Health Hazards Associated with Consumption of Roof-Collected Rainwater in Urban Areas in Emergency Situations.

摘要: The greater Wellington region, New Zealand, is highly vulnerable to large earthquakes because it cut by active faults. Bulk water supply pipelines cross the Fault at several different locations, and there considerable concern about severe disruption of provision reticulated supplies households businesses in aftermath a earthquake. A number policy initiatives have been launched encouraging householders install rainwater tanks increase post-disaster resilience. However, little attention has paid potential health hazards associated with consumption these supplies. To assess for emergency situations, six 200-litre were installed properties across five being allowed fill roof-collected one tank filled municipal tapwater as control. Such are predominantly set aside storage and, once filled, feature limited drawdown recharge. Sampling from was carried out fortnightly year, samples analysed E. coli, pH, conductivity, range major trace elements, organic compounds, enabling an assessment evolution chemistry over time. Key findings that overall rate coli detections rain-fed 17.7%, which low relation other studies. We propose incidences may be due biocidal effects high zinc concentrations tanks, originating unpainted galvanised steel roof cladding. Lead compared studies, 69% exceeding World Health Organisation’s health-based guideline 0.01 mg/L. Further work required determine risks short-term this situations.