Rainwater refers only to the rain that falls on the roof. The quality of rainwater is higher, not coming into as much contact with contaminants such as soil and garden fertilisers. Stormwater is still rainwater, but it has been drained off a land area, directed through gutters and downpipes while coming in contact with roads, driveways, footpaths and lawns. 

No, rainwater is non-potable. Rainwater, while generally cleaner than stormwater can still contain pollutants from the air and animals as well as chemicals and bacteria. We recommend using your harvested rainwater for uses such as gardening, car washing and filling up swimming pools.

Water pollutants vary depending on the catchment you live in and where your water is landing. Urban developments, roofs, pathways and gardens are all home to different nasties. The main pollutants that land up in harvested water are:

• Chemicals, such as fertilisers, metals and pesticides
• Litter, such as cigarettes and plastic
• Natural pollution, such as leaves and animal droppings
• Salts and acids 
• Pathogens, such as viruses and bacteria