It's safe to drink rainwater in Australia

William Atkins
Friday, 06 November 2009 19:07

Science - Climate

Dr. Leder, head of the Infectious Disease Epidemiology Unit at Monash University, stated, "The results showed that rates of gastroenteritis between both groups were very similar."

She adds, "People who drank untreated rainwater displayed no measurable increase in illness compared to those that consumed the filtered rainwater."

The November 4, 2009 Monash University Press article “Monash study suggests rainwater is safe to drink” provides the quotes from Dr. Leder.

Associate professor Leder stated, "This is the first study of its kind. Until now, there has been no prospective randomised study to investigate the health effects of rainwater consumption, either in Australia or internationally.” [Monash University]

Leder also said, "This study confirms there is a low risk of illness. The results may not be applicable in all situations; nevertheless these findings about the low risk of illness from drinking rainwater certainly imply that it can be used for activities such as showering/bathing where inadvertent or accidental ingestion of small quantities may occur.” [Monash University]

And, "Expanded use of rainwater for many household purposes can be considered and in current times of drought, we want to encourage people to use rainwater as a resource.” [Monash University]