some bad info in this thread so far ... first, 'the government' does NOT adjust pH in tapwater ... I worked for a City Water Works for 3 years, we did NOT adjust pH, nor did it even concern us, our job was to prevent bacteria and contaminants ... my present city tapwater pH's at 4.5, VERY acidic ... and, it is made even MORE acidic, after passing thru my Reverse-Osmosis filters ... (RO removes the lime/calcium, further acidifying the water) ...
rainwater is basically distilled water, but picks up some pollutants, minerals etc on the way down ... rainwater will keep the plants alive, obviously, but there are better sources ... well-water tends to be the best, IF the pH is OK ... I found a natural spring a few miles away, pHs at 6.7, so I'm all set, finally ... if no other sources, just set your tapwater out for a couple days, so the chlorine will evaporate, and use that (chlorine doesn't hurt the plant, but it kills beneficial organisms in the soil) good growing :thumbsup: ... :jointsmile: