If you live in a rural or semi-rural area around Perth, chances are you’re relying on rainwater tanks, dam water, or other untreated water sources. While these are essential for households without access to treated mains water, they come with one important question: is rainwater safe to drink?
The answer: it can be, but only if you install the right water filtration system and maintain it properly. This guide covers everything you need to know about filtering untreated water for drinking, including how to choose a rainwater tank filter, what to watch for, and how to make dam water safer for your family.
Why Filtering Tank Water Is Essential
Untreated water collected from your roof or dam may look clean, but it can carry a range of health risks. Contaminants can come from:
- Bird droppings on the roof
- Sediment, dirt, and organic matter entering the tank inlet
- Insects or small animals trapped in the tank
- Heavy metals from old roofing or piping corrosion
- Algae, bacteria, and harmful chemicals
- Runoff from bushfire ash or nearby agricultural areas
Installing a water filter for your water tank protects your household from these risks and keeps your water supply suitable for drinking, showering, washing, cooking, and cleaning.
Choosing the Right Rainwater Tank Filter
When it comes to filtering tank water, there’s no one-size-fits-all solution. The right setup will depend on your water source, how the water is collected, and how it’s being used throughout the house.
A typical filter system for a rainwater tank includes:
- A pre-filter at the tank inlet to stop leaves, debris, and insects
- A sediment filter to remove fine dirt and sludge
- Carbon filter cartridges to improve taste and reduce odour
- A UV system to kill bacteria and viruses using UV light
- Optional filters for dam water to remove additional organic material
Do You Need a Pressure Pump?
Most homes using a rainwater tank will also need a pressure pump to move water through the filter system and into the home. Without consistent pressure, your filtration won’t work effectively, and your water flow will be unreliable.
A quality pressure pump ensures clean water is delivered to your taps, appliances, and garden without issue. It’s an important part of the overall system and should be matched to the size of your home and water usage.
How to Filter Tank Water for Drinking
Wondering how to filter tank water for drinking? Here’s a basic setup that works well in most WA homes:
- Pre-filter at the tank entry point to trap larger debris
- Sediment and carbon filters on the water line
- A UV light system just before the water enters the home
- Regular maintenance and replacement of filter cartridges
- Gutter cleaning and tank inspection every few months
This setup helps remove bacteria, dirt, and other contaminants from the water before it reaches your tap.
What About Dam Water?
If you’re using dam water, it’s even more important to install a dam water filter. Dam water is more likely to contain algae, parasites, and sediment. To make dam water safe:
- Add a coarse filter at the inlet
- Use a multistage filtration system with UV and carbon
- Regularly test the water for bacteria, metals, and other risks
Can You Drink Rainwater in Australia?
Rainwater in Australia is generally considered safe when it’s properly collected and filtered. But it’s not automatically safe straight from the tank. Pollutants from your roof, gutters, and environment can all affect the quality of the water. Boiling it helps, but a rainwater tank filter is far more effective and convenient for everyday use.
Benefits of a Proper Water Filtration System
Installing a water filtration system offers long-term benefits, including:
- Safer drinking water
- Longer lifespan for piping and appliances
- Protection from contaminated or dirty water
- Better water taste and clarity
- Peace of mind when using rainwater for your whole house
FAQs About Filtering Untreated Water
Yes. Tank water often contains sediment, bacteria, and debris from the roof or gutters. Filtering is essential for safety.
Absolutely. Use a combination of sediment, carbon, and UV filters to make rain water safe for household use.
Use a water filtration system with a UV system, and keep your tank and gutters clean with regular maintenance.
Yes, but dam water needs more filtration. A dam water filter with multistage treatment and UV light is recommended.
Yes. A rainwater tank filter helps protect your home from contaminants and improves water quality for all uses.
Need Help Filtering Your Tank or Dam Water?
At Swan’s Professional Plumbing, we’ve helped homes across Perth and beyond install filters. If you need a water filtration system installed in your suburban or rural Perth property we can help.
Get clean, safe water from your own backyard. Contact our team today.
