Chlorine in tap water bad for vegetables?

[Alison_Kristina]

I can't find any mention of chlorine in tap water, so thought I'd ask here.

We don't have any downpipes - small terraced house and the downpipes are next door - so have to make do with tap water. Unfortunately quite often there is a chlorine smell from the water.

Obviously this isn't ideal to water vegetables with but how bad is it? I've never had problems using it for general flowers in pots.

Also, is there any cheep way of getting rid of the chlorine? We can't afford the plumbed in water filters.

Thanks,
Ali.

[airconednightmare]

it shouldn't be a masive problem, especially if the plants only get tap water when theres no rain.

leaving the tap water open to the air for a few hours before use will reduce the chlorine levels, or you can buy water treatments such as tap safe if you are really worried.

a far bigger issue is the ph of the water, above 7 is bad news

[Alison_Kristina]

Thank you. I've ordered some PH strips from ebay and will make sure I fill up the watering can after use so that the water can stand for a day or so before the next use.

Ali.