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water butt acid.

• Message 1. 

  Posted by gardenersmate (U2854376) on Saturday, 31st December 2005

  Hi Guys,
  I hope you can help.
  I was talking to an old allotment gardener the other day, and he told me that the water that I collect in my butt becomes acidic. Is this true? or is it an old wives tale?
  If it is true, how do I neutralise the water organically?
  
  Thanks in advance.
  
  Gardeners mate

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• Message 2

  , in reply to message 1.

  Posted by laurieuk (U2457891) on Saturday, 31st December 2005

  Having used waterbutts for more years than I like to remember I have never had any problem.I would suggest you have a lid on the butt so that the sun does not start forming algea but apart from that I see no reason for concern.That is just my thoughts.

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• Message 3

  , in reply to message 1.

  Posted by Wildthing (U2335691) on Wednesday, 4th January 2006

  These old wives do get about, rainwater itself is slightly acid, unless it has passed over a chemicals comglomerate, in which case it is very acidic as in 'acid rain'. The water butt will not affect the waters ph value, so if you put tap water in it will most likely be alkaline, as often limestone features in our geology. Acidic water is soft water, alkaline is hard water, soft is preferalble as you can water ericaeous plants with it and as another old wife will tell you is good for washing as you need less soap?

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• Message 4

  , in reply to message 1.

  Posted by PeterAlexander (U2910288) on Saturday, 7th January 2006

  Hi Gardner's mate
  
  The answer to your question, as 'Click Beatle' suggested, depends on where you live?
  
  My Mother lives in Tee Side. In the past there were times when ICI generated acidic clouds of vapour that sometimes 'melted' the nylon washing in nearby neigbourhoods!
  
  As has been suggested a water butt lid should help.
  
  My Grandad always hung a bag of horse or cow manure in his water butt and the results were faster growing vegetables. He lived in Royal Berkshire where the soil was slightly alkaline.
  
  Perhaps a little epsom salts, or a antacid tablet might help if the water really is acid! Why not get some litmus paper from the chemistry department of the local school and find out for yourself.
  
  Good luck

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• Message 5

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  Posted by normangnome (U2571246) on Sunday, 22nd January 2006

  Hi Gardeners Mate, I always put a drop of Jeyes Fluid in my water butt, helps keep the water fresh and have never had any problems, normangmnome

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