Chlorinated water for irrigation?

[hillsidedigger]

I'm just wondering and I'm sure some of you know if treated water out of the tap from a community water system is fit for garden irrigation or if the chlorine builds up to levels that harm plants?

Most people with lawns are also on public water (mentioned in another thread), the water might be fine for grass, but what about for the irrigation of produce plants?

We have well water and I can say its not even great for irrigation. If the seasons continue to be dry, I guess I will attempt a rainwater collection system or just stop gardening.

[pixelphotograph]

Many years ago when we lived in the city thats all we had. We had a nice garden of veggies.
If its all you got its better than nothing.
Maybe you could try rainwater cathments using plastic trashcans or water barrells or something else.
But I know plenty of people who use city water for gardens and do quite well.
Now that I live in the country I have a well and use rain water both.

[rwinsouthla]

The chlorine that is in the city water is typically only 1-2 ppm of free chlorine, and 3-5 ppm total chlorine. At most you're only adding 5 ppm of chlorides to your soil so I'd say in about 250 years you'll have a problem (LOL). Most of the free chlorine is vaporized if you spray water so many of the bacteria in the soil survive. If you continue adding mulch, leaves, or compost, you'll never see a reduction in the necessary bacteria.

[james dilley]

I use the City water After the Washing machine pumps it out as grey water, The plants are doing great on it.I Plan on adding A 300 gallon tank to have to spare.

[Jenn]

I use it straight from tap in drip or sprinkler. No problems. More problems in past with highly alkaline or mineralised well water.