Water: Rain, Snow, Pond/Stream

[Tri_Cho_Me]

Happy Monday!

Wanted to propose a question to the group out of curiosity.
I of course have tap water, and have researched enough to understand pH, nutrients, etc.

Has anyone ever thought of using natural forms of water for their indoor grows? I am thinking of collecting rain water, snow in the winter, or even pond/stream water.

Obviously I would still need to check the pH of them all, but does anyon have any thoughts or recommendations? I am thinking of the cost savings as well as organic side of it.

With the pond water, I would obviously need to make sure no run off was affecting the source such as farm chemicals and pesticide. Other than that, anything I would need to watch out for? Would the natural pond water act as nutrients at all?

Thanks for your tips, tricks and suggestions!

Tri_Cho_Me

 

[RockinRobot]

IMHO. If you want the most control over your indoor grow then you want to use RO water. You at never sure what is in any other water source.

 

[Tri_Cho_Me]

IMHO. If you want the most control over your indoor grow then you want to use RO water. You at never sure what is in any other water source.

Unfortunately I do not have access to RO water.

 

[chronosync]

Rain water can be great, depends on where you live and what it lands on. Cities with lots if smog obv. you wouldnt want to. I live in a rural/suburban area and my rain reads at around 12ppm @ 6ish if I remember correct. Perfect for hydro.

Pond water idk....

 

[Tri_Cho_Me]

Rain water can be great, depends on where you live and what it lands on. Cities with lots if smog obv. you wouldnt want to. I live in a rural/suburban area and my rain reads at around 12ppm @ 6ish if I remember correct. Perfect for hydro.

Pond water idk....

Thanks for your two cents!

 

[RockinRobot]

Unfortunately I do not have access to RO water.

You can pick up a 50-100g/day RO unit for around $150. Well worth it in the long run.

 

[Gry]

You might do a little better with this issue in the outdoor growing section.

 

[Tri_Cho_Me]

You might do a little better with this issue in the outdoor growing section.

Good point, but probably a toss up since I'm growing indoors.

 

[MJPassion]

Your best source is rain/snow with the stream right there with them. Pond water should be ok unless it's stagnant.

The pond water should probably be run through a coffee filter at a minimum. There could be some nasty critters in there that you don't want to bring indoors.

 

[Tri_Cho_Me]

The pond water should probably be run through a coffee filter at a minimum. There could be some nasty critters in there that you don't want to bring indoors.[/QUOTE]

Great idea!