Basic Rainwater Tank Water Test

A simple baseline & faecal contamination check for households drinking rainwater.

Rainwater tanks can create ideal conditions for bacterial growth when organic matter (leaves, dust, droppings) sits in warm, still water with limited sunlight or oxygen movement. Poor design or maintenance also allows chemicals and metals from roofs, ash, and dust to accumulate, meaning water can look clear but still be unsafe.

This basic water indicator test is designed to answer the primary question most rainwater tank households ask us:

“Is my tank water safe to drink right now?”

This analysis targets the primary microbial indicators referenced in the Australian Drinking Water Guidelines (ADWG) to screen rainwater systems for evidence of faecal contamination.

What’s included:

1. Microbial indicators

Routinely used to assess potential faecal contamination in rainwater tanks:

• E. coli
  
• Enterococci
  

2. Core water characteristics

Help describe the general chemistry and behaviour of your tank water:

• pH
  
• Hardness
  

3. Major minerals

• Calcium
• Magnesium
• Potassium
• Sodium
  

What you get:

• Official Certificate Of Analysis by a NATA-Accredited Laboratory
• Results Summary including fact-sheets & guides on interpreting your results
• Access to non-biased filter, water treatment and other water product recommendations tailored to your specific results.

Who this test is best suited for:

• Households drinking from a rainwater tank
  
• New homeowners using tank water for the first time
  
• Tank owners seeking reassurance or a baseline
  
• Testing after heavy rainfall, flooding, drought, or bushfire

The test provides a clear, point-in-time snapshot of key microbial indicators and core water performance within your tank water.

Clear Signal
Results are reported as a straightforward Detection or Non-Detection for each indicator, consistent with how these parameters are referenced in the ADWG so it's clear what your results mean. 

Contextual Interpretation
Under the Australian Drinking Water Guidelines, the detection of E. coli is recognised as an indicator of potential faecal contamination. This result highlights a condition that warrants further consideration in line with public health guidance.

Standards-Based Reporting
Rather than presenting raw laboratory data alone, results are reported in reference to nationally recognised guideline values to help households understand how their sample compares to established microbial benchmarks at the time of testing.

*This is not a full chemical or environmental investigation.

What this test helps you understand:

• Whether key microbial indicators associated with faecal contamination are present or absent
  
• How your rainwater compares to Australian Drinking Water Guidelines health values for selected indicators
  
• Whether your results are broadly consistent with typical rainwater tank profiles
  
• Whether immediate follow-up actions such as filtration, tank cleaning or further testing is required. 
  

For many households, this test provides sufficient clarity and reassurance at a point in time.

Why we assess rainwater against Australian Drinking Water Guidelines:

The Australian Drinking Water Guidelines (ADWG) provide nationally recognised reference values used to assess drinking water quality in Australia.

• By testing selected indicators against these benchmarks, this assessment helps you:
• Interpret results using established reference values
  
• Understand how your rainwater compares to commonly accepted health and aesthetic limits set for at  risk or young children impacted the most by contamination.
  
• Establish a baseline for future or seasonal comparison
  

How customers typically use these results:

Customers commonly use this test to:

• Confirm whether key microbial indicators are detected or absent
  
• Decide whether basic maintenance (e.g. tank inspection or cleaning) may be warranted
  
• Establish a reference point for future testing

If results indicate microbial detections ADWG suggest to stop drinking from the source immediately, and choose bottled or boil-water for drinking until the contamination is no longer present. If results fall within expected ranges, retesting is typically only considered every 6+ months, unless circumstances change. 

How this test fits within our testing range:

Basics
Is my tank water fundamentally safe to drink right now?

Essentials
Detailed indicators aligned to ADWG, most common for understanding your water quality for the first time, deciding if/what filtration option is most suitable based on your needs.

Essentials Plus
A complete tank water system health test including indicators relevant to filter performance and selection plus a wide chemical analysis. 

Note: If you suspect your property has been affected by nearby farming, pesticides, fertiliser or PFAS (firefighting foam, waterproofing sprays) or other contamination - please get in touch and we can discuss specialty testing add-ons that may be applicable to your situation and location. 

The Essential test is intentionally focused on initial safety assessment. Broader testing options are available where deeper investigation is required.

Certified Lab-Results & Turnaround times:

• Testing performed by NATA-accredited laboratories
  
• Clear, plain-English digital Results Summary
  
• Typical turnaround: 5–7 business days from sample receipt.

If you need your results sooner, we can expedite your results with a 24hr turnaround time. Fees and surcharges apply.

Important to know:

• Results reflect the condition of the water at the time of collection
  
• Rainwater quality can change due to weather, system condition, and usage patterns
  
• This test requires strict processing and handling requirements, so following instructions for successful sample and delivery is required.

This test is designed to inform understanding, not replace professional, medical, or engineering advice.

Need more detail?

If you’re seeking:

• A broader chemical profile
• Investigation of contributing factors
• Testing for specific environmental concerns
  

Additional testing options are available.

For help choosing the right level of testing, or prefer to chat contact: support@mywaterscore.com.au

Regulatory & use disclaimer

This test assesses selected indicators only. It does not assess all possible contaminants or determine water suitability for all individuals or uses. Results should be interpreted in context and do not constitute medical, health, or engineering advice.