NSW: Rainwater tanks contaminated with lead, study

AAP General News (Australia)
04-14-2008
NSW: Rainwater tanks contaminated with lead, study

SYDNEY, April 13 AAP - Melbourne rainwater tanks have been found to be contaminated
with lead, aluminium and iron, with roofing material thought to be to blame.

The study, by Monash University and the CSIRO, found the use of lead on some roofs
had elevated the level of lead found in rainwater collected in the tanks, in some case
to 50 times drinking water guidelines.

The concentration of other heavy metals was also found in the rainwater, The Australian
newspaper reported.

"Concentrations of aluminium, cadmium, iron and zinc were also found at levels exceeding
acceptable health and aesthetic levels," the study said.

Report co-author, Monash University's Grace Mitchell, said the findings reinforced
the need for people to avoid drinking water from rainwater tanks.

"It is more natural in the sense that it's not treated, but in some cases that's not
a good thing," she said.

AAP ab/rs

KEYWORD: RAINWATER

2008 AAP Information Services Pty Limited (AAP) or its Licensors.