Stormwater harvesting carries some risks, primarily related to water quality and health concerns. Since stormwater can pick up pollutants like oil, chemicals, heavy metals, and bacteria as it flows over urban surfaces, it may contain harmful contaminants that pose health risks if not properly treated. Improperly stored stormwater can also become a breeding ground for mosquitoes and other pests if the system is not designed with adequate safeguards.
There are also concerns about the clogging or failure of filtration systems, which could allow contaminants to reach storage tanks. Inadequate maintenance of storage tanks and filtration systems can lead to bacterial growth and foul odors, reducing the water quality. In some cases, heavy metals or other persistent pollutants can accumulate over time, making treatment more challenging. Regularly monitoring, filtering, and treating stormwater before use can reduce these riskss. This is especially important for purposes like irrigation or industrial applications.
