You've probably noticed the red dust deposited around the area recently, as a result of dust storms. It's unpleasant for everyone but can be particularly problematic if your house is not connected to mains water supply and you rely on rainwater tanks for drinking water.
When dust becomes prevalent in the local environment, it runs through downpipes and concentrates in rainwater tanks. Dust from recent storms may still be present in your rainwater supply, and of course, there may be more dust storms in the future. As a precaution, the State Health Department has provided the following advice should you use one or more rainwater tanks to supply your drinking water.
- If your rainwater looks, smells or tastes unusual, use bottled water for drinking and food preparation until the water returns to normal.
- Dust affected rainwater may stain light-coloured laundry.
- If your roof is still covered in dust or if dust storms are forecast, disconnect downpipes to prevent extra dust entering your tank. You can reconnect it after a good flush of rain.
- Over time, dust will settle in the bottom of your tank. Once the dust has settled, this might be a good time for a professional tank cleaner to de-sludge your tank.
- Not all filters remove the fine dust particles from the water. Talk to a water treatment specialist or the supplier of your filtration system for specific advice on the treatment of your water supply.
Visit the Better Health website for more information about keeping your rainwater safe to prevent disease and ill health.