Drought conditions now here. Should I use rainwater for toms and squash that is stored in 2.5 gal. plastic jugs since May?
Here is what Brave which gave this reply:
Reuse Stored Water for Garden
"Using old stored water to water your garden is possible, but it requires careful consideration to ensure safety and effectiveness. Water collected from household sources like sinks, showers, or washing machines—known as greywater—can be reused for gardening, provided it is used promptly and appropriately. However, greywater should not be stored for more than 24 hours, as bacteria can develop, potentially harming plants or posing health risks. It is crucial to avoid using blackwater, which comes from toilets or has been in contact with feces, as it contains pathogens and should never be used in gardens.
For water collected from cooking, such as pasta or vegetable water, it is safe to use after cooling to room temperature, as it contains nutrients that can benefit plants. Similarly, water from rinsing dishes or cleaning fish tanks can be beneficial, as it often contains nutrients, but should be used cautiously to avoid introducing excessive detergents or contaminants. If you are using water from a fish tank, the waste is rich in nutrients and excellent for plant growth.
When storing water, using a covered container like a rain barrel or a lidded bucket helps prevent contamination from leaves, debris, or small animals. While some sources suggest using expired bottled water for plants, it is advisable to dilute it with fresh water if concerned about plastic particles leaching into the water. For best results, use stored water on non-edible plants or on vegetables and fruits only after thorough washing and peeling, especially if the water has been used for non-potable purposes.
In summary, old stored water can be effectively used in the garden, but it should be used quickly, stored properly, and applied with awareness of its source and potential contaminants." So Water with this:
NASB 1977 Psalm 1:3 "And he will be like a tree firmly planted by streams of water, Which yields its fruit in its season, And its leaf does not wither; And in whatever he does, he prospers."
But not with this!!
NASB 1995 Jeremiah 38:6 "Then they took Jeremiah and cast him into the cistern of Malchijah the king's son, which was in the court of the guardhouse; and they let Jeremiah down with ropes. Now in the cistern there was no water but only mud, and Jeremiah sank into the mud."
I would say use it on flowers but not vegetables!