As a domain expert in environmental science and public health, I can provide you with an informed perspective on the safety of drinking pure rainwater.

Rainwater, in its purest form, is generally considered safe to drink. However, the term "pure" is somewhat ambiguous because it can refer to water that is free from contaminants or simply water that has not been chemically treated or filtered by humans. In nature, rainwater can pick up various contaminants as it falls through the atmosphere, such as dust, pollen, and even pollutants from industrial emissions or agricultural runoff. These contaminants can make the rainwater less safe for consumption without proper treatment.

Moreover, once rainwater collects in a container or a natural body of water like a pond, it can become a breeding ground for microorganisms, including bacteria, viruses, and protozoa, which can cause illness if ingested. Additionally, if the collection system is not properly maintained, it can introduce further contamination.

To make rainwater safe for drinking, it is often necessary to treat it. This can involve processes such as filtration, which removes particulate matter, and disinfection, which kills or inactivates harmful microorganisms. Boiling is a common method of disinfection and is effective for killing most pathogens.

In summary, while pure rainwater in an uncontaminated environment may be safe to drink, it is often not "pure" by the time it reaches the ground or a collection point. Therefore, treating the water before consumption is recommended to ensure safety.

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It is possible, therefore, for us to drink untreated rainwater. This is because rainwater is pure, distilled water evaporated from the sun - nothing else. However, when rainwater falls from the sky, substances from the air and land melt into the rainwater. ... This water (groundwater) is relatively safe for drinking.read more >>