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So. Maine

Don't think I've seen this subject posted B4 so what are the thoughts out there concerning using rain water which I collect in a 300 gallon tank then pump into another 300 gallon tank in the back of my pick up then drive to the garden area and pump into a 3rd 300 gallon tank to use when needed . Pump transfer time is only about 10 minutes each time so it's not really much work . Only takes a little over an inch of rainfall to fill the tank. I could just as easy drive to the lake 2 minutes away and pump out of there but using rainwater is just a small way to go GREEN .

5/28/2009 9:28:54 PM

Owensboro, Ky.

Curious, ever had ph of either one tested??? Would guess rain water is at least slightly acidic...!!! Peace, Wayne

5/28/2009 9:49:07 PM

Menomonie, WI ([email protected])

Our DNR would require a permit to pump water from a body of water.

5/28/2009 10:01:58 PM

So. Maine

Lake water was tested years ago but don't remember the reading , never tested the rain ...

5/28/2009 10:09:55 PM

Rhode Island

do you bath in that lake ? then drink the water? lol
pap

5/28/2009 10:58:10 PM

So. Maine

Pap , I've swam in the lake but not in the rainwater tank . Maybe I should drink the lake water and use the rain water to take a bath . Y don't U take a ride up and show me how it's done ... I'll have the camera ready Ha !

My original question was to survey growers as to if they had tried both which method they had better luck with. We just received 2 inches of rain in 2 days with more on the way so we have rain water aplenty.

5/29/2009 12:43:32 AM

Simi valley, ca

I know nothing about the differences of the two ! But its hard for me to imagine that 300 gallons would be enough ? I can say one thing for rain water verses city water, it seems to be far better for all plants , I never get rain in summer or sometimes over 6 months , so its all city water plants grow fine , But when a rare shower does happen or in early spring when there are showers ! stuff comes up that never came up with the city water , & you can see difference in the growth right after as well !!

5/29/2009 2:50:19 AM

Cochecton, NY

When it rains you are using the rain water! How have your plants done in the past? As for the lake water, at one point it was the rain water! I don't think it matters either way. That is unless you can see oil slicks in the lake.

5/29/2009 7:20:28 AM

Billerica,Massachusetts

lake water should do just fine.
Glenn

5/29/2009 8:02:09 AM

Whidbey Island

Lake water might have more biological "stuff" like humates, etc that might make it better than straight rain water. I agree with the above .... either is probably better than city water.

5/29/2009 7:45:13 PM

Mill Bay, British Columbia

Our city water is lake water....comes fromt he mighty Capilano Reservoir...very cold!!

Would be great fishing in there but it is closed off.

I guess it depends where you live, there is no differance in our province as we tap into lakes for all our drinking water.

5/29/2009 8:13:31 PM

Saegertown Pa.

If your going to use lake water or pond water you need to treat it with bleach to kill any disease, or your going to take the chance of having a lots of problems.

5/29/2009 8:35:47 PM

Adams County

Quinn, do you use city water ( treated water )? and if so do you use it straight from the tap , or do you put it in a tank so the chlorine airs out ?

5/29/2009 9:49:30 PM

Saegertown Pa.

I use well water pumped to a tank to warm up some before I put it on my garden.

5/30/2009 7:52:24 AM

Cochecton, NY

I collect rain water in a black 300 gal. tank. Gets warmed up nice since it sits in the sun all day. Use well water if I have to. If I am low on rain water I will fill the tank from the well to up the temp a little.

5/30/2009 8:49:31 AM