Is Treated Water Bad for Plants?

Water treatment plants are responsible for ensuring that the water that reaches our homes is safe to drink. However, while treated water is safe for humans to consume, it may not be the best option for your plants. In this article, we explore why treated water may be bad for plants and what you can do about it.

What is Treated Water?

Treated water is water that has been processed at a water treatment plant to remove impurities and contaminants. The treatment process usually involves filtration, disinfection, and pH adjustment to ensure that the water is safe to drink.

Why is Treated Water Bad for Plants?

While treated water is safe for human consumption, it may not be the best option for your plants. This is because the treatment process removes not only harmful contaminants but also beneficial minerals and nutrients that are essential for plant growth.

In addition, some water treatment plants add chemicals such as chlorine and fluorine to the water to kill bacteria and other microorganisms. While these chemicals are safe for humans to consume in small doses, they can be harmful to plants, particularly if used in excess.

What Are the Signs that Treated Water is Harming Your Plants?

If you are using treated water to irrigate your plants, there are several signs you can look out for that may indicate your plants are being harmed:

Yellowing or browning leaves

Stunted growth

Fewer flowers or fruits

Burnt or scorch markings on leaves

Poor soil quality

What Can You Do About It?

If you suspect that your plants are being harmed by treated water, there are several things you can do:

Catch and store rainwater. Rainwater is the purest form of natural water and is free of harmful chemicals and minerals.

Use a water filtration system. A water filtration system can remove harmful contaminants from treated water, leaving behind the essential minerals and nutrients that plants need.

Boil and cool the water. Boiling and cooling the water can remove harmful chemicals such as chlorine and fluorine and make the water safer for plants.

Allow the water to sit for several hours. Allowing the water to sit for several hours can help to dissipate harmful chemicals and make the water safer for plants.

Add nutrients to the soil. If the water lacks essential minerals and nutrients, you can add them directly to the soil to provide the plants with the necessary nutrients.

Conclusion

Treated water is safe for human consumption, but it may not be the best option for your plants. The treatment process removes essential minerals and nutrients that plants need for growth and can also add harmful chemicals that can harm your plants over time. If you suspect that your plants are being harmed by treated water, consider using one of the solutions listed above to keep your plants healthy and thriving.