Can we drink rainwater?
Water which is becoming increasingly rare and at the same time less than 10% of the water we use is used for hydration or cooking. The question naturally arises: is it possible to consume rainwater?
Drinking rainwater: what does French law say?
For public health reasons, it is forbidden to drink rainwater. The response of the ministry is specified in the decree of August 21, 2008 concerning the recovery of rainwater and its use :
“Rainwater is untreated or partially treated rainwater; any water intended for human consumption produced using rainwater is excluded from this definition ”
Rainwater does not meet the quality standards of the Public Health Code for drinking water. It is contaminated at the biological level (bacteria and micro-organisms mixed with the water during its journey on the roof and in the tank) and chemically. Nor does the law allow this water to be made drinkable.
What are the risks of drinking rainwater?
You mainly expose yourself to the risk of poisoning by ingesting this rainwater. Quickly, the pathogens present can create diarrhea, abdominal cramps or even discomfort.
In addition, various toxic substances may be present: the water falling from the sky is not as pure as one might imagine. Drinking water, from drinking water treatment plants, is filtered and checked on dozens of criteria (for example, the level of nitrite, lead, pesticides).
In addition, rainwater today contains PFAS : perfluoroalkyl substances used for:
- food packaging,
- automobile,
- aviation,
- materials in contact with food,
- textiles, leather and clothing,
- building products
- household products,
- electronics,
- fire fighting,
- food processing
- medical items.
The varied use of these chemical compounds, combined with their very persistent nature, leads to contamination of all environments : water, air, soil and sediments.
A recent study indicates that the level of PFAS in the world has not necessarily changed over the past 20 years. Nevertheless, the risk thresholds have been revised downwards following new scientific data.
Cancer is the main risk with the presence of these PFAS in rainwater, but also cardiovascular diseases. These chemical particles are also found in the seafood products we eat.
In addition, we invite you to read the article: Why is rainwater considered unfit for consumption worldwide by Liberation of August 25, 2022.
What uses are permitted for rainwater?
By collecting the water that falls on the roof of your house, it is authorized to use it in a multitude of specific cases.
The regulations in France are quite clear on the possible uses:
- Toilet flush supply
- Watering the garden and vegetable patch
- cleaning your home
- For your washing machine, subject to using a water treatment system
- Cleaning your car and other vehicles
Your installation must comply with specific legislation: in your home, it is mandatory that the taps and thenetwork distributing the recovered water are completely independent of drinking water, with dedicated signage.
Discover our full article on rainwater harvesting regulations .
Conclusion
The answer in France is clear: legally the use of this water for human consumption is not authorized.
Nevertheless, with increasing droughts, more and more French people are getting into stormwater storage. A small gesture for the environment while improving your autonomy thanks to a tank .
Keep in mind that filtration is necessary to benefit from it for your laundry or your garden.
It should also be considered that the price of water is directly linked to energy prices: distributing drinking water throughout the network requires a lot of electricity. Therefore, the savings made through rainwater harvesting will increase.
Benjamin, our specialist can do a free study for you so that you no longer stand idly by in the event of drought! Sizing the right storage capacity, controlling the system, eliminating bacteria: it will accompany you on all of these subjects!
Interesting articles on this topic
https://www.cieau.com/le-cieau/
https://www.service-public.fr/particuliers/vosdroits/F31481