Is it safe to use rainwater as an ingredient versus tap water - or even cooking things in it like pasta? Would there be any differences in measurements or cooking times - the thought being that there are no chemicals in it versus Tap Water?
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Keep in mind that tap water is tested to ensure it's safe for human consumption. Rainwater has no such requirement. While rainwater seems to be a happy-fuzzy natural resource, I'd like to stress that this could be a serious safety issue. Yes, it seems unlikely, but you need an authority who knows their water. I suggest seeking out a professional opinion on how to properly filter rainwater. Possibly from the people who handle your municipal water supply. |
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You really need to filter it first. If you wouldn't drink it, don't cook with it (also good advice re: wine). There seem to be sources on the internet regarding how to make rainwater drinkable, so I would start there. (example: http://www.rain-barrel.net/drinking-rainwater.html) If you're already drinking your rainwater, and haven't died yet, it's probably safe to cook with. If you're planning on using it as an ingredient in baking, or any dish where the pH is critical, you may want to actually test the pH of the water you're putting in and try to balance the recipe accordingly (substitute some baking soda for baking powder, for example). |
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As long as you don't live in an area with bad acid rain, and you are catching it in a sanitary container without running it through gross gutters etc, it would be fine. |
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Rainwater, straight out of the sky, is generally safe, with some caveats depending on the location. For example, in a polluted area, it's probably not a good idea. The 2 biggest issues are primarily how it's collected and how it's stored. Collection and storage are where rainwater can easily become contaminated by either chemical pollutants or biological pathogens. So, if you want to replace your tap water with rainwater, it'll take an investment in sanitary collection and storage devices/methods. BTW. On desert hiking trips I have used rainwater collected from a tarp dripping into a pan and then filtered through a bandanna to remove dust. I had no worries since the terrestrial sources were questionable. |
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I would happily drink rain water in any amount, in most situations. But how that rainwater is collected and stored is a big deal. For example:
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As long as there hasn't been a recent chemical, biological, or nuclear attack you should be fine. Acid rain shouldn't be much of a problem since it's only slightly more acidic than regular rainfall (which is already acidic). |
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It is safe to use water from streams, rivers, and lakes in the US (not including those affected by nuclear power plants) if you boil the water to a rolling boil and keep it there for 3 minutes first. This kills bacteria which commonly live in bodies of water. Rain water is unlikely to have giardia living in it, unlike streams, but sources indicate that it may contain some bacteria depending on the collection method. Therefore keeping your rain water at a rolling boil at a minimum for safety purposes. Note that at least one scientist from Argonne National Labs also recommends filtering, but several others on the same site indicate that rain water should be perfectly safe. Does this question mean we will shortly see rainwater cooked meals infiltrating the trendiest restaurants? |
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