Rainwater itself is very pure, but Puretec explains that during collection it becomes contaminated with airborne particles, bacteria and anything on your roof, in your gutters or inside the tank. That means untreated tank water can carry bacteria, sediment, bad tastes and odours. Puretec’s approach is filtration combined with Radfire™ ultraviolet (UV) treatment – for the whole house or just your drinking tap – plus regular tank and system maintenance. Check your state health department’s guidance on rainwater tanks too.
What does rainwater collect along the way?
According to Puretec, leaf matter, rust, dirt and animal droppings all come into contact with rainwater, bringing harmful bacteria, sediment, bad tastes and odours, as well as Giardia. Puretec’s Hybrid E brochure adds bird droppings, dead animals, and traces of pesticides or heavy metals from ageing gutters.
Rainwater also picks up CO2 from the atmosphere and generally has a pH lower than 7. Puretec notes that acidic water may, in extreme cases, begin dissolving copper from pipes, causing green and blue stains on tap fittings, sinks and shower recesses – its NTS series neutralisers use calcium carbonate media to lift the pH.
Filtration and UV options for rainwater
Whole house: Hybrid E series
The Puretec Hybrid E series combines filtration with Radfire™ UV for every tap in the home. Puretec states the range kills up to 99.99% of E. coli, Giardia, bacteria and Cryptosporidium cysts, and filters sediment, taste, odour and colour.
- Hybrid E6 – dual stage, 10″, suits small to medium homes with 1 bathroom.
- Hybrid E7 – dual stage, 20″, suits homes with 2+ bathrooms.
- Hybrid E13 – triple stage with a carbon block that reduces chlorine and chemicals, which Puretec describes as ideal for rains-to-mains switch-over systems.
AMC models add an aluminium protective cover and a 5-year warranty (1 year parts and labour, 4 years parts only; excludes consumables and the RES7 ballast).
Drinking tap only: Hybrid M1
The Hybrid M1 is an under-sink system that connects to your existing mixer tap. Puretec states it uses Radfire™ UV to kill up to 99.9% of bacteria, without chemicals.
Filtration without UV: EM2 series
Puretec’s EM2 dual filter systems reduce sediment, chemicals, taste and odour down to 5 microns. Puretec recommends using them in conjunction with TankSafe™ for bacterial protection.
Looking after your tank
- Keep vermin and pests out. Puretec advises taking precautions to deter small animals and birds from entering the tank, to avoid contamination from faeces or animals becoming trapped.
- Treat stored water. Puretec states TankSafe™ can kill up to 99.9% of germs, bacteria and viruses in stored water, is chlorine free, and protects the tank for up to 2 months. Follow the label directions.
- Maintain your system. Puretec’s Hybrid E information says maintenance is as easy as replacing the UV lamp once a year and periodically cleaning the quartz sleeve.
Puretec strongly encourages confirming your product selection with its team, as a water analysis may be needed to confirm what is in your water.
Installation: connection to your water supply must be carried out by a licensed plumber, and any hard-wired electrical work by a licensed electrician.
Recommended products
- Puretec Hybrid E7 – whole-house dual-stage filtration and UV for rainwater homes with 2+ bathrooms.
- Puretec Hybrid E13 AMC – triple-stage filtration and UV with aluminium cover, suited to rains-to-mains switch-over.
- Puretec Hybrid M1 – under-sink filtration and UV that connects to your existing mixer tap.
- Puretec EM2-60 – dual-stage rainwater filtration; Puretec recommends pairing with TankSafe for bacterial protection.
- Puretec TankSafe 5L – chlorine-free tank treatment that protects stored water for up to 2 months.
- Puretec TankSafe test strips – a 5-pack of rainwater test strips for checking your tank.
Puretec Hybrid E7 E Series
Original price was: $3,425.72.$2,729.00Current price is: $2,729.00. inc GST Add to cartPuretec Hybrid E13AMC E Series
Original price was: $4,717.43.$3,799.00Current price is: $3,799.00. inc GST Add to cartPuretec Hybrid M1 Under Sink Dual Stage Filtration With UV Technology, 1 Micron
Original price was: $1,247.64.$999.00Current price is: $999.00. inc GST Add to cartPuretec EM2-60 Whole House Dual Filtration System
Original price was: $892.43.$769.00Current price is: $769.00. inc GST Add to cartPuretec Tanksafe 5L Water Purification Disinfectant Tk5000
Original price was: $165.97.$138.00Current price is: $138.00. inc GST Add to cart
Frequently asked questions
Can I drink rainwater straight from my tank?
Untreated tank water can contain bacteria, sediment and other contaminants picked up from your roof, gutters and tank. Follow your state health department’s guidance. Puretec designs systems such as the Hybrid E series and Hybrid M1 to treat rainwater with filtration and UV.
Does a sediment or carbon filter kill bacteria?
Puretec’s bacterial protection for rainwater comes from Radfire UV (Hybrid systems) or TankSafe tank treatment. For its EM2 filter-only systems, Puretec recommends TankSafe for bacterial protection.
How long does TankSafe last in the tank?
Puretec states TankSafe will stay in your tank and keep it protected from bacteria and pathogens for up to 2 months. Follow the dosing directions on the label.
Why are there green or blue stains on my taps?
Puretec explains that rainwater generally has a pH lower than 7 and acidic water may dissolve copper from pipes, causing green and blue stains. Its NTS series neutralisers lift the pH using calcium carbonate media.
Related guides: Bacteria, Giardia and Cryptosporidium, Hybrid E and I series maintenance kits, Which water filter do I need?.
Questions? Call or text 0447 203 775 or email [email protected] and we will help you choose.