I was reading Your Farm in the City by Lisa Taylor and there was information stating that rainwater from rooftops might be toxic. Any one ever hear such a thing? I have two 300 gallon barrels and would hate to think that the water in them could be toxic. I do use it for my vegetable garden. Advice anyone?
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After 50 years I finally have a clue! And I want to live a more earth friendly life. I will post interesting tips, scary facts and news worthy information for you to begin to minimize your carbon footprint or maybe just put some of your hard earned dollars back in your pocket and not in some foreign corp's pocket. Let's live more like our grandparents with pride and dignity. Do not be one who aspires to grab the golden ring, more than likely it is a golden goose egg.
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Unfiltered rain water could have particles that might be toxic, since clouds need substance for the water molecules to adhere to….acid rain is real. Using it for your garden should be ok, since it will naturally filter through the soil and roots. The amount of toxic particles most likely is very low per billion, so FDA safe, unless you have a chemical plant or other noxious plant down wind from you. You could contact your local college geology department, or county cooperative extension and get their opinion.
I would worry more about bacteria growing then toxic particles. If they are referring to the toxins in the plastic rain barrel leaching, then maybe keep them shaded and the water cooler so less gets in your water. You could always go extreme and make a non-edible plant filter/pond system with the water being cycled through that first.