Adelaide volunteers wanted for rainwater drinking study
Hundreds of people in Adelaide have signed up for a study seeking to find out just how safe drinking rainwater is.
However, the SA Department of Health has called for more volunteers to join the far-reaching initiative.
The department wants a total of 300 Adelaide homes to participate in the study, being conducted in partnership with Monash University and the Cooperative Research Centre for Water Quality and Treatment.
Households participating in the Adelaide study are being given a filter to treat their rainwater. Half will work while the other half won’t. The department has started providing devices for people’s homes in the city and hills.
Some health authorities are reluctant to recommend drinking rainwater due to doubts about safety, particularly in cities where good quality mains water is available. This study will help governments to determine safe usage of rainwater for home consumption.
Samples will also be collected from some tanks to measure water quality. Results from the study are expected to be available at the end of 2008.
Families who have two or more children under 16 and who currently drink unfiltered rainwater may be eligible. Anyone who is interested in participating or who wants further information, can call the Study Centre on 1800 885 336 between 10 am and 5 pm on business days.
The study is being funded by the National Health and Medical Research Council and the Cooperative Research Centre for Water Quality and Treatment.
