Water Butt Care

I have 2 water butts. One connected to the gutter for the rain water and one not connected into which I collect grey water from the house. I am considering using Jeyes Fluid in both to help keep the water clean (In particular over winter) but if I do this, is the water with Jeyes Fluid safe to use on the plants in my garden?
Alternative - are there any better suggestions for keeping water butt water clean?

 

Hello @Noel55 and welcome!

We have four water butts and have a silver disc in each. Did the same at a previous property as well. The silver helps to stop bacterial growth and really does seem to work. Freshatank Microbial Disc is the one we use, other makes may be available too

Water Butt FreshaTank Microbial Disc (other retailers stock it too at varying prices)

 

Many thanks, Bluejayway.

I did look at these but thought they were a tad expensive. Really looking for a cheaper alternative or smart hack/tip that is proved to work well. From what I have read Jeyes Fluid seems to fit the bill but no where does it say it is then safe to use on your plants. Pretty sure it must be be looking for confirmation.
Thanks.

 

You're right, they are a bit on the dear side, the upside is they never wear out.
Not sure about Jeyes Fluid, suppose it depends on the dilution rate really.

 

I expect that a concentration strong enough to keep bacteria down, would be harmful to plants.

Unless the water is old and stagnant- it should be ok on established plants. I think tap water is recommended for seedlings etc.

 

As long as the butts have lids they should be alright, not a lot grows in darkness.

James fluid is safe on fairly tough plants but I wouldn't want to use it in a water butt.
You can buy other chemicals specially for the purpose but I never find the water in a bad state anyway in my butts.

 

Grey water in butts no thank you. I have my two water butts connected in tandem with lids to help the water stay clear. I prefer fresh rain water in both butts. The first also collects the dross from the guttering which I clean out every two years. The second butt has crystal clear water. If using grey water throw it straight onto your beds from the house. Flower beds that is not your bedroom bed.

 

I agree rain water is without doubt better option but so much water is wasted that goes down the drain, washing up, shower, bath etc. it makes sense to collect it if you can and use it in support of the saved rain water.

 

I think you’ll find some information on the back of the tin that says “Harmful to aquatic life with long lasting effects”.

To that you could add “harmful to soil life too”.

It will kill earthworms and other soil dwelling creatures.

Not a good idea if you believe in ecological balance.

What is in grey water? a bit of soap, a bit of shampoo, a bit of dandruff? Not half as detrimental to plant or animal life as Jeyes Fluid.

 

Think I will give Jayes a miss. Seems more harm than good. Thanks for all input.

 

As you won't be using much water in the garden over the winter, I'd clean out the grey water storage butt, wipe round with some bleach and then connect to the other butt over the winter. This will give you a good start next year, when you can return to collecting your grey water.

 

Good idea, many thanks.