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Buffalo,Minnesota

Just wondering if using city water will have any negative affects on my growth. Or does the soil filter out all the junk they add to make water safe to drink?

4/29/2003 12:50:06 AM

Western Pa.

I personally don't trust our city water, but if you must, use it. Be sure to check the water's PH. Fred Calai checked his a few years back and it was somewhere around 12! (Since then he collects rain water in old swimming pools.)

4/29/2003 9:14:31 AM

Utah

YIKES ! sounds a little high. some cities water can be pretty bad but 12 would put it on the pH scale between ammonia (11.5) and bleach (12.6). I guess you'd never have excess stomach acid. :)

4/29/2003 5:28:15 PM

Ctpumpkin@optonline.net

12 will kill you. Me thinks something is not entirely accurate here.

4/29/2003 9:15:57 PM

Utah

... I know my water has a high pH for water.... most all water in this area does... I'm not sure what the number is... I'll call and ask the water dept today and ask.
city water most always has some clorine added to it. The amount is small... but does that have an effect on our plants... ? I'm sure we could find people to argue both sides but I think the answer is that no one knows for sure.

4/30/2003 8:41:45 AM

Western Pa.

Sorry, I was wrong. I just found and re-read Fred's journal and his PH wasn't 12. It was actually 12.4!

4/30/2003 8:49:37 AM

Chico, Ca

When municpalities chloronate water it is with a gaseous form of chlorine. If you hold it in barrel for a few days open to the air the chlorine will evaporate out of the solution.Sunlight will also break down the chlorine bond.
We use UV lights to neutralize chlorine in water used for the commercial brewing of beer.If your water ph is 7.5 pH or higher the use of an acid would help lower pH, solublizes salts, and would cause the chlorine to turn gaseous again. If you are looking to try acid additions it is very important to wear personal protective equipment with a full face shield and do so outside with good ventilation.Phosphoric acid would be the best to use.

ONE last thing... If you do not know your way around chemicals then find a friend who does or really read up on things before you try anything. be safe.

Robert

4/30/2003 1:10:08 PM

Western Pa.

Some AG growers that use pond water will be expirimenting with UV lights to kill any harmful bacteria or viruses this year. Now, tell us more about the beer, I'd be willing to help "sample"!

4/30/2003 2:15:19 PM