Can Water Quality Affect Your Plants?

Did you know that the quality of water you use can be just as crucial for your plants as it is for your health? 🌱 Join me on this enlightening episode of Growing Joy with Plants as I chat with Cydian, the brilliant mind behind Pure Water Northwest and a true water quality expert. Together, we explore the often-overlooked yet vital topic of water quality and its profound impact on both our well-being and the health of our beloved plants.

Cydian's journey into the world of water quality began with a personal story that many can relate to - his daughter’s health challenges and his experiences managing properties plagued by poor water quality. This episode is packed with insights that every plant lover and dedicated plant parent should hear! We dive deep into the differences between legal and health standards for drinking water, revealing that just because water is legally deemed safe, it doesn't mean it's healthy for you or your plants.

Throughout our conversation, we unravel the complexities of the hydrologic cycle, discuss various contaminants that can affect water quality, and emphasize the importance of customizing water treatment solutions to fit your unique needs. If you’ve ever struggled with plants dying or battling pesky plant pests, this episode is for you! We also touch on how water quality impacts plant health, particularly focusing on the effects of chlorine, salts, and pH levels that can wreak havoc on sensitive plants.

You'll walk away with practical solutions, such as the benefits of reverse osmosis for improving water quality, as well as tips on understanding local water reports. Whether you're a seasoned gardener or just starting your plant parenthood journey, this episode empowers you to take charge of your water quality for healthier living and joyful gardening.

So grab your favorite drink, settle in, and let’s dive into the world of water quality and plant care together!

In this episode, we learn:

• [03:19] How did Cydian Kauffman become the water quality expert?
• [04:29] EPA’s Legal water limits vs. healthy water
• [05:14] Why eczema, dry skin, and brittle hair can start with your tap water
• [07:55] What’s the hydrologic cycle?
• [08:21] Microplastics, pharmaceuticals, and “forever chemicals” in everyday water
• [09:27] What’s the standard practice for tap water treatment across United States?
• [10:14] Why almost all municipal water uses chlorine (and what carbon filters really do)
• [11:53] Hard vs soft water
• [12:30] Why water that is too soft can damage pipes and plants
• [13:22] What’s the ideal hardness/softness of water?
• [14:23] pH and alkaline
• [15:15] Espoma Organic
• [16:58] The Complete Guide to Home Permaculture
• [20:39] What are the three biggest water issues affecting skin, appliances, and health?
• [22:05] Forever chemicals explained
• [25:52] What is reverse osmosis and how does it work?
• [27:32] Why salts/sodium in tap water can lead to leaf burn and root stress
• [30:27] Manukora honey
• [31:15] How salts cause leaf burn through osmotic pressure
• [35:00] How to find what’s in your city’s water
• [37:05] Other ways to fix water quality issues (carbon filters, softeners, reverse osmosis)
• [40:36] What does structured water or “water coherence” mean?
• [42:46] Where to find Cydian online + how he water consults remotely
• [43:43] Real-world water success stories that changed lives

Mentioned in our conversation:

• Growing Joy Episode 317: Discover Coherent Water with Mario Brainovic of Analemma Water
• The Fourth Phase of Water: Beyond Solid, Liquid, and Vapor by Gerald Pollack
• EWG Tap Water Database
• Safe Drinking Water Act: Consumer Confidence Reports (CCR) | US EPA

If you want to check your area's water quality,

check out the full show notes and blog for Cydian's guide!

Follow Cydian:

Website
Instagram
TikTok
Facebook
LinkedIn

Thank you to our episode sponsors:

Espoma Organic

Visit espoma.com to find your local Espoma dealer or check my Amazon storefront.

Quarto: The Complete Guide to Home Permaculture by Brandy Hall

Grab The Complete Guide to Home Permacultureat quarto.com and wherever books are sold.

Manukora

Go to manukora.com/bloom to get up to 31% off the starter kit that includes their 850+ Manukora honey jar, 5 honey travel sticks, a wooden spoon, and a guidebook, PLUS $25 worth of free gifts!

Follow Maria and Growing Joy:

Order my book: Growing Joy: The Plant Lover's Guide to Cultivating Happiness (and Plants)by Maria Failla, Illustrated by Samantha Leung

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