From

Location

Message

Date Posted

Santa Cruz, CA

How important is a water test? A farmer out our way said after the soils test a water test is just as important. Do most pumpkin growers test their water?

1/18/2006 1:48:53 AM

Western NY

i have never tested mine, but i can see where it may be a concern if you're having problems. the 2 main things to look for are the pH and salt content.

1/18/2006 8:26:50 AM

Ontario, Canada.

I've tested mine several times and found that high ph is hindering my growing efforts.

1/18/2006 5:32:27 PM

Santa Cruz, CA

Where did you send your water to that needed testing?

1/18/2006 6:46:54 PM

Indiana

It may just be around here but isn't most well/city water high in pH. The well water gets hi pH from the rock it filters thru and usually city water has a artificially high pH to keep from corroding pipes. im not positive on that second thought there but it seems like I read that somwhere....???

1/18/2006 11:00:09 PM

Santa Cruz, CA

I did call our city water department today and they said the pH in our water it 7. Should I be concerned? Do I need to do something or is that ok? My soils test this past fall put my pH at 6.1. Where is ideal pH again?

The city water department also sent me their water report. Unfortunately, I don't know how to read it and will need to get help from them tomorrow.

1/19/2006 1:23:48 AM

Utah

7 is where you want your water to be. 7 is neutral.

lower than 7 is acidic- acid side.
higher than 7 is basic- alkaline- base side.

http://encarta.msn.com/media_461534810/pH_Scale_Some_Common_Solutions.html

generally growers want their soil between 6 and 7.

1/19/2006 9:15:24 AM

San Diego

our water ph is san diego is 8, and it didn't seem to affect my growth at all, so I wouldn't be overly concerned.

1/19/2006 12:31:58 PM

Springfield, VT

I can only speak for New England area the water typically comes out of the ground with low ph levels. State water regulations require that the ph is adjusted to reduce leaching of lead out of piping joints and corrosion control. The ph is usually adjusted to 7 or a little above. The standard chemical used for raising ph is pottassium hydroxide (KOH). More chemicals are added if the water is treated the last iron/manganese sand filter water treatment design I worked on the plant used KMnO4 (potassium permanganate), Alum, NaOCl (chlorine), KOH in the treatment process. Therefore I would suggest that you talk to your local water department to find out what you may be adding in minute quantities to your patch.

1/19/2006 1:12:37 PM