Chloramine Limits in Tap Water Used to Water Tobacco Plants

[Misterak47]

For years I have failed to grow tobacco which burnt nicely. After discovering towards the end of my 2023 harvest that using tap water to water plants can result in burn-proof tobacco due to chlorine, last year I started watering with rain water. The tobacco burnt brilliantly with a white ash and without going out. Finally, the answer to a decade's worth of misery.

This year's plants were transplanted out around 4 weeks ago but have not had rain except enough to fill a 1 gallon watering can once. I have had no choice but to use tap water. I have left it to sit out for 2-3 days before watering to allow the chlorine to evaporate but it turns out chloramine is used in the tap water which does not evaporate and can only be filtered out.

I attach a link to the analysis of my tap water. My question is does anyone if this level of chloramine is an issue for tobacco. Should I expect fireproof tobacco this year?

Check my water quality | Water Quality | My Supply | Severn Trent Water

Find out more about your water, what's in it and even dishwasher settings by searching with your postcode.

www.stwater.co.uk

Postcode LE2 2DD

AK

 

[jaredwyoung]

Campden tablets (potassium or sodium metabisulfate) used in wine making will neutralize chloramine, 1 tablet is good for 20 gallons... not sure what effect campden will have though‍

 

[Misterak47]

Campden tablets (potassium or sodium metabisulfate) used in wine making will neutralize chloramine, 1 tablet is good for 20 gallons... not sure what effect campden will have though‍

Thanks for the suggestion.

What about using filtered water? Or does filtering water eliminate some content which is essential for tobacco plants?

AK

 

[The Haroo ln]

I don't think there is enough chlorine in tap water to affect the tobacco that much. Your potash might be low. Try giving your plants a heavy potash dose as that also affects the combustibilty of tobacco.

 

[johnny108]

Thanks for the suggestion.

What about using filtered water? Or does filtering water eliminate some content which is essential for tobacco plants?

AK

Filtered water doesn’t hurt plants- I’ve used it, but I now have too many plants to bother with filtering their water. (I finally got a water report- I have virtually no chlorine in my water)
Full strength, low chloride fertilizer for tomatoes (water soluble- not slow release) can be applied at transplant, 4, then at 6-8 weeks after transplant. This is the industry practice for tobacco to maximize growth.

 

[Knucklehead]

I've used these RV filters for a couple of seasons and tested it with a chlorine test kit. It removes chlorine. It works really well and uses garden hose fittings. Very simple. Also good for washing the car, it doesn't leave water spots.

https://www.amazon.com/AQUA-CREST-Protector-Fluoride-Dedicated/dp/B07Z7ML4LW/ref=sr_1_2_sspa?crid=1DHYBW1SIP0GY&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.R7zcooGENndy7sFDdMP9WtcI8CToO8sEmmBlgbPDLkOskckxkGlN8stiNyGKpBZ2JHHpto-B_LRdFBtfCLiDwjXoZZJMkpGReyURyIibLrEiiw-48F43Fh2QEN2iPku6i9-mjDUeFfkwztSO14Pak7i7EaL7KyFch7_x_oBhwo6jIVg_ggQmxOCfsTdad4Lvu0vQxFNp-h_U8vunN4WsyVOa7OBGhXtE0Ht_OcOf4PR4Crx93aq41bPRqnHRDR61ksEKM9k5qutE5wPl42cgpQno1Zraas_XU-MJca4Wfhg.VwRIBiNbVjG7StnhsggX5Ns1yvZmp7SjtXpRIVZRVkw&dib_tag=se&keywords=RV%2Bfilter&qid=1751643589&sprefix=rv%2Bfilter%2Caps%2C94&sr=8-2-spons&sp_csd=d2lkZ2V0TmFtZT1zcF9hdGY&th=1

 

[Misterak47]

I don't think there is enough chlorine in tap water to affect the tobacco that much. Your potash might be low. Try giving your plants a heavy potash dose as that also affects the combustibility of tobacco.

I had 3 plants in 2023. Two had reached maturity when I read about the negative effect of chlorine in tap water on the combustibility of tobacco. The third plant had grown half way and was then watered with rain water until maturity. Cigarettes made using tobacco from the first two plants need to be relit constantly whereas cigarettes from the third plant burn a lot better. All factors were equal for all three plants except water. The plant I grew last year was grown and watered solely with rainwater and burns like a dream.

I have made sure since I started growing tobacco in 2012 that I have been the correct fertiliser.

 

[Misterak47]

Filtered water doesn’t hurt plants- I’ve used it, but I now have too many plants to bother with filtering their water. (I finally got a water report- I have virtually no chlorine in my water)
Full strength, low chloride fertilizer for tomatoes (water soluble- not slow release) can be applied at transplant, 4, then at 6-8 weeks after transplant. This is the industry practice for tobacco to maximize growth.

This is pretty much exactly what I do. Just isolated chlorine/chloramine as the reason for my burning issues

 

[Misterak47]

I've used these RV filters for a couple of seasons and tested it with a chlorine test kit. It removes chlorine. It works really well and uses garden hose fittings. Very simple. Also good for washing the car, it doesn't leave water spots.

https://www.amazon.com/AQUA-CREST-Protector-Fluoride-Dedicated/dp/B07Z7ML4LW/ref=sr_1_2_sspa?crid=1DHYBW1SIP0GY&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.R7zcooGENndy7sFDdMP9WtcI8CToO8sEmmBlgbPDLkOskckxkGlN8stiNyGKpBZ2JHHpto-B_LRdFBtfCLiDwjXoZZJMkpGReyURyIibLrEiiw-48F43Fh2QEN2iPku6i9-mjDUeFfkwztSO14Pak7i7EaL7KyFch7_x_oBhwo6jIVg_ggQmxOCfsTdad4Lvu0vQxFNp-h_U8vunN4WsyVOa7OBGhXtE0Ht_OcOf4PR4Crx93aq41bPRqnHRDR61ksEKM9k5qutE5wPl42cgpQno1Zraas_XU-MJca4Wfhg.VwRIBiNbVjG7StnhsggX5Ns1yvZmp7SjtXpRIVZRVkw&dib_tag=se&keywords=RV%2Bfilter&qid=1751643589&sprefix=rv%2Bfilter%2Caps%2C94&sr=8-2-spons&sp_csd=d2lkZ2V0TmFtZT1zcF9hdGY&th=1

View attachment 56440

Thanks. I will check that out.

 

[jaredwyoung]

No, filtered water is completely fine for plants. You may look into specifics on what filter you're using, chloramine may not be as easily stripped with standard carbon as chlorine is.

Thanks for the suggestion.

What about using filtered water? Or does filtering water eliminate some content which is essential for tobacco plant

 

[Misterak47]

No, filtered water is completely fine for plants. You may look into specifics on what filter you're using, chloramine may not be as easily stripped with standard carbon as chlorine is.

Thanks. Struggling to find something with hoses as in the UK. RV filters all seem to be coming from the US. Similar filters used to be available for detailers but the one I did find is no longer available.