Tags: Eco management, Climate Change / Sustainability, Research
& Knowledge, Water Harvesting, Australasia Page 1 of 2 | Single
page It’s a relatively new activity in the private domain that
could impact significantly in the public arena. Increasing
consumer reliance on home rainwater tanks, in response to
growing water shortages, raises questions of quality control at
a domestic level. Rainwater catchment systems are particularly
susceptible to environmental hazards as water quality can vary
depending on atmospheric pollution, harvesting method and
storage. Studies dating back to 1993 have reported
concentrations of heavy metals in roof run-off and tankwater
samples that exceed Australian drinking water guidelines. A 2007
CSIRO study found that heavy metal concentrations (including
lead) in water samples taken from a rainwater tank can exceed
levels recommended by guidelines. So too a 2008 research project
carried out by Monash University that found “rainwater tanks in
Melbourne are commonly contaminated wit