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Despite the fact that just about every man, woman, child, baby, grandparent and invalid in isolated rural areas is highly dependent on rainwater, many people worry about the safety of rainwater for drinking. While issues with rain water tanks in Melbourne are few and far between, most people installing a new tank for drinking purposes want to put in place some measures to help prevent issues ... and ease their minds! Today we check out some issues that can occur with water tanks Melbourne, as well as some simple solutions.

Issue: Sick adults or newborn babies need to use the water
Given the high levels of treatment and chlorination that reticulated water usually undergoes, rainwater can harbour more microbiological contamination. If newborn babies, the very elderly or people that are immuno-compromised need to use the water supply for washing or drinking, it should be boiled first. Alternatively, for washing purposes only, you can plumb the rainwater into a hot water tank and turn the temperature up a little to help kill off microbes.

Issue: You live in a smoggy area
If you live in a smoggy, high traffic area, the amount of maintenance that needs to be done on your roof to ensure that rainwater is safe to drink is usually prohibitive. Don't give up on the idea of a rainwater tank, though - simply use the water for garden irrigation, car washing and toilet-flushing only.

Issue: Rainwater is your only source of drinking water
Reticulated water in Melbourne is fluoridated, so if your Melbourne water tank is your only source of drinking water you'll need to check out alternative fluoride sources. Ask your dentist about Tooth Mousse or fluoride supplementation; you can also smear a little toothpaste around your mouth after you've brushed and rinsed.

Issue: You've been on holidays or had a low Melbourne water tank level for some time
If you haven't used your Melbourne water tank in some time, the water that has been standing in the pipework may have collected higher levels of dissolved copper or iron. Just flush a few litres through before you use the water for drinking or cooking to avoid mineral overdose.

Issue: You've re-roofed your house or shed
You don't want to be drinking paint residue, any sort of adhesive or manufacturing residues. If you don't want the hassle of flushing out your Melbourne water tank after the first three rains, simply pop a sprinkler up on your roof. Yes, you'll be using water to save water ... but this helps avoid accidental use of potentially contaminated water.

Issue: It's a long time between drinks
If you live in an area that is generally dry with occasional major rains, a first flush device will help stop the accumulated dust, bird poo and leaves washing into your Melbourne water tank.

Issue: You have a metal roof
Some water tanks Melbourne installers report higher levels of corrosion when steel tanks are installed to metal rooves. If you have a metal roof, simply install a poly tank instead; poly models are almost as long lasting and just as tough.

There are potential issues with Melbourne water tanks. There are potential issues with just about any consumer item you can purchase as well as many things we use on a daily basis ... items like cars, bacon, chocolate and removalist products are all equally dangerous in their own ways. The key is to recognise when the benefits outweigh the risks; and that is certainly the case with Melbourne water tanks.