The answer depends entirely on the type of tank. Drinking water from various tanks carries significantly different risks.
Rainwater Tanks
Rainwater stored in a tank can be safe to drink, but only if proper precautions are taken. As stated in multiple sources (Team Poly Water, Healthed.govt.nz), ensuring the system uses food-grade materials and is properly maintained is crucial. This includes regular cleaning and potential filtration to remove contaminants.
- Safe Materials: The tank, pipes, and collection system must be made of materials that won't leach harmful chemicals into the water.
- Proper Maintenance: Regular cleaning and disinfection are essential to prevent the growth of harmful bacteria and algae.
- Filtration: A filter can remove sediment and other impurities.
Fish Tank Water
Drinking water from a fish tank is strongly discouraged. As noted on Reddit (r/aquarium), this water contains dissolved organics, bacteria, and pathogens, making it unsafe for consumption. While theoretically possible in a life-threatening dehydration scenario, it’s far from ideal and poses significant health risks.
Other Water Tanks (e.g., Boat, Storage Tanks)
The safety of drinking water from other types of tanks depends heavily on the tank's contents, materials, and maintenance history. Without knowing the specifics, it's impossible to say definitively. Contamination, bacterial growth, and chemical leaching are all potential concerns. It's generally best to assume that water from these sources is unsafe for consumption unless you can definitively prove otherwise through testing.
Conclusion
Always prioritize using safe, potable water sources for drinking. Never consume water from an unknown source without testing and proper treatment.
