Waste water from AC unit. Can I use it?
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Posted: Apr/06/2008 9:22 AM PST
I know this is a strange question but I can't find an answer anywhere. My AC unit drips water all day long, as they all do. I've put my watering can under it to see just how much water it collects. Well, I could probably fill it 10 or more times in a day. That's a lot of wasted water pooling in my yard. I'm wondering if it would be safe to use in my vegetable and herb gardens. I already use it for my flowers, but then again, I don't eat my flowers. What do you think? Would it be safe to water vegetables and herbs with it? |
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Posted: Apr/06/2008 10:51 AM PST
I don't know a single reason that you couldn't use it, it is just condensation there are no chemicals. I used to keep a tomato plant under a window unit. John |
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Posted: Apr/07/2008 6:30 AM PST
A purist would warn you that it might contain chemicals from the paint or finish on the air conditioner's surface. But since I'm not a purist, I wouldn't be so helpful. *snicker* You know where that water comes from? Your house! That's your perspiration dripping from the back of the ac! Have I grossed you out yet? |
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Posted: Apr/07/2008 7:31 AM PST
Ha, ha, stereo. You're a hoot. I see no reason not to water your veggies. It's probably purer than your rain water with all the pollution nowadays. I know a lot of my gardening friends capture theirs, and I've done it a few times myself. |
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Posted: Apr/09/2008 5:14 PM PST
Witt, I agree, Stereoman.....YOU ARE A HOOT!!! But what a great Idea. We test our well water every year, so I will collect my water from my AC and have it tested for all chemicals. We have to do it anyway, (test that is) so by golly why not test and reuse if possible. |
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Posted: Apr/10/2008 5:48 AM PST
Let us know the test results of the AC water. I'm betting that it is purer than tap water. |
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Posted: Apr/10/2008 9:26 PM PST
On your condensate I did cogitate, and without debate I adjudicate you should irrigate. Don't wait! Regards, Robert |
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Posted: Apr/13/2008 9:55 PM PST
ROFL, Cheesy Poet Laureate! |
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Posted: May/15/2008 11:07 PM PST
I would test it with Tangeray and tonic to be sure it was good enough for plants...  BTU seriously, (that's not even punny) the condensate is pulled from the air due to temperature differential. It isn't from the inside of your house and I am siding with the folks who bet it is just about the most pure water you can get at your house. A shot from a water hose to cleanse the drip path would probably help a bunch if it is a window unit. If it is central AC, then once or twice a yr you should be dumping bleach through it - or vinegar to remove deposits so it won't clog. Both are germ-hostile. I can't wait to hear the outcome of the tests. I like any test that I did not have to study for. |
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Posted: May/15/2008 11:12 PM PST
Water drips all day,  Essence of life falls to waste  Friends to the rescue! 
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