The source of pure water for my CP has been gallon jugs of distilled
water bought at the store. Although I've done a lot to recycle the
water wherever possible (catching the runoff from Nepenthes baskets and
using it for my trays etc.) it's becoming impractical, especially
because of my growing outdoor collection. The rainwater I've collected
will be used up by the end of spring (it usually doesn't rain in
Northern California during the late spring, the summer and most if not
all of the fall). I'm looking for a source that's either delivered to
my home, or that I can make here myself. I've come up with the
following options, one of which I've described in greater detail in a
second message. If you have any advice on them, or can think of other
or better options, please give me your input.
1. Water delivery services- The only ones I'm aware of deliver "mountain", or
"spring" water, is this pure enough for CP? Are there companies that deliver
distilled water too? Anyone that can recommend a company with CP friendly
water that delivers in the Bay Area drop me a line, I can use your experience.
2. Reverse-osmosis units- I've heard a lot about these, I saw a huge one
at a commercial greenhouse once, do they make smaller ones for household
use and where's the best place to find such a unit? What's been your
experience with using them, maintenance etc.?
3. Water Distillers- I believe the main difference between these and the
RO units is that distillers boil tap water and put the steam through
some kind of filter to make pure water whereas RO units use a membrane
at normal temps, am I correct? The same questions as to experiences
using them and the best place/places to get them. I've found one in a
catalog that I describe in a separate message.
That's what I've come up with, thanks again for your help on this.
Regards,
Demetrios