A report by Peter H.
Gleick estimates that if no action
is taken to address unmet basic human needs for water, as many as 135 million
people will die from water-related diseases by 2020. Rainwater harvesting
is viewed by many, as a partial solution to the problems posed by water
scarcity: droughts and desertification, erosion from runoff, over-reliance on
depleted aquifers, and the costs of new irrigation, diversion, and water
treatment facilities.
Can rainwater be
made safe to drink? Yes. How safe? As safe as your well or tap water. How do
you make it safe for indoor use? By filtering and purifying it. Contaminants in
water may include algae, air pollution, bird excrement, and leaves, sand, and
dust. Local wells have dealt with these problems for decades. Installation of filtration
and purification equipment can remove these contaminants at home as well.
