I've been in the Indy area for the past four years. I brought gallons of rainwater with me when we moved & one of the first items on our agenda was to install a rain barrel. I believe that the yuckiest rain water is better for the plants than what comes out of the faucet. I admit I don't know if there are Chloramines in our water. I do use city water on occasion for the outside plants & they seem ok with it, but I'll stick to the rainwater for the delicate ones.

We are also fortunate because there is a free flowing well near us & we often use that water for drinking & mixing with the rain water for plants.

Aegis makes a good point. Its important to know what is in the water you give your plants.

Terri

Glad you have an alternate source of water.

I've lived in Indy for approaching 60 years, and I haven't keeled over yet, so Chloramines must be pretty safe for people..

FWIW, Chloramines do seem to be a problem unique to gesneriads and similar houseplants.

According to the studies, anything growing outside of the house shouldn't be affected.

It is not advisable to drink or shower with water containing ammonia. It can damage the human lungs and skin. You can get a water filter to put over the kitchen faucet and shower head. The cost could be about 900 to 1500. However, the water cannot be used on African violets. You will still have to use spring water that comes in plastic jugs you carry home from the stores for the AVs. There are citizens against Chloramine all over the U.S. that give their testimonies. Probably, what ammonia does for our human health is a bigger problem than our AVs. I wonder about plants used for vegetables. That is why citizens groups want it removed. They seem to be ok with just chlorine. It is the ammonia that irritates the lungs and causes breathing problems and aggravates allergies.