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While I don't disagree with Matt's reply, I think we're talking about relatively small differences in water sources. Any water that you can drink will be OK for your plants. Hard water will contribute to calcium deposits on your pots and that white residue on the leaves, but since we water by complete flushing from top to bottom, relatively little mineral build up is likely in the soil. Chlorine is not great for any living thing (that's why it's used), but at the amounts present in treated municipal water, it won't harm your plants. I've heard of people using bottled water, even distilled water, but in my opinion that's major overkill. Rainwater is probably better, marginally, but I wouldn't spend extra on bottled water.

As an aside, not all bottled water is alike. Some brands have more minerals and contaminants than your tap water.

Brian

8-Nov-2003	#4
BrianBay9 Trunk Collector Join Date: Sep-2003 Location: Loveland, CO Country: USA USDA Zone: 4 or 5? AHS Heat Zone: ? Posts: 1,363	While I don't disagree with Matt's reply, I think we're talking about relatively small differences in water sources. Any water that you can drink will be OK for your plants. Hard water will contribute to calcium deposits on your pots and that white residue on the leaves, but since we water by complete flushing from top to bottom, relatively little mineral build up is likely in the soil. Chlorine is not great for any living thing (that's why it's used), but at the amounts present in treated municipal water, it won't harm your plants. I've heard of people using bottled water, even distilled water, but in my opinion that's major overkill. Rainwater is probably better, marginally, but I wouldn't spend extra on bottled water. As an aside, not all bottled water is alike. Some brands have more minerals and contaminants than your tap water. Brian __________________ There's a difference between taking your art seriously, and taking yourself too seriously.