I’m sure we’ve all been watering our gardens a ton, as August is comin’ in hot!  Maybe that’s why they designated this month as Water Quality month.  Water is one of the most dynamic elements to ecosystems.  Arriving from extrinsic sources, it is the vehicle which delivers crucial nutrients throughout all parts of a plant before flowing on downstream.  Just as the foods we eat and drink impact our bodies, nutrients and contaminates in water affect plants.  For this reason it’s important for us to consider the quality of the water we are giving our gardens. 

Sources of water and their possible concerns

Tap water- 

Tap water may contain chlorine.  While the levels of chlorine in tap water are not typically high enough to affect grown plants, they may impede seed germination.  Leaving water to sit in an open container for at least 24 hours may help reduce chlorine levels.  This can be monitored with multi-test strips for aquariums.

Some municipalities have begun using Chloramine for the extended life of its disinfecting properties.  Chloramine will not evaporate but may be treated with dechlorination products found alongside aquarium supplies. 

Water quality reports or Consumer Confidence Reports are required and a matter of public record.  Obtaining the CCR for your water district can help you determine if your water is treated with Chlorine or Chloramine, as well as other helpful information, like what minerals are also present in your tap water.

Well Water-

If you are using well water, testing will help you to know the composition of your water.  There are a number of labs and businesses that provide this service.  You can also pick up an at home testing kit to perform yourself, in most hardware stores.   A water filter may help to reduce excess minerals, however softened water should not be used on plants.

Rainwater-

Having a catchment for rainwater can be a great way to source water for your garden.  You may want to test this water periodically, as well as treating for microbes.  It is also wise to keep rain barrels covered when it’s not raining or treat with mosquito dunks, to prevent mosquitos from reproducing.  If you are watering produce with stored rainwater, it’s best to water the soil and avoid direct contact between the plant and water.  Be sure to wash produce thoroughly with potable water before consuming, as stored rainwater is a potential source of E. coli and other microbes that cause food borne illnesses.

Downstream-

Be mindful of the chemicals you use in your garden and on your lawn.  Water is always only ever borrowed and as it continues on to its next stop, it carries with it traces of where it’s been.  While much of the water we use is recovered through city sewer systems, some of it runs off and joins the circus…I mean, returns to the water table, the preferred habitat of wild water.  Here remnants of gardening chemicals can wreak havoc on natural ecologies. 

Get more out of the water you’re using by planting drought tolerant grasses and wildflowers. They are beautiful and beneficial, requiring less water while helping with water retention and decreasing erosion.

Water is a vital component in the garden.  Assessing the quality of your water can help make sure your plants are thriving and help you grow with the flow.

Interested in learning more? Here are a few sites to get you started.

2023 Longmont Drinking Water Quality Report – https://www.longmontcolorado.gov/home/showpublisheddocument/36062/638497245174930000

Pesticides and Water Quality, Water Resources Mission Area, USGS – https://www.usgs.gov/mission-areas/water-resources/science/pesticides-and-water-quality?fbclid=IwY2xjawEfCRBleHRuA2FlbQIxMAABHSnXUwC-wB8kdEAdC4L4LTV-kaQyKxFolAz19BaHEXoS_ISKCvYe-nDPEw_aem_LjCAGd2GOOEpjwg66fuEIQ#overview