FAQ’s

Is my rainwater safe to drink?

Rainwater is generally of a good quality if roof, gutters and tanks are well maintained. There are a number of factors which can lead to rainwater quality being compromised. Overhanging branches can lead to faecal contamination by birds, bats or small mammals.

Roofs near main roads or industrial or agricultural areas can be contaminated by airborne pollutants (e.g. lead and particles from exhaust emissions, chimneys, chemicals from agricultural sprays), which may render water unfit for consumption.

As rainwater has a low buffering capacity, it can sometimes lead to elevated readings of metals dissolved from piping.

More information about rainwater tanks can be found in the NSW Department of Health rainwater tank brochure http://www.health.nsw.gov.au/publichealth/environment/water/rainwater.asp

What should I test for?

If faecal contamination is suspected, an E.coli test is an ideal indicator. If present, water can be disinfected by chlorination, boiling, or irradiation by UV light.

Chemical testing should only be required for rainwater tanks in exceptional circumstances, or if there are specific concerns, as analysis costs make wide ranging screening tests prohibitive.

Is my water corrosive?

By evaluating your water quality data RWL can determine the water’s potential to be corrosive or precipitate scale. Ignoring the signs of corrosive water could result in aesthetic problems, increased levels of toxic metals, deterioration of household plumbing and a significant damage bill. Water analysis prior to purchasing a home could prevent the expense and frustration of having to repair water damage and plumbing.

Can I use the water from my bore?

Groundwater should be tested to see if it complies with the guideline values cited in the Australian Drinking Water Guidelines. The key health concerns for deep groundwater are arsenic, nitrate, fluoride and some heavy metals. Shallow bores or unconfined aquifers can be contaminated by agricultural, industrial and urban activities and should be tested for microbial and chemical quality including arsenic, nitrate, fluoride, heavy metals and petroleum hydrocarbons. RWL have designed testing suites to make bore testing easier and more affordable. It should be noted that the quality of a given bore is liable to change over time, and so it is advisable to test periodically if it is to be used for drinking.

What levels are considered safe to drink?

The Australian Drinking Water Guidelines has been formulated in order to provide advice on what are the acceptable limits for drinking water. The following fact sheet has been published by the NSW Department of Health.

When are samples accepted?

 Monday through to Friday from 8.30am until 4.30pm with the exception of microbiological samples which must be received before 4pm Thursday.

 How long does the testing take?

 The testing takes up to 10 working days depending on the requirements.