Jarrod Pearson

Thank everyone for the great feedback!

I had not thought to check the pH of the rain water vs the city water. I live in North Texas and the water is very hard, so that kinda makes sense. I actually have litmus paper at home and will check tonight.

I think you pose an interesting idea. I started researching a bit and came across this article:webpage

I think hands down rain water is the best!

I thought I would pass this experience along. I have been growing herbs and vegetables in elevated tables and have noticed that when the rain waters the tables, the plants seem to thrive noticeably more. During dry weeks I have to water them via city water, that's when I started noticing the growth slowing. I suspect it the chlorine that might be stunting the growth. I installed 2 of the 55 drum rain barrels and now exclusively water using that, man what a difference!