Physicochemical and microbiological quality of harvested rainwater from an agricultural installation in Ireland

Dublin Institute of Technology was commissioned in 2005 by the Department of Environment, Heritage and Local Government in Ireland to assess the feasibility of utilising rainwater to replace treated mains water for nonpotable uses. The project involved the design, installation, commissioning and monitoring of rainwater harvesting on a farm. Two monitoring programmes, Regime 1 and Regime 2, examined the physicochemical and microbiological quality of the harvested rainwater. Samples were taken monthly and tested. Regime 1 analysis showed that the microbiological quality of the rainwater from the site did not comply with the requirements of the European Communities Quality of Bathing Water Regulations, while the physicochemical quality complied with both Bathing and Drinking Water Standards with the exception of ammonia and lead. Regime 2 results showed a significant improvement and were compliant with the European Communities Quality of Bathing Water Regulations and showed near compliance with the European Communities Drinking Water Regulation.