Rainwater turning green in plastic drums?

Question

I collect rainwater for my plants and store it in plastic drums with screw caps. Lately it is turning green and has a film on the surface. What is wrong with it and can it still be used on the plants. ?

Answer 1

Best Answer - Chosen by Voters

This mold or what ever should not be taken inside your house. It can be killed without destroying or harming your plants. Just put a small amount of Clorox in the rain barrel. This small amount wont harm the plants but will kill any mold,fungus or algae. Good luck

Answer 2

i would say probably, that it is only algae, but you need to find out if it is mildew before you use it on the plants

Answer 3

it sounds like alge is growing in it, and it should still be fine to use on your plants

Answer 4

often times water goes green from sunlight. you could have a form of bacteria, this will not hurt your plants...add eggshell to give the water more nutrients if it's for plants. You may need to use the existing water more and add new water.

Answer 5

Sounds like you have algae. If anything, I would imagine that the algae would provide more nutrients to your plants as they would die without being suspended in the water.

Answer 6

why dont you just put the plants outside when it rains? that way you eliminate the problem with the film and the green

Answer 7

It is static water and you will get algae forming on static water.It won't harm your plants etc.

Answer 8

Sounds ridiculous, but drop in a steradent tablet! It'll see off the algae and won't harm the plants! - they will smile nicely at you though...