Does anyone think that this is a little silly? Are you going to filter the bath water you bathe your newborn baby in? The issues with the hose is a valid point, as is the filtering of tap water, but rainwater would be absolutely safe to give birth in. Kaytee, there is only an issue with tank water if it has been tainted and you would know that because it would smell and taste bad. The muck in the bottom of the tanks is only an issue if the water is disturbed. We have been using the tanks on our place for over 11 years now and not once have we cleaned them out. Not once have any of my newborns had any problems from being exposed to this water.

and not only that, as soon as you get in the water yourself the water is immediately unclean. Then you might poo or wee in it during labour, so it all sounds a little bit silly really.