I believe this has probably been addressed already but I can’t find a specific thread for it. We have roof run-off water collection barrels we have been using to collect rainwater for the garden. Recently- while cleaning the gutters- husband realized that the way the gutters are connected- water from the part of the roof with the chimney, with lead flashing, was part of the water collected. He can certainly redo the gutter “route” to include only parts of the roof that are not connected to the chimney-roof but what about what we have already used? I know it would be fine for flushing- but would it be ok for washing clothes? How about dishes? For that matter- how about contact with my hands? We have asphalt shingles. Do those pose a problem beyond the possible lead issue?
The solubility of lead and it’s oxides in rainwater depends to a large extent on the pH of the rainwater. There are two major sources of acid in runoff water- fossil fuel emissions and plant matter. The reduction in basic particulate emissions is shown to increase the acidity of rainwater over the last 30 years. If your roof has significant deposits of leaves, esp oaks, the presence of lead in your runoff water is likely. I suggest that you have it tested for lead to determine the likelihood of contamination. The problem with lead ingestion is that like other heavy metals the exposure is cumulative; the body has no good mechanism to excrete lead, so it stays in the body.
As a bullet caster and shooter I am extremely careful about lead exposure and get blood tests regularly for blood lead levels.
As regards the asphalt roof, IMO the risk there is less, but not zero.
My plan is to use my rainwater for flushing only and to use filtered potable water for all other uses. THis is probably overconservative, but I do tend that way. <grin>
Cinda, You are correct to be concerned about this. We purchased a Big Berkey water filter using four Black Berkey filters. According to everything we researched, and we had direct communications with the manufacturer on the topic, the Black Berkey filters will reduce lead and other heavy metals to virtually indetectable levels. The other advantages of Big Berkey is that the filters only need to be replaced every 15,000–30,000 gallons (need to clean them, but process is easy), and, in addition to filtering things such as heavy metals, it also filters other nasties such as crytosporidium (sp?) and ghiardia.
I have a friend who owns a water testing company. I am going to collect water samples from both our marsh and our roof, filter them, and have him run water quality tests on both the before and after samples just for our own knowledge. I will post back here when I have the results. It probably won’t be for a couple weeks though.
Thanks to both of you- we will have the collected water tested. We have a small filter on the kitchen tap, but I don’t know how much of the nasties it really filters. Will have to research. I like what I’ve read of the Berkeys, but haven’t talked husband into one yet. They are expensive and there are so many other things we need and though he is on board- he has trouble believing the town water may stop flowing. Have to break him in a bit at a time to the really “big” issues. You know how it goes - But Hon- if the grid goes down…..- “well they have generators” and what do generators run on? “ gas” and can you pump gas with no electricity? “well….no” So I’m working on it.
In another thread, a poster told of dogs dying after drinking runoff from a brand new roof, but someone said that an older roof is probably safer (the asphalt dries out or seals in the sun?). Don’t remember any test results, though.
Cinda, Explain (and there’s other threads on this here on the wiki) that even if the water doesn’t stop flowing out of your tap, treatment plants are almost guaranteed to run out of chlorine to treat the water. In fact, he could call the town and ask how mmuch they have on hand.
Berkeys are not cheap, but water is a first line issue. Without it, you’re sunk, even if you have loads and loads of food. I found my Berkey at www.h2ofilters.com. Great service, best price, and I have no connection to them whatsoever. If you order, make sure you verify you are getting Black Berkey. I didn’t know enough at the time to do this and had to exchange. Gotta run to my son’s game. Will check back later to see if you have other questions.
Closed to Increase Forum speed