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Episode Transcription
I’m Susie Criag, welcome to Food Safety in a Minute.
Is rain barrel water safe for use in school gardens? While rain barrels are excellent tools for teaching water conservation, their collected water may not be suitable for edible crops. Most rain barrel water originates from roofs and gutters, potentially containing contaminants, including possible bacterial contamination from birds and wildlife. Instead, a publication from the University of Maryland titled “Food Safety in Your Gardens, Classrooms, and Greenhouses,” recommends using the collected water for non-edible plants.
For optimal safety, school gardens should use regularly tested municipal water for irrigation. If other water sources are used, they should undergo frequent testing to ensure they meet safety standards for bacterial and other types of contaminants, including lead and heavy metals.
From Washington State University Extension, this is Food Safety in a Minute.
Resources
Beaulieu, J., Buritsch, H., Traunfeld J., Henley, S. (2022, August 10). Food Safety in Your Gardens,
Classrooms, and Greenhouses. (8/10/22). University of Maryland Extension – Family and Consumer
Sciences. Accessed online 4/9/24.