Water quality for soaking hay

[Sven]

We have a bore hole which on testing appears to be high in nitrates, so not fit for drinking (for humans). My OH uses the water for the chickens with no problem, so would it be risky to use this to soak hay? We will be putting a uv filter on it at some point but wondered if we could start using it now. Mainly because I keep forgetting to turn the damn tap off and as we are on a meter for water this is proving to be expensive!

 

[Tiddlypom]

Not sure about your high nitrate levels (they sound a bit dodgy tbh) but I recommend a digital watch with a countdown timer for hay soaking duties! Takes 5 mins on average for my water butt to fill, my watch beeps at me, I remember to go back and turn off the tap .

 

[amandap]

I time it as well.

I don't know if nitrates leech into the hay. I wouldn't risk it especially if any are laminitics. You could try asking the Environment Agency.

 

[Sven]

Thanks, good idea about the timer, will wait till we put the uv filter in

 

[cptrayes]

Or you can put a measuring device or timing device on the tap. You don't even have to go back to switch it off then. Cheap on eBay.

 

[Exploding Chestnuts]

Nitrates are usually found in water contaminated by fertilised fields/human habitation, it is a chemical. Water high in nitrates is not suitable for babies.
The UV filter is designed to kill bacteria, and other micro-organisms, there is no relationship.
Personally I would just rinse the hay and let it drip.