Topic: Rain water vs. tap water

Rain water vs. tap water 

I've googled whether Rain water is better than tap water, but I found no discussions around that. I'd believe that rain water is better because is chemical free, but who knows...

Re: Rain water vs. tap water 

Being from Christchurch, I imagine your tap water will be very high quality as it is from quality aquifers and is not treated with chlorine.

That said, given the amount of dairy farming springing up around Christchurch, there will be issues with nitrates leaking into the aquifers in the near future and untreated water will one day be a thing of the past for you.

In regards to rain water, I imagine if you have a good way of collecting it (clean collection point) it would be pretty good. But then I'm not sure the effect that Christchurch's winter smog might have?

Hope that helps!

Re: Rain water vs. tap water 

Hi.. yes rain water is better than tap as it collects quite high amounts of nitrogen and other chemicals from the clouds as they are forming. In parts of Europe with high industrial pollution this would not be good...over here nowhere near the atmospheric pollution is occurring.
The only snag...Cantertbury has nowhere near enough rain to satisfy the plant requirements so yes you have to use tap anyway.
cheers

Re: Rain water vs. tap water 

rainwater is better, however, unless you can smell chlorine in your tap water, it's ok to use.

Re: Rain water vs. tap water 

Rainwater is most definetley better than town water in many cases. No chlorine and added chemicals, who knows where that stuff has been. The only downer with rain water is the manner in the way it is kept or the catchment area it is caught on EG pesticides, road smog and animal droppings. If treated correctly with first flush diverters and pre tank filters it can retain its purity. Check out these sites www.rainharvesting.com.au and www.rainline.co.nz both have great info and products to collect, filter and drink your own rain water.