Tanks cleared for safe drinking ...

Excerpt from the Sunday Mail:

Tanks cleared for safe drinking

18 March 2007

A major study of rainwater tank quality in Brisbane has found it good enough to drink.

The $600,000 study by Brisbane City Council on 29 rainwater tanks found the water met Australian Drinking Water Guidelines in most cases.

Final results will be released in July. However, the study found fecal coliforms and e.coli within acceptable levels, except where animals and foliage polluted the roof-top water source.

Water was even considered "pure" in two of the tanks which underwent monthly monitoring by the Scientific Analytical Laboratory.

Under the trial, homeowners within a 12km radius of the CBD paid 50 per cent of the cost of fitting rainwater tanks, dual flush toilets, AAA-rated shower roses, water pressure limiting devices and energy-efficient light globes.

The tanks were plumbed to the toilets, outdoor hoses and hot water systems.
Results from the study are being used to develop national water tank guidelines.

It has already resulted in plumbing and drainage legislation being changed to include rainwater as a source.

A council spokesman said the study found the water was not "pristine" but had very low concentrations of micro organisms.

Despite this, the council is refusing to declare it fit to drink.

See - Tank study.

With pre-water restrictions outside water use representing around 30% of household consumption, it makes no sense why the State government and Councils have not implemented a broader tank use program - at least for outdoor use ...