Emergency Watering: When Rain Barrels Run Dry, Tap Water Is Better Than Nothing

Grower's rain barrels empty; plants drying. Asked if tap water ever okay, alternatives, roof runoff.

Immediate Answer

Use tap water—don't let plants go dry. Nepenthes/Sarracenia tolerate hard water for a while; VFTs/sundews less so. Top-water to flush minerals. Buy a few gallons of distilled for sensitive plants.

Long-Term Solutions

• Test tap water TDS. If ≤50 ppm, it's fine.
• Consider RO filter for dry spells.
• ZeroWater pitcher for small quantities (check availability in NZ).

Follow-Up: Stream Water?

Only if pristine and known low TDS. With possible petroleum/mud, stick to tap until rain/distilled returns.