Demographics, practices and water quality from domestic potable rainwater harvesting systems

Abstract

Research Article| August 01 2012 Demographics, practices and water quality from domestic potable rainwater harvesting systems Bonnie Stump; Bonnie Stump 1University of Texas Health Science Center at Tyler, Tyler, TX 75708, USA Search for other works by this author on: This Site PubMed Google Scholar Matthew McBroom; Matthew McBroom 2Stephen F. Austin State University, Box 6109 SFA Station, Nacogdoches, TX 75962, USA E-mail: [e-mail] Search for other works by this author on: This Site PubMed Google Scholar Ray Darville Ray Darville 2Stephen F. Austin State University, Box 6109 SFA Station, Nacogdoches, TX 75962, USA Search for other works by this author on: This Site PubMed Google Scholar Journal of Water Supply: Research and Technology-Aqua (2012) 61 (5): 261–271. https://doi.org/10.2166/aqua.2012.007 Article history Received: February 11 2011 Accepted: July 12 2012 Views Icon Views Article contents Figures & tables Video Audio Supplementary Data Share Icon Share MailTo Twitter LinkedIn Tools Icon Tools Cite Icon Cite Permissions Search Site Search Dropdown Menu toolbar search search input Search input auto suggest filter your search All ContentAll JournalsThis Journal Search Advanced Search Citation Bonnie Stump, Matthew McBroom, Ray Darville; Demographics, practices and water quality from domestic potable rainwater harvesting systems. Journal of Water Supply: Research and Technology-Aqua 1 August 2012; 61 (5): 261–271. doi: https://doi.org/10.2166/aqua.2012.007 Download citation file: Ris (Zotero) Reference Manager EasyBib Bookends Mendeley Papers EndNote RefWorks BibTex In semi-arid regions experiencing rapid population growth, rainwater harvesting is becoming increasingly important. Roof-collected rainwater is the exclusive water source for many households worldwide. Improper collection, storage or treatment of rainwater can result in adverse health effects. This study surveys rainwater harvesting practices and examines water quality from these systems. At 36 households, stored 'pre-filtration' rainwater and 'post-filtration' water from the kitchen faucet used for drinking and cooking were sampled. Rainwater harvesters desire to conserve water and believe that rainwater is more healthful than surface or groundwater. Almost 95% of homeowners use filtration and purification devices, but 64% have never tested their water. Coliform bacteria were not found in any post-filtration water, but some pre-filtration water samples were high in total heterotrophic bacteria. Lead levels exceeded the United States Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA) standard of 15 μg L−–1 in 25% of pre-filtration samples and 6% of post-filtration samples. First-flush diversion devices significantly decreased the likelihood of pre-filtration lead levels above 15 μg L−1. Aluminium, copper and iron exceeded USEPA recommended levels in a small percentage of homes. Although water from roof-collected rainwater harvesting systems was generally within drinking water standards, regular testing should be encouraged to avoid potential health problems. bacteria, heavy metals, lead, potable rainwater, rainwater harvesting, roof-collected rainwater This content is only available as a PDF. © IWA Publishing 2012 You do not currently have access to this content.