With all the talk of climate change and water shortages, you may be wondering if it’s safe to drink rainwater.
While there are some risks associated with drinking untreated rainwater, it is generally safe.
Here’s what you need to know about drinking rainwater safely.
Can you drink rainwater?
For many people, drinking rainwater seems odd – why would you want to drink something that’s been sitting around in the sky?
However, rainwater is a very safe and clean water source, as long as it’s collected properly.
In fact, many experts believe that rainwater is better for you than tap water.
What pollutants are in rainwater?
You might think that rainwater is just water, but it can contain pollutants.
These pollutants come from various sources, including factories, automobiles, and even agricultural runoff.
While most of these pollutants are diluted by the rain, they can still risk human health and the environment.
I’ll take a closer look at some of the common pollutants found in rainwater.
Carbon monoxide is a pollutant that comes from car exhaust.
It’s a gas that can’t be seen or smelled, and it’s dangerous because it prevents oxygen from reaching the blood.
High levels of carbon monoxide can be deadly.
While rainwater usually contains only low levels of carbon monoxide, it can be a serious problem in areas with a lot of traffic.
Benzene is another pollutant that can be found in rainwater.
It’s a chemical released from automobiles and factories known to cause cancer.
Benzene levels are usually low in rainwater, but they can be higher in areas with a lot of traffic or industry.
Lead is a metal that can be found in rainwater.
It’s released from factories and automobiles, and it’s known to cause health problems such as brain damage, kidney damage, and cancer.
Lead levels are usually low in rainwater, but they can be higher in areas with a lot of traffic or industry.
So is it safe to drink rainwater?
While there are some risks associated with drinking untreated rainwater, it is generally safe.
Effects on the body from demineralized water
Rainwater is naturally soft water (acid), which means it doesn’t contain the same minerals as hard water.
While this might not seem like a big deal, drinking demineralized water can negatively affect your health.
One of the most common problems associated with demineralized water is dehydration.
When you drink demineralized water, your body loses water faster than it can replace it.
This can lead to dehydration, which can cause various problems, including headaches, fatigue, and dizziness.
Another problem associated with demineralized water is leaching minerals from your body.
When you drink demineralized water, your body loses essential minerals such as calcium, magnesium, and potassium.
Losing these minerals can harm your health and lead to osteoporosis, muscle cramps, and heart problems.
So if you’re looking for a healthy water source, you might want to stick with tap water.
Drinking rainwater in case of emergency?
Suppose you’re ever in a situation where you need emergency water. In that case, you might be wondering if it’s safe to drink rainwater.
The answer is yes – in most cases, rainwater is perfectly safe to drink.
However, there are a few things you should keep in mind before guzzling down gallons of water from the sky.
Here’s what you need to know about drinking rainwater in an emergency:
- Make sure the water is clean. Boil it before drinking if you’re collecting rainwater from a river or stream.
- Avoid areas with a lot of pollution. Rainwater can pick up pollutants from factories, automobiles, and even agricultural runoff.
- Drink only what you need. While rainwater is safe to drink, it can still contain pollutants.
So if you’re ever in a situation where you need emergency water, be sure to follow these tips to stay safe.
How to collect rainwater while you are hiking?
If you’re planning on hiking in an area where there is no safe water to drink, you can collect rainwater to drink.
You will need a container that can hold the water to do this.
You can use a clean plastic bottle or a metal canteen.
Before hiking, clean your container with soap and water and rinse it well.
When you’re ready to collect the rainwater, put your container in an open area where it will be able to catch the rain.
Boil it before drinking if you’re collecting rainwater from a river or stream.
So if you’re out on a hike and run out of clean water, don’t be afraid to take a sip of the rain!
How to filter the rainwater and drink it?
If you’re out on a hike and you see a stream or river, it’s tempting to take a drink.
After all, who doesn’t enjoy a cold beverage on a hot day?
However, if you’re not careful, the water in those sources could make you sick.
I’ll teach you how to filter the rainwater and drink it safely while on a hike:
- Look for a high spot to collect the water. Try to find an area that’s higher than the surrounding landscape. This will help you avoid collecting polluted water from the ground. Cows and other animals often defecate in low-lying areas, so it’s best to avoid those.
- Collect the water in a clean container. Make sure your container is free of dirt and other contaminants.
- Use a water filter. If you have a water filter, use it to remove any impurities from the water. I recommend a filter that removes protozoa, bacteria, and viruses.
- Purify the water. If you don’t have a filter, you can purify the water by boiling it for at least one minute.
- Let the water cool before drinking. Once the water has been boiled or filtered, let it cool before drinking. Hot water can cause stomach problems.
By following these tips, you can enjoy the beauty of nature while staying safe and healthy.
So next time you’re out on a hike, remember to filter the rainwater before drinking it.
My experience drinking mountain spring water
When I first started hiking, I always took at least 1.5 L of water and managed it well.
But with the increasing length of the hikes, I quickly ran out of water.
Especially in midsummer, I drink around the 5 liters of water over the day.
To carry 2 liters every time was and is not an option.
Therefore, I bought an active carbon filter to filter any water before.
But I have also often drunk unfiltered water in the mountains and never had any problems.
The only important thing is running water and not stagnant water.
Also, I only drink water from higher altitudes, where there is no cattle breeding, to avoid diseases.
Happy hiking!