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Midwest

I've got this 55 gal plastic garbage can, filled to overflowing with water from the spikit. I filled it about four weeks ago - late April... I was wondering if it is ok to use in my patch? It's not taken over by algae yet. But, there's some algae in there that I can see. And, there's some stuff like bugs and grass cuttings but most the water is clear.
I want to 'save the rain' for the patch. Thanks everyone! Greg

5/31/2007 2:11:07 PM

Owensboro, Ky.

Greg, depends if yer city (spikit) water was treated with chlorine or choramine...call yer city water dept and ask....chlorine gasses off in about 24 hrs. ,,,chloramine doesnt. Or so I have read. I use city water, after 24 hrs in tanks, on a gravity fed system, refilled and used every day. 4 55 gal barrels. My city uses chlorine, which gasses off. Using it on a regular basis, and dark colored barrels, I dont have a algae problem, after 4 weeks, I would use an open ended hose the first time around. Lots of stuff can grow or collect in the tank. Hope this helps. Peace, Wayne

5/31/2007 10:08:57 PM

Midwest

Thanks Wayne. We get water from Chicago. I think they use chlorine. My village sent out a complete water analysis in their newsletter and I saved it. Now, I got to find it. You don't think the water contains some bad 'bacteria' or something like that?

6/1/2007 8:14:36 AM

Cottage Grove, MN

Wouldn't algae and other micro growth be good? I have an array of 6-55 gal barrels tied to my gutters, depending on how often I use the water they do grow algae. Should I be concerned putting this on the punks?

6/1/2007 10:49:33 AM

President - GPC

ALgae blooms would be consuming the nitrates in the water removing some contaminants. I wouldnt worry about using it as a drench.

6/1/2007 11:48:55 AM

Ctpumpkin@optonline.net

The water is fine. Use it. Chlorine would have been gone a few hours after the water was drawn. Chloramine will be destroyed by soil organisms. Algea wouldn't upset the apple cart either. The bugs are probably mosquito larvae so getting rid of them would be a wise move.

6/1/2007 3:02:16 PM

Midwest

That's great! I'm hoping this aged water will help the plant grow!
Thanks everyone!
Greg

6/5/2007 2:54:14 PM