Rainwater has been used across all cultures for most of human history. Many people still use it today. Is rainwater clean and safe to use? What can we do with rainwater?
It’s not that easy. Rainwater taken directly from the skies may be pure, but it can carry contaminants back to us. We should be cautious about how we use it.
Rainwater ph
Rain water has a ph value from 5.0 to 5.5, which is slightly acidic. Rainwater becomes more acidic if it is combined with sulpher or nitrogen dioxide. Acidic rain has a PH value of 4.0. Rain water is believed to have a pH value of zero. This is false. Rain water can mix with many gases, including carbon dioxide and nitrogen dioxide. Its natural pH is acidic.
Rain water’s pH will be affected by the location and source of individuals from marine and polluted sources. Rain water near the coast has a pH value of 5.6. It reacts with the atmosphere to become mildly acidic carbonic acid before it turns into rain. Deserts do not have the majority of coastal rain water ion contributions, so soil dust and airborne biogenic aerosols provide the main sources of ions for desert rain water. The soil/mineral aerosols contain more alkaline ions, which increase pH to a lower degree. Purified water has a pH of 7.0.
Rainwater quality improvement
Rainwater can be disinfected or purified in many different ways. However, none of these methods will guarantee that rain water can be drunk in every case.
For emergency situations, rain water or groundwater can be treated with chlorine or iodine to disinfect it. Boiling water collected is another common strategy. Although this is effective for most pathogens, it will not decrease the damage that chemical toxicity can cause. In addition, some parasites are highly resistant to chlorine.
Many collection systems don’t have filtration features, making it possible for dirt and other particles to dilute the water while in storage.
Good design and installation are key to providing high-quality water. Rain water collection requires “low maintenance,” not “no maintenance.”
It is a good idea to flush rain water faucets that are used for cooking or drinking for at least 2 to 3 minutes each morning. Because water left standing for too long can cause metals like copper and lead to be dissolved from the pipes. This “first flush” can be used to wash up, water plants, or for other purposes not related to drinking.
What can I do to control the PH of rain water?
Rain water pH levels are typically below 7. Plastic tanks can retain an acidic pH which can cause corrosion to copper fittings and plumbing. Concrete tanks can leach lime from rain water if they’re stored in them.
It is a good idea to test the pH of your new home if you have never had it tested. To lower the pH, it may be necessary to adjust the pH to the EPA recommended range. These treatments are simple to install and affordable. Make sure your water is pH balanced before you buy any equipment.
Is rainwater safe for drinking?
A study in Australia concluded that rainwater is safe to consume if stored in clean and sanitary containers. However, rain water is very low in minerals, so it is important to increase our mineral intake.
If rain water is properly collected, it can safely be drunk. However, safety will also depend on the environment and objects that come into contact with rain water.
Health Measure
- Rain water collected in urban areas may not be suitable for drinking or cooking due to air pollution, dust, and other contaminants.
- If water is collected directly, you can take steps to ensure that your roofs remain dry.
- The first flush device (or diversion valve) eliminates the rain water contamination within the first 20-30 minute period.
- Sand and silt can be removed by sedimentation and filtration.
- Storage facilities are essential, both underground and above ground. It is essential to keep the area closed in order to stop mosquito breeding.
- Any biological contamination can easily be removed by boiling, chlorinating, boiling, or boiling water.
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