Managing potential pathogens in stored rainwater using small-scale in-situ electrochemical activation

Rainwater can be a lifeline for many people who do not have piped water supplies, experience dry seasons, or live-in fresh water scarce areas. The quality of stored rainwater can deteriorate over time, due to increasing concentrations of contaminants. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of ECA time of a small-scale in-situ electrochemical cell at reducing naturally occurring microbial load within 100L rainwater storage tanks. Biological parameters were monitored throughout activation periods. ECA times of the 100L rainwater storage tanks were 8, 12 and 168 hours. All activation periods saw a significant reduction in total viable bacteria and total coliforms [TCs], in comparison to starting densities and control tanks (no treatment). This proof-of-concept study demonstrated that a small-scale in-situ ECA unit could mitigate preventable disease (e.g. diarrhoea) by improving stored rainwater quality through the reduction of indicator pathogenic species [e.g. TCs].