In ancient times, the only source of drinking water was rainwater and water from underground sources like wells. The time was a golden period when the air was free from pollutants, and rivers were free from chemicals and toxic wastes. But with industrialization, the scenario at present is different. Rainwater conservation is a brilliant idea of water conservation. Indeed, the rainwater utilization for cleaning, washing, laundering, and gardening. What about drinking? Is it worth it? Let’s consider the health advantages and disadvantages of rainwater.
Rainwater is the water that reaches the earth by condensation from clouds. In the first place, it is pure, but as it falls, it picks up germs, pollution, dirt particles and other chemical wastes. The time when it reaches earth, it is no safer for direct consumption. When it reaches the earth, it is full of contaminants, and its pH level rises due to chemicals present in it. Water that falls in the form of rain act as a cleaner for the air. Therefore if rain is free from pollutants, the water we collect as rainwater would be safe and pure, ready to drink.
Health Advantages
Rainwater is free from any chemical contents which are present in tap water. The water supplies from the municipality often undergo treatments like chlorination or fluoridation to achieve a water-free from infections. The ingestion of chlorine and fluorine proves hazardous for people consuming them, and chlorine and fluorine have harmful impacts on health.
Another advantage of rainwater is that it is free of cost, and cost-effective property is the most desirable feature for people. It is easy to store and use for various daily routine works like gardening, laundry, cleaning, etc.
The rainwater adds to health advantages, as it is free from all the Perfluorocarbons which may be present in tap water and are health hazards to a great extent. Polyflurocarbons are toxic substances that may lead to infertility, thyroid dysfunction, cancer and cholesterol problems.
Rainwater is soft as it lacks its minerals and other contents, proving beneficial for your hair and skin. It helps enhance the quality of hairs and skin and helps maintain moisture and promote growth.
Health Disadvantages
Rainwater also beholds several disadvantages like airborne pollutants that can easily flow with the rainwater and pollute the water. The presence of these pollutants makes it unhealthy for consumption. Furthermore, geographical conditions can affect the types of pollutants present in the rainwater. Rainwater is the same as demineralised water, free from health benefits. These minerals help maintain healthy conditions in the body. The increasing population and pollution both exaggerate the ill effects. The rainwater is no more alkaline, which helps maintain health and balance the body’s pH. Acidic rain is more profound at present.
Acid rain not only affects your skin, but consumption can disturb and damage the entire setup inside your body. Acidic water can affect your bone health by enhancing bone resorption and leading to bone-related disorders. In addition, acidic water can elevate the risks of cardiovascular disorders and the formation of free radicals. You are, at this moment, increasing oxidative stress. Acidic water can increase the acidic reflux inside the body, and inflammatory reactions may irritate the stomach lining. The overall performance of the body hampers due to acidic rainwater consumption.
Direct consumption of rainwater is not safe, but filtration and boiling may serve as a gateway to purifying the rainwater. Conservation of our natural resources is essential, and therefore, rainwater harvesting is an intelligent way to conserve water and decrease the enhancing rate of exploitation of water resources.
