Water quality problem?
 

My dad and I have been growing orchids for the same length of time, about 7 years. We both mostly grow Cattleyas and phals. I have had much more success with mine, and I am starting to wonder if the difference is the water. I water mine with city water, but my parents have well water. The water from their well goes through sandstone rather than limestone to get to the well, so it is naturally acidic. My parents have to treat it with calcium carbonate so it doesn't slowly corrode the copper pipes in their house. I am starting to wonder if the water is hastening the demise of their orchids. Any thoughts?

Not sure with Catts, cause I only have a few, but I know it does matter with Paphs Phrags and Masd's. I did an experiment to not only check the pH of the water, but also in the pot after watering. I know there is a great post on this site about water and pH
http://www.orchidboard.com/community...-watering.html

Hope this might help.

I think you gotta look at the overall cultural regimen and growing conditions as well. Not just the water.

From this description, it's difficult to say what the problem(s) may be.

Parameters such as:

Temperature
Humidity
Light

...They're all important to know before diagnosing a problem that constantly arises.

Pics help too.

If you have a pet store that sells fish you might want to check with them on how to test the water. Not only is the ph important, but the TDS is also. Too high a TDS (total disolved solids) coupled with fertilizer spells disaster.

To go along with the above. I run a RO unit because of the hardness of the water I have. Although somewhat pricey. And it's very user friendly..

And as others have said there may be more to the problem.

Aquarium Testing Controllers & Monitors: Pinpoint Conductivity Monitor

The calcium carbonate "treatment" is essentially a water hardener. I would advise your dad to try to use the raw well water - it should contain dissolved solids. He can always adjust the pH if needed (slightly acidic water is just fine).