My Tap Water

[FrankP999]

I had my tap water (not filtered in any way) tested and would like comments from the experts. Is this considered "soft"? Do I need to add calcium? (there are other items on the report, I just hit the highlights so ask me if there are others of interest). I use MSU type RO fertilizer. I appreciate any comments.
pH 6.95
Nitrate 0 ppm
Potassium 2.8 ppm
Phosphate PO4 2.2 ppm

Calcium 11 ppm
Magnesium 2.4 ppm
Sulfate SO4 12.2 ppm
Sodium 9.7 ppm
Chloride 8.9 ppm

Alkalinity 35.5 ppm
EC 0.12 mmhos/cm (mS/cm)
Bicarbonates 43 ppm


Thanks
Frank

[Ray]

Indeed!

[FrankP999]

Originally Posted by Ray

Indeed!

huh?

[BobInBonita]

My opinion only - for orchids that grow on trees, rainwater is just as soft or softer, for orchids that naturally grow on rocks, a harder water would probably be more optimal.

[Ray]

Originally Posted by FrankP999

huh?

You asked if it was soft...."Indeed"

An alkalinity of 35 is about 20-25%if the average for the US.

[FrankP999]

Thanks Ray I misunderstood. Do I need to add calcium to MSU?

[goodgollymissmolly]

Frank, that's the purest tap water that I've ever heard about. Where are you?

As to Ca...MSU for pure water (RO/rain/distilled) is formulated for water without any dissolved minerals so it should supply sufficient Ca and Mg for your use.

[FrankP999]

[QUOTE=goodgollymissmolly;362724]Frank, that's the purest tap water that I've ever heard about. Where are you?
QUOTE]

I am in Macon GA. Water testing was done by a lab in Athens GA called Micro Macro International - MMI Labs

[Ray]

With that water supply, I would use the MSU-RO Formula, which has the calcium.

[FrankP999]

Thanks. I just switched to MSU-RO. I am thinking of using it on my bonsai next season as I had some signs of mineral deficiency with my maple trees this summer.

Frank