DOES WATER QUALITY MATTER?

Water makes up more than 70% of the planet, so it’s pretty important. But does the quality of water really matter when growing cannabis?

The short answer is… yes.

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SO, WHY DOES WATER QUALITY MATTER?

Not all water is created equal. The content of water from our faucets or hoses or rivers or lakes or rain barrels is more than simple hydrogen and oxygen.

Water contains a wide variety of minerals and bacteria. Some of these are beneficial for healthy growth. Others are used to stop growth in its tracks. Think about how we use chlorine to prevent harmful protozoa/bacteria in our water.

Being aware of water content can go a long way. Not only in growing healthy cannabis crops, but staying healthy and hydrated yourself.

SOMETHING IN THE WATER

Water is a major component in getting the proper soil pH balance. Purified water has a pH of 7 (which is neutral). Most tap water in the Washington DC leans slightly alkaline (pH 8). Water from rain barrels, rivers, ponds, lakes, or certain wells, can lean toward the acidic side of the scale (pH 5-6). This is due to the number of selected minerals that make up or are broken down in a given water source. So, when applied to the soil the water pH levels directly affect soil pH levels. Alkaline water can be used as a tool to balance soil with an acidic pH and vice versa. This can be very helpful in maintaining good soil and plant health.

Water content can be tested by the use of a simple water quality test kit. Which can be purchased online or from your local hardware store.

There are also visible, physical signs that indicate a change in pH levels. The yellowing of the plant’s leaves can be caused by a number of factors.

One is an abundance of calcium in the soil. This is commonly due to a higher concentration of calcium in most municipal water systems, or “hard water.”

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WHAT IS HARD WATER?

Hard water contains a higher concentration of trace minerals, such as calcium and magnesium. These minerals are picked up as the water flows over rocks and soil. Hard water typically has a pH leaning slightly alkaline due to these mineral deposits. This makes hard water less than ideal for cannabis growth, in most scenarios.

here at seed to harvest dc

Following countless efforts to use good old-fashioned DC tap water, trace minerals could literally be tasted during consumption which was not to our S²HDC standard. Our next idea involved more than frequent trips to the local grocer for spring water which became too costly and time-consuming. As a result, reverse osmosis was used with coconut carbon filtration for a more refined and refreshing taste.