RO/DI waste water

[Rabidgoose]

Does anyone use their waste water in the garden? I don't use mine at all at present but I am considering collecting it to water the veggies. My concern is the chlorine/chloramine and salt from the softener and whatever else is in city water. I am just not sure how much these chems/minerals will be intensified. Any thoughts or experiences?

thanks......chuck

[streetrodder007]

Most people just let it go down the drain

[AZDesertRat]

The waste stream or what they term "brine" has been through a sediment filter and some carbon so will not have any large suspended particles or chlorine present. It will be about 20 to 25% higher TDS or dissolved solids than the tap water was to begin with though since it contains the concentrated TDS or waste from that one good gallon that was treated and mixed in to the 4 or so waste or flush gallons which together make up the waste or brine water.
It probably fine for most landscape and gardens but watch your plumbing codes when it comes to backflow protection and protection of the drinking water system. People often overlook the potential for a backsiphon or backflow and stick a tube down in a barrel or bucket without an air gap.

[Rabidgoose]

Thanks DesertRat, I will hook it up to a float valve w/ airspace into a barrel... I will do a couple plants only for some time to make sure their are no ill affects.

chuck

[Rabidgoose]

Yeah, that's what I've done with mine forever. Turns out to be quite a bit of water after not so long of time and with the garden growing it seems like the right time to put some to use. Now I will have to haul it upstairs though.....

Most people just let it go down the drain

[reefmeiser]

my ro/di is in utility room and sometimes i put waste water in washing machine so to recycle,and keep water bill lower.but using for watering plant is good to as there should be higher nitrates which is good for plants IMO

[Salt Water Crazy]

I use my ro/di waste in my washing machine 99% of the time. But I do water the plants that I have around my house with it also. My plants have never had any problem from using it. (but I don't eat the plants that I am watering it with. So I have no idea if it would have any effect on taste, or not in a garden.)

[cg5071]

I didnt know that the term brine was used like that. I thought that meant actual saltwater, so now it makes more sence.

I also use my waste water in my wash machine. LOL it actually helps me to keep up on laundry since I dont want to waste it.

[rmalone]

Washing machine is a great place to use it. It wouldn't hurt plants outside which regularly get leached out by nice clean rainwater. But I would not use it on houseplants a steady diet is going to build up salts to a dangerous level.