Physicochemical and microbiological quality of water from a pilot domestic rainwater harvesting facility in Ireland

Dublin Institute of Technology personnel were commissioned in 2005 by the Department of Environment, Heritage and Local Government in Ireland to assess the feasibility of utilizing harvested rainwater to replace treated mains water, for nonpotable uses. A pilot project was set up. The project involved the design, installation, commissioning and monitoring of rainwater harvesting facilities in a rural housing development. A monitoring programme was carried out to examine the physicochemical and microbiological quality of the harvested rainwater. Harvested rainwater was sampled monthly and tested. Analysis of the harvested rainwater quality showed a consistently high quality of raw water in general compliance with the requirements of the European Communities (Quality of Bathing Water) Regulations for 100% of samples and the European Communities (Drinking Water) Regulations, 2007 for 37% of sampling dates.