runoff from dehumidifier and a/c?
- Thread starter MXW3LL
- Start date
Nullis
Moderator
What does it look like? Does it look fairly clean, not cloudy, no algae, slime or anything like that?
If it looks like clear water, test it with a TDS meter if you happen to have one. Depending on the reading and absence of anything nasty looking in it I would say it is probably good to use as is (like rain water), just collect it in a clean vessel. Test it on some house plants or something if you need assurance.
You could just filter it with a tabletop activated carbon/ion exchange resin like a Brita or Pur filter. ZeroWater offers more comprehensive filtration but those systems are more expensive and unlikely to be needed.
If it looks like clear water, test it with a TDS meter if you happen to have one. Depending on the reading and absence of anything nasty looking in it I would say it is probably good to use as is (like rain water), just collect it in a clean vessel. Test it on some house plants or something if you need assurance.
You could just filter it with a tabletop activated carbon/ion exchange resin like a Brita or Pur filter. ZeroWater offers more comprehensive filtration but those systems are more expensive and unlikely to be needed.
MXW3LL
Well-Known Member
the table top option sounds like the best option, good call. the water is fine, i'm just worried about the "copper" that everyone is afraid of.
MXW3LL
Well-Known Member
good call, i'm sure i can send some samples out to get tested just to see what metals i may find, particularly copper.
Nullis
Moderator
Even tap water is likely to have some copper, iron content, especially if you have household plumbing made from those materials. Plants actually need some amount of both, more so iron.
I would think any instructions to dump it probably has more to do with discouraging it being used as drinking/cooking water, in appliciances, or anything like that because it certainly isn't fit for human consumption.
I would think any instructions to dump it probably has more to do with discouraging it being used as drinking/cooking water, in appliciances, or anything like that because it certainly isn't fit for human consumption.
MXW3LL
Well-Known Member
my reverse osmosis purifies my horrible tap water to nearly 0 ppm.
going to test the runoff of the ac and dehuey tonight. if it's 10 ppm then i'm sure it 10 ppm of copper.
Last edited:
jondamon
Well-Known Member
I'll also add that if you test it that it will probably come out at 0ppm and 7ph.
My grey water from my dehumidifier tests like above.
However if I remember its pretty much void of any mineral content.
So if you were to solely use grey water then you'd need Ca Mg and a micro nute too to compensate.
J
My grey water from my dehumidifier tests like above.
However if I remember its pretty much void of any mineral content.
So if you were to solely use grey water then you'd need Ca Mg and a micro nute too to compensate.
J
cat of curiosity
Well-Known Member
this...
MXW3LL
Well-Known Member
Good call.
Nullis
Moderator
I use rain water that is typically about 10-15 ppm, cleaner than spring water. I use a little extra dolomite, and Azomite or Excelerite for other minerals. I use General Organics CaMg+ at low rates starting several weeks after transplant.
You could potentially also mix a portion tap water to the AC (or RO/distilled).
You could potentially also mix a portion tap water to the AC (or RO/distilled).
Dr. Who
Well-Known Member
Just for the sake of knowing.
I have toured a cpl of VERY large grows that are COMPLETELY self contained. All the water is recaptured from the dehumidifiers and AC units constantly being pumped/moved to a 3 stage filter system and reused every day....They have VERY minimal add back from their RO units to "top off" the holding tanks....This too is done automatically and they say the amount is just about 10 gallons monthly, for each 100 gallon storage tank......All lines and units are flushed and sanitized between runs.
So then, If you keep them clean. Yes, you can use that water.......I have copied their pump to filter system from my dehumidifiers....I save a lot of water this way.
I have toured a cpl of VERY large grows that are COMPLETELY self contained. All the water is recaptured from the dehumidifiers and AC units constantly being pumped/moved to a 3 stage filter system and reused every day....They have VERY minimal add back from their RO units to "top off" the holding tanks....This too is done automatically and they say the amount is just about 10 gallons monthly, for each 100 gallon storage tank......All lines and units are flushed and sanitized between runs.
So then, If you keep them clean. Yes, you can use that water.......I have copied their pump to filter system from my dehumidifiers....I save a lot of water this way.
Dr. Who
Well-Known Member
In your uninformed opinion.
In reality........
Water costs in populated urban area's,,are not cheap...
In Cali, I would guess water to be rather high and reusing to be a better idea.
While the water it's self costs me nothing.....The cost of initial pumping and high pressure RO push due to electrical use, is costly.
The RO flow by is recovered and used on gardens and as animal water....The Grows that we have set up to recycle the water save just over 5% in costs on a monthly average....THAT saves us money.....
One should begin to have an environmental conscience.
In reality........
Water costs in populated urban area's,,are not cheap...
In Cali, I would guess water to be rather high and reusing to be a better idea.
While the water it's self costs me nothing.....The cost of initial pumping and high pressure RO push due to electrical use, is costly.
The RO flow by is recovered and used on gardens and as animal water....The Grows that we have set up to recycle the water save just over 5% in costs on a monthly average....THAT saves us money.....
One should begin to have an environmental conscience.