<< Peninsula New 12 February 2007 - Rainwater is fit to drink >>

Rainwater is fit to drink

There are no reasons residents should not be allowed to use rainwater tanks for drinking purposes on the Peninsula, according to Central Coast Health.

Central Coast Health publicity officer Ms Jill Warwicker said that NSW Health guidelines recommend that people use town water supplies for drinking if they have access to it.

"If town water is available, it is the preferred source of drinking water as there are many controls and checks to ensure this water is clean and safe to drink.

"For example, tests for bacteria in water at the household level are performed regularly and Gosford Council reports on the results."

Ms Warwicker said: "NSW Health recommend using townwater where available.

"Where it is not available, people often use rainwater tanks or other sources eg. bores for drinking and household use.

"There is a NSW Health publication on how to look after your water tank to have the best possible water quality."

A document on Rainwater Tanks from NSW Health stated that those who use rainwater tanks in urban areas should be aware of potential risks associated with chemical and microbiological contamination.

It stated that "collection of rainwater for human consumption (drinking and cooking) in areas affected by heavy traffic, incinerators, smelters or heavy industry is not recommended" as "airborne contaminants and other pollutants may find their way into tanks in urban centres and industrial areas".

However, Ms Warwick said that the Peninsula did not fall into this category.

Ms Warwick said that there was no monitoring of airborne contaminants on the Peninsula.

"Some monitoring carried out at Gosford and Wyong shows that for particle pollution, the Central Coast area has particulate pollution levels slightly lower than Sydney levels, with both below the guideline level of concern," Ms Warwick said.

"Exceedances have occurred, usually in relation to bushfires."

Lyle Stone, 9 Feb 2007