Tank water or town Water

[bleeding green]

As I have the option for both just wondering what would be the best option to use. The water supply I have hooked up into the aviary (just taps so far, but will eventaully be auto watering system) is tank water. I have been using that but now I'm unsure if that is the best option.
My water tanks collect off the roof and hold 8000lt. They feed our toilets and washing machine (cold only) and a couple of outdoor taps we use once in a while to hose balcony / patio. It has a failry decent turn over and doesn't really sit still for too long. Without rain it would probably last 8 weeks (??). Tanks are in a room which is off the back of my garage under the house. There is a window and concrete floor but they are out of direct sunlight.

Town water is just that, I have no idea what's in it but it must be OK to drink.

What do you think is best, is it easy enough to test the water for any bacteria or pathogens that would be harmful to the birds, and can I add anything to the tanks to make them safer?

[Jayburd]

I mentioned in another topic the values of using rainwater over tap water. will try and find the link

[Myzomela]

There is no doubt birds prefer the taste of tank water.

However, there is a risk of introducing disease depending on your local rainfall patterns, environmental pollutants, and the number of wild birds that hang around your roof- not to mention the condition of your rainwater tanks.

The best option, if you can afford it, is to filter the rainwater or use a UV or ozone sterilizer.

I know plenty of breeders who will say they have been using tank water for years with no problems, but I know of several outbreaks of bacterial and parasitic diseases traced directly back to tank water.

Personally, I'd use the tank water but filter it.

[VR1Ton]

Pure rain water, particularly in extended periods of rain actually has little to no mineral content. Even though the grass seems to grow better & greener after rain, this is due to atmospheric nitrogen gas, as well as others in smaller concentrations, & once it has raind for a while, the gas exchange between the atmospheric gasses & the rain is reduced, diluting the mineral content of the runoff water. Ground water, town or bore water, has a higher concentation of minerals, but the obvious drawbacks of chlorine, chloramine & what ever else has been added to "make it safe". So in essence, a combination of both would prove more benificial than either on their own. This also applies to fish & plants.

[Jayburd]

I agree with you VR1, but it has been recorded that finches do find rainwater a stimulant to breed if given tap water previously.

[bleeding green]

By saying a combination of both I take you mean alternating the use?
The idea that bacteria can enter my tank from air borne pollutants landing on my roof needs to be taken into consideration. How can I test my tank water, can I buy something that allows me to test it myself or do I need to take a sample somewhere?
and with a filter, what kind of dollars are we talking and who would I talk to about that?

Thanks for the info so far.

[jusdeb]

you can also get a diverter of sorts that diverts the first 10 minutes of rain away from the tank so the roof and gutters get a flush out before water is directed into the tank .

[bleeding green]

Good point deb. I had one of these in my first house. The system I had was a simple idea with the ball which rose when the first bit of pipe filled up. But because it only has a small hole at the bottom to release that first flush slowly it would always clog and caused problems.

[Diane]

Those diverters are really needed too. I spent a bit of time up a ladder recently when hubby was fixing the air con. The stuff in the gutters dust, bird poop the odd leaf or two and creepy crawlies, and they say tank water is good for you. Even with the filter on the tank I dont think I would be drinking it.

[BENSONSAN]

what about someone like myself who usually constantly uses chlorhexadine in the water? Should i at least give them a break from the chlorhexadine? its just after using it i never have a bird get sick...touch wood.

What do you guys rekon am i doing long term damage to erm?