The move follows alarm over the safety of the Island's traditional water supply.

"Under normal circumstances the water is completely satisfactory,'' said Government environmental health officer Mr. Patrick Mayers.

This week The Royal Gazette reported that Bermuda's rainwater was losing popularity to imported bottled water.

Supermarkets have enjoyed a boom in demand for imported brands.

It is thought some shoppers may have reacted to news stories about water quality.

Yesterday Mr. Mayers said he had been contacted by several residents worried about rainwater. Concern was expressed over roof paints, concrete water tanks and filters.

Mr. Mayers said alarm over rainwater was unjustified, although certain measures should be taken to safeguard quality.

About 95 percent of Bermuda's needs are met through rainwater in roof gutterings, he said.

"Rainwater when collected in an atmosphere free from smoke and industrial gases is the purest of natural waters,'' he said.

"If caught on a clean, impervious surface, the impurities gathered are negligible from a sanitary standpoint.'' Mr. Mayers said the Health Department has a list of suitable paints for water catch surfaces.

He added tanks were normally built from concrete, and were part of the foundation of the buildings.

"Tanks should be adequately ventilated but all openings should be tightly screened to exclude mosquitoes ,'' he said. "Also covers and overflow pipes should be constructed so as to prevent the entrance of any surface water.'' Mr. Mayers said small fish could be used to eat up insects and that tanks should be cleaned at least once every six years.

Mr. Mayers said water bacteria could be removed from chlorine.

Anyone needing help on treating water can contact a Department of Health inspector on 236-0224, ext. 218/9.