Overly-treated water in New Orleans

18 years ago

I have a balcony/container garden in New Orleans. After 2 months of neglect, most things appear dead. My lemon, lime, kumquat and fig trees might have made it, but I'm very reluctant to water them with super-chlorinated and treated water.

Will such treated water kill my plants? Will it render the fruits unpalatable, or possibly toxic?

I had an organic thing going on, but am very unsure of how the water treatment is going to affect it. I wouldn't drink the water coming out of my tap... would I eat a fig watered with the same water? Basil? a Tomato? Parsley?

I plan on starting a bunch of herbs and veggies soon, and am very concerned about the water. Am I being neurotic?

Thanks for any advice you can send my way... :)

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Comments (6)

the_virginian
18 years ago
If you fill buckets with the water and let it stand uncovered for 24 hours, the chlorine will evaporate out and it will be safe to water the plants with it.
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Jacquelyn8b
18 years ago
The suggestion above is correct about the chlorination but maybe leaving out even longer wouldn't hurt!

We used to live in New Orleans and a good friend called to let us know who/what all was still there. When I asked about visiting, she told me not to for about a year because the devastation to everything is heartbreaking.
The losses in City Park alone...

Back to the question!
IF you can get water from anywhere else, such as in gallon jugs at the grocery, then use them instead. The water sold by Walmart is bottled in Texas. Personally, I would only use that water on edibles but that may be too much of a luxury at this point. If you are terribly concerned, figure out what you absolutely must have and pamper it to the best of your ability. A family heirloom or essential herb may justify bottled water and the others can use the municipal water after it has sat out a while.

If you need seed or starts, email me. There are several of us on the Texas Forum that have already been stashing goodies for gardeners in the areas hit by Katrina.
Best wishes,
Jac
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Morning..what a chilly day..hope it warms up. :) OG, I agree. I had a MOO over 15=yrs..It bloomed throughout the year, especially in winter. The fragrance was heavenly. But, 3-yrs ago, when ants found a way in our house, so did Mealy. I know ants work w/Mealy, but it got ridiculous. The last 15-yrs I sprayed my plants w/a home-made insecticide, and can honestly say they never had mites, scale, or mealy until the ants came. When mealy could no longer be controlled, I ended up tossing all AV's, a few Hoyas, several Clivias and my MOO. I was devestated. The Citrus spray has several minerals including iron. Also, I might fertilize with an acid-loving fertilizer used for Gardenias, ferns, etc. OG, do you sprinkle Epsom Salts on the soil or add with water? What does Gypsom do? Actually, I do have chicken fertilizer called Peep. I bought it for outdoor, garden plants.. Oh, OG, lol, when I use Fish Emulsion, the house smells fishy..added chicken fertilizer..lolol. My family will run out of the house..lol..Hey, maybe that's a good idea. lol. J/k. I use various fertilizers depening on plant..for instance, my Hibiscus are fed with a fertilizer only for Hibiscus. Ever since I starte using this fertilizer my Hibs live for years. Then there's acidic, flowering, orchid, all purpose, etc. But, you're right,...a couple fertilizers should do..One reason it takes so long to fertilizer, 3-5 days,' is plants get different fertilizers..Then there's mixing, and SuperThrive. lol. The Moo is new, purchased either July or Aug. I emailed the nursery...they wrote back the following day and said it's common for MOO's to have pale leaves. Honestly, the few times MOO's were sold here, and three I ordered from Accents, all had deep green foliage. I respect the company..so far, every plant I've purchased from 'X' nursery is healthy. But, there is a problem with their MOO's. I bet if I bought a larger, more expensive MOO from the same nursery, the leaves would have been deep green. It cost 4.00.. OG. Sounds like you really care for your plants..physically and emotionally..That's great. Oh, one more thing. Fish Emulions is high in Nitrogen..You mentioned I should use a fertilizer high in N. Thanks, Toni
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I wouldn't worry about the chlorine in the water affecting your plants. My swimming pool has plants planted around all the pool side drains and many times the overflow leaches around these plants. I have never lost any plants from the chlorinated water. I would definitely not drink any of the water though. Best of luck with your plants!!!
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greenelbows1
18 years ago
I'm not sure chlorine would be the only problem. Since you are at least somewhat organic, how about setting up a tub or something and making compost tea? Get an aquarium pump and an airstone at the fish shop, and while you're there get some of the stuff they use to treat water to make it safe for fish. The combination should be great for your plants. Might not even need much compost--aerating the water should really help. Good luck!
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Minxie
18 years ago
go to Petsmart and get the declorinator for fish ponds its instantly done safe for the plants but I agree no edibles should be consumed from that araea
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keiththibodeaux
18 years ago
Knowing the history of New Orleans tap water, in some ways this conversation is humerous. Regardless I have several plants currently in the care of a friend in the museum district being watered with tap water. They are doing great. If you were using tap water before I would say do it now. Letting it sit overnight for the chlorine to dissapate is always a good idea.
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lindamarie
18 years ago
Guess you are ok down there?

I am still in the middle of a house and yard repair mess.

I have to paint today in 30-40 degree weather.
But I am still BLESSED....I heard yesterday people are still in TENTS on the coast....it is COLD out there!

Back on topic...I always have a trash can where I can get roof rain water run off and I use rain water for all my plants and the fish tanks
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Overly-treated water in New Orleans

Comments (6)

the_virginian

Jacquelyn8b

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