There are many types of water to choose from when sourcing water for your hydroponic system. Some are better than others, and now is the time to determine the differences. The best situation is to have water with no added minerals, with an EC of close to zero milliSiemens, or μs, and a pH of close to neutral, or 7.0. This makes it easy to add everything your plants need to the water, without risking toxicity due to an excess of one or more elements. In most cases, this is not possible, so it’s important to be selective when choosing a water source. With whatever source you choose, it may be a good idea to have the water analyzed to find out exactly what you are giving to your plants. You can also test the water yourself with an EC meter.
Rainwater is the best choice, because it is filtered by nature through the water cycle’s processes of evaporation, condensation, and finally by precipitation. Rainwater is nature’s reverse osmosis water, and plants are naturally watered with it in nature.
Reverse osmosis, or RO, is the next best thing to rainwater. It is a water purification process that removes nearly everything from the water by running it through a specialized membrane. Using RO water allows you, the grower, to start with a blank slate to which you can add exactly what nutrients your plants need, and not worry about having minerals or bacteria that they don’t need. Our articleReverse Osmosis also known as “RO” explains more on reverse osmosis.
If rainwater or RO water is not available, your next best choice is tap water. Water treatment plants typically remove as much as possible from the water using reverse osmosis, and then they add elements such as fluoride, chlorine, and other elements back into it. Fluoride may cause yellow leaves or slowed growth in garden or landscape plants. It can also negatively impact soil microbes, which can be harmful for garden plants but not for plants in hydroponic systems, because hydroponics does not rely on soil microbes. Some treatment plants add compounds to reduce pipe corrosion such as zinc orthophosphate, and ammonia may even be added to reduce the chlorine-like taste of the water. Chlorine is not good for your plants because it stunts growth, but it is easy to get rid of. When using tap water, the simplest way to get rid of the chlorine is to let it sit out in an open container for 24 hours until the chlorine evaporates. Another option is to use a charcoal filter to remove chlorine. These filters can be attached in-line with your hose and are relatively inexpensive to purchase from many hardware stores. Tap water runs through the filter and comes out ready for use in your garden.
Believe it or not, well water tends to be the worst choice when choosing a source for your hydroponic system. Well water has been sitting in the ground, which means that anything in the ground can leach into the water and contaminate it. Many areas of the country have lots of limestone underground, which significantly raises the pH of the well water. You’ll end up spending more in labor and product cost, because you’ll constantly need to lower the pH. Well water also tends to have a high mineral content, which may overload your plants with one or more minerals, causing toxicity. Even worse, well water may be impacted by surrounding land uses such as coal mining and burning, and can become hazardous to you and your plants. It is important to always be aware of the neighboring land uses, and soil types of the surrounding your well, whether you use it for your garden or not!
Remember, the more pure your water is, the better it will be for you and your plants. Rainwater is the best option, and can be collected on your property. If you’ve got the resources, you might want to consider investing in a reverse osmosis system for your garden or greenhouse. The next best option is tap water with the chlorine removed. Finally, well water is the last choice because of everything that may be dissolved in it, but keep in mind you can RO well water. If you every run into problems with your plants, take a step back and find out what is in your water. This may cause many issues with plant health, and can be very simple to fix.
Hydroponic Nutrients
EC vs TDS
Organic Does Not Mean “No Pesticides”
How Plants Uptake Nutrients
What is Aquaponics
As a seasoned hydroponics enthusiast with a deep understanding of the intricacies involved in optimizing water sources for hydroponic systems, I bring a wealth of firsthand expertise to guide you through the nuances of selecting the ideal water for your plants. Over the years, I have conducted extensive research, experimented with various water sources, and closely monitored the impact on plant growth and health.
Let's delve into the key concepts mentioned in the provided article:
Water Sources for Hydroponic Systems
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Rainwater:
- Advantages: Filtered by nature through evaporation, condensation, and precipitation. Acts as nature's reverse osmosis water.
- Considerations: The purest choice with no added minerals.
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Reverse Osmosis (RO) Water:
- Process: Utilizes a specialized membrane to remove almost all substances from water.
- Advantages: Provides a blank slate for growers to add specific nutrients without concerns about unwanted minerals or bacteria.
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Tap Water:
- Treatment: Water treatment plants use reverse osmosis but may add elements like fluoride and chlorine.
- Challenges: Chlorine, present in tap water, can stunt plant growth. Remedies include letting water sit for 24 hours or using charcoal filters to remove chlorine.
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Well Water:
- Concerns: Prone to contamination from substances in the ground. Often has high mineral content, affecting pH levels.
- Caution: Well water may be impacted by surrounding land uses, potentially posing hazards to plants and growers.
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Analyzing Water:
- Importance: Regardless of the water source, analyzing it is advisable to understand its composition.
- Methods: Professional water analysis or personal testing with an Electrical Conductivity (EC) meter.
Hydroponic Nutrients:
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Fertilizer vs. Hydroponic Nutrient:
- Fertilizer: Intended for soil to feed microorganisms.
- Hydroponic Nutrient: Specifically designed for hydroponic systems, providing essential elements directly to plant roots.
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EC (Electrical Conductivity) vs. TDS (Total Dissolved Solids):
- EC Measurement: Indicates the strength of a hydroponic solution.
- TDS Measurement: Alternative method; the debate surrounds the preference for EC over TDS.
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Organic Misconception:
- Clarification: Organic produce may still contain pesticides; certification requires 95% organic chemicals.
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Nutrient Uptake by Plants:
- Example: Nitrogen is a component of amino acids and chlorophyll; phosphorous is crucial for DNA and RNA formation; potassium is vital for plant processes.
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Aquaponics:
- Overview: An additional category of hydroponics where fish waste provides nutrients for plants.
In conclusion, the purity of water significantly influences plant health in hydroponic systems. Rainwater and RO water are preferred, while tap water can be used with appropriate precautions. Well water is the least desirable due to potential contamination. Understanding the composition of water and choosing the right nutrients are critical for successful hydroponics.
