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Allotment Stuff => The Basics => Topic started by: kt. on April 28, 2009, 13:10:57

Title: Implications of stagnant water in water butts?
Post by: kt. on April 28, 2009, 13:10:57
I have several water butts that have gathered rain water.  Due to working away at times,  5 of these are full of stagnant rain water since autumn, some of which now has green moss fungi at the edges.  One of them is starting to smell a bit now too.


Is this water safe to use on watering crops or should I tip it out onto land before I plant crops in it? 
If I tip it onto my plot,  could I use the area after 2 weeks?
Title: Re: Implications of stagnant water in water butts?
Post by: SPUDLY on April 28, 2009, 13:43:05
I don't think it would do any harm to use the water. After all, think of the slurry farmers spread on their fields, not to mention the chemicals they use. I am in the process of making my own plant feed. I have put a load of unwanted weeds into a 200 litre water butt, and filled it with water. That was a week ago now, and you should smell the stuff :o What size are the water butts?
Title: Re: Implications of stagnant water in water butts?
Post by: reddyreddy on April 28, 2009, 13:51:51
interesting question, the water in our water trough is green too.
Title: Re: Implications of stagnant water in water butts?
Post by: GRACELAND on April 28, 2009, 14:13:12
I don,t think it would hurt at all why waste it  ::)
Title: Re: Implications of stagnant water in water butts?
Post by: tim on April 28, 2009, 18:32:02
On a slightly different tack - why 'stagnant'?

We have 9 butts &, if needed, I would drink their water.
If in doubt for home consumption, a bit of Pot Permang works well!
Title: Re: Implications of stagnant water in water butts?
Post by: cornykev on April 28, 2009, 18:41:38
Hi KT it should be OK on established plants but I wouldn't water seedlings with it and what is it that some put in the water to stop it stagnating.    :-\  ???    ;D ;D ;D
Title: Re: Implications of stagnant water in water butts?
Post by: PurpleHeather on April 28, 2009, 19:01:20
What about getting a load of pond snails who eat algae from the side of gold fish tanks and house them in it?