Perhaps it is the probable chlorine in the city water that is contributing to your problem. Colleen High desert Water treatment plants are required, at least in America, to discharge water above pH 7.4. Low pH and high dissolved oxygen increase corrosion of lead solder in old pipes which is a public health concern. Mark Robertson Roseville, CA Sunset zone 9a, USDA zone 9. On Oct 26, 2012, at 1:38 PM, Joseph Kraatz <plantnut@cox.net> wrote: > I have experimented growing seeds with tap water and distilled and/ or > rain water. The difference can be amazing. It is much more > difficult for seeds to absorb tap water because of its 'hardness'. > I believe this is the reason that I can water my gardens with tap > water all summer with few weeds germinating. With the first rains > of fall weeds are germinating everywhere!! Joe, Oceanside, CA > > > > On Oct 26, 2012, at 11:12 AM, Peter Taggart wrote: > >> There is also a lot more airation in rain water and it is more >> likely to be >> associated with cloud and cooler periods. >> Peter (UK) >> >> On Fri, Oct 26, 2012 at 7:10 PM, Paul Licht <plicht@berkeley.edu> >> wrote: >> >>> Hannon >>> Why is rain water different from hose. Here in Berkeley, we found >>> that >>> the domestic (hose) water comes at about pH 8.9-9.2 whereas rain >>> is much >>> more neutral. >>> >> _______________________________________________ >> pbs mailing list >> pbs@lists.ibiblio.org >> http://pacificbulbsociety.org/list.php >> http://pacificbulbsociety.org/pbswiki/ > > _______________________________________________ > pbs mailing list > pbs@lists.ibiblio.org > http://pacificbulbsociety.org/list.php > http://pacificbulbsociety.org/pbswiki/