Grow Mediums My water comes out of the tap at ph 9.1 and 200 ppm... Can I do a DWC grow with this water???

[Eljefemoe]

The title says it all. I have semi hard water. The ph was so high when I first tested it, I thought my meter was broken. But I looked up the department of public works website and sure enough the water is rated at 9 ph.

So, I've been adjusting the water ph down to 5.5, but I'm wondering if it will drift back up pretty quickly or what. Plus, starting with 200 ppm makes me wonder if ill have to dramatically cut back on nutes?

 

[Eljefemoe]

Anyone with comments on this? My ph definitely drifts up. I can keep that in check, its the 200 ppm starting point that worries me more...

 

[TheLittleBoyWhoPointed]

My water often reaches levels like that...and yes, you CAN grow successfully using it, but it can be a PITA to maintain the ph....I found dwc worked better than soil for water this high....as long as you can offgass chloring from the water beforehand it can work....though I do suggest filtering the water if possible...
My water has gotten as high as ph 9.6 and and ec of 1.2 [from the tap]....and it does slow nute uptake and you will need to lower the nute added to compensate....it's not an ideal situation but is doable.

LB

 

[InHumboldt]

You need to take a look at what is in that 200ppm and with that ph I'm guessing it's carbonates. If so it has ramifications! Call your local water board and ask what's in the water they pump. They sometimes have a web page that it can be looked up on.

 

[Eljefemoe]

Thanks guys, I'll take a look into their website to see what might be driving that 200ppm number.

Are there any simple filtering solutions that would work? I live in a rental, so installing a full blown reverse osmosis system isn't going to happen. Can something like a Brita or PUR filter over the tap help out?

 

[Eekman]

What about R/O water from the drug store, have them right outside? not sure where you are from.

bye for now

Eek

 

[Eljefemoe]

What about R/O water from the drug store, have them right outside? not sure where you are from.

bye for now

Eek

I've definitely thought about that... this is silly, but one thing that makes me hesitant about that is all the waste. Not only from an environmental standpoint, but it will look fishy to my neighbors if they start seeing 10 empty plastic jugs per week. I live in a smallllll apartment in a dense urban area.

 

[InHumboldt]

Help yes but carbonates can be difficult. If you proceed with home water a screw on filter that stops chlorides and more, it's so simple and cheap. Then there is charcoal filtration. In my case if needed I go to the store that has RO water and bring my refillable jugs. So depending on your contaminates, and hydro amendments less than RO filtration like Britta or charcoal may be enough.

In Humboldt County seems like every store has RO water machines in it-is it like that everywhere?

 

[Eljefemoe]

Help yes but carbonates can be difficult. If you proceed with home water a screw on filter that stops chlorides and more, it's so simple and cheap. Then there is charcoal filtration. In my case if needed I go to the store that has RO water and bring my refillable jugs. So depending on your contaminates, and hydro amendments less than RO filtration like Britta or charcoal may be enough.

In Humboldt County seems like every store has RO water machines in it-is it like that everywhere?

It's not like that here unfortunately. Thought that's a really excellent idea. I know there are some places I've seen with refillable water stations. Not remembering where right now but that gives me something to google. They may not be everywhere, but I at least know they exist here. I'll find a local one and make sure it's RO and test out the quality.

 

[InHumboldt]

Try your organic food store.