Rain water collector toxic?

[JackiBlu]

We need a section for Paint me stupid with the dumb a$$ brush. Just for me.

I collect rain water from my gutters via rain and dew. I had my roof recently coated/painted and just totally forgot to disconnect the feeder to the collector which is an old hot water heater. I had not rained in quite while so to disconnect it wasn't even a passing thought. Of course that evening andthe two next days it rained like hell. (of course)

I use this water strictly for my orchids and had watered a couple and a day later noticed the change ie flowers closing long before their time, leaves changing colors. So I ran to the store and bought some distilled water and soaked all of them and they are pretty much recovering and ok now but now here is my dilemma:

How do I detox this old hot water heater/collector?

So far Yesterday, I dumped all the water and filled it with city water on purpose since I know it carries chlorine. My next plan was to dump and refill with clorox about3-4 cups (50 gal water container) then allow it to completely dry out. In the meantime "superspray" my roof to get what toxic chemicals may have surfaced as its been drying. Then maybe use a few boxes of Arm and Hammer baking soda in the holding tank to stablize what is left of the clorine then allow it to dry completely.

Anyone have any better idea's. I love using my rain water, I do see such a difference from my well water and even thought I really have decent city water with little chlorene smell to it, I hate waiting for the clorine to evaporate from my city water before it can be used.

Your help is very appreciated
Thanks sooooooooo much!

[neb]

I would imagine that Arm and Hammer baking soda and or plane charcoal (without any kind of lighter fluid) you may have to make the charcoal yourself to get a large clean supply or buy the kind for aquarium filters would be able to clean up anything that is left after a good wash down with tap water. I would not use the Clorox unless you think it has some kind of life you don't want in there.