Can roof water be made potable (suitable for people to drink) by a slow sand filter?
4,14,15,16,17,18,19,20,21 Under some conditions – possibly – but EXERCISE EXTREME CAUTION. Before doing anything with water from a roof surface have the surface material tested for asbestos. Roofing applied before 1980 may have asbestos embeded in it. Do not drink or even use water taken from this type of roof – asbestos is a known cancer causing material. If the roofing has asbestos in it DO NOT USE THE RUNOFF FROM IT FOR ANYTHING, and note there is likely asbestos in the soil around the house if there are any areas of damage on the roof. Composition roofing installed by reputable contractors after 1980 will probalbly not contain asbestos, as it was banned from use after 1980 in the U.S. . Do not drink water taken from cedar shake roofs under any circumstances – there are naturally occurring tannins in cedar which can be harmful18. In addition to tannins, manufactured cedar shakes contain added wood preservatives, (some of which contain arsenic, copper, and other powerful poisons) tha
4,14,15,16,17,18,19,20,21 Under some conditions – possibly – but EXERCISE EXTREME CAUTION. If there are racoons present, keep in mind that they carry roundworms (Baylisascaris procyonis) that produce millions of tiny eggs which are deadly if ingested by humans.43, 44, 45 Although infection is rare, it has happened and there is no cure. The eggs are 50 microns in size, so most commercial water filters will remove them easily. A properly operating slow sand filter should be able to remove them. The best action is to consider water from a roof off limits until the entire area is decontaminated and the racoons are permentantly removed from the area. Before doing anything more with water from a roof surface, have the surface material tested for asbestos. Roofing applied before 1980 may have asbestos embeded in it. Do not drink or even use water taken from this type of roof – asbestos is a known cancer causing material. If the roofing has asbestos in it DO NOT USE THE RUNOFF FROM IT FOR ANYT
