Does Rusty Water Harm Plants?

Watering plants is one of the most essential tasks for any gardener. While gardeners can use tap water for the task, sometimes water with visible rust is unavoidable, especially in older homes. Rusty water is quite common, and it raises a concern for plants' health.

What Causes Rusty Water?

Rusty water is a sign of corrosion. When pipes or water tanks corrode, rust particles get trapped in the water that flows through them. The rust particles often give the water a brown, orange, or reddish color. Rusty water is not harmful to humans, but it can cause problems when used for watering plants.

How Does Rusty Water Affect Plants?

Using rusty water for your plants is not recommended. Rusty water contains high levels of iron, which is not beneficial for plant growth. While plants require small amounts of iron in the soil, too much of it can lead to iron toxicity. Iron toxicity prevents plants from absorbing other essential nutrients, which ultimately affects growth and development.

Signs Your Plants May Be Suffering from Iron Toxicity

The effect of iron toxicity in plants can vary, but some common signs are evident. When you use rusty water on your plants, you may notice the following signs that would indicate if your plants are struggling with the excess iron:

Yellowing of leaves with green veins

Brown or black spots on leaves

Slow growth

Leaf discoloration

What Can You Do About Rusty Water?

If you notice rusty water coming from the tap, the best thing to do is to call in a professional plumber to fix the problem. The plumber can assess the underlying cause of the rust and recommend a solution. In case you cannot get professional help right away, you can collect the rusty water and let it sit for a day or two. This technique allows the rust particles to settle at the bottom of the container. You can then siphon the clean water above to use for your plants.

Conclusion

While rusty water is generally safe for human consumption, it is not ideal for using on plants as it may cause iron toxicity. If you must use rusty water because of a temporary issue, make sure you keep an eye out for the symptoms of iron toxicity. In case you notice any, consider using an iron chelate solution to counter the excessive iron. However, prevention is always better than cure. So, it's a good idea to get professional help to fix any plumbing issues that may be causing rusty water.