH system includes the catchment region (roof of the building), conveyance system, storage system, and distribution system. Rainwater harvesting from building roofs is an important step toward increasing water availability for domestic and other uses.
The quality of harvested rainwater is primarily determined by the roofing materials used, the local climatic conditions, and the levels of atmospheric pollution.
However, air pollution and other factors may have an impact on rainwater quality.
Water treatment before consumption (filtration or/and disinfection) is critical.
Rainwater Treatment Technologies
Chlorination, ultraviolet (UV) radiation, ozonation, microfiltration, and ultrafiltration are the most common rainwater treatment technologies. When collected rainwater goes through any of these processes, it is safe to drink.
Several studies have found that water from well-maintained and covered rooftop tanks meets drinking water quality standards in most cases. It enables households, community buildings, schools, and other organizations to manage their water supply for a variety of potable and non-potable purposes. RWH systems provide adequate water and energy savings due to lower consumption.
Therefore Rainwater collection and use can be an excellent way to conserve water. Rainwater is used by some people to water plants, clean, bathe, but to drink, you have to ensure its cleanliness!