4.3 Individual household supplies

For an individual household supply, the emphasis should be on selecting the best quality source water available, and on protecting its quality by the use of barrier systems and maintenance programs. Whatever the source (ground, surface or rainwater tanks), householders should assure themselves that the water is safe to drink. Generally, surface water or shallow groundwater should not be used as a source of drinking water without treatment. Information on the quality of surface and groundwater may be available from state or local governments, which may monitor the particular source water as part of a water monitoring program. Alternatively, an individual household should consider having the water tested for any key health characteristics identified as being of local concern. Where the raw water quality does not meet the Guidelines, a point-of-use device may be useful.

The quality of water from rainwater tanks can be affected by roofing and tank materials, paints, atmospheric contaminants, leaves, dust, and animal and bird droppings. However, providing that the system is reasonably well maintained, rainwater can generally provide a safe supply of drinking water. Further information on rainwater tanks is provided in Guidance on the use of rainwater tanks (enHealth 2010), and brochures and other material are provided by state and local government authorities.