Rainwater collected from rooftops across Antigua and Barbuda is contaminated and must be treated before consumption, a public health specialist has warned.
According to Antigua Observer, Lionel Michael, a public health and environmental health specialist with extensive experience in water and wastewater management, cautioned residents that what many commonly refer to as "good water" is far from safe in its raw, collected form.
Michael's advisory raises serious concerns for the many households across the twin-island nation that rely on rooftop rainwater collection as a primary or supplementary water source, particularly during periods of drought or limited pipe-borne water supply.
The specialist stressed that rooftop collection systems are susceptible to a range of contaminants, including debris, bird droppings, algae, and other pollutants that accumulate on roof surfaces before being washed into storage tanks during rainfall.
As reported by Antigua Observer, Michael urged members of the public to treat all rooftop-collected rainwater prior to use, emphasizing that the risks associated with consuming untreated water include exposure to harmful bacteria and other pathogens that can cause serious illness.
The warning serves as a timely reminder for residents to review their household water storage and treatment practices, and to consult public health guidelines to ensure the safety of their water supply.
