A Community and Forum For Aquaponic Gardeners

"wild" water source

I had a question about water sources for aquaponics. The area I live in is riddled with streams, rivers and lakes ,and ponds since I am up in the Cascade Mtns.. I can get water from these sources but was wondering which would be a better bet if I was to start a system up fresh? Is there anything I should look for, or worry about using a "wild" water source?

- Converse

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Replies to This Discussion

Permalink Reply by Chi Ma on May 3, 2011 at 10:47pm

Shouldn't be a problem if you grow native fish.

Permalink Reply by TCLynx on May 4, 2011 at 6:30am

It might be wise to get some samples of your proposed water tested to see if there is anything in it to worry about. Some streams might run through ground or rock with high concentrations of certain minerals or substances that might not be so good in very high concentrations for re-circulating aquaculture. That said, they are probably mostly perfectly good.

There is some issue or worry about bringing in fish diseases or parasites from the wild and you will have to make your own call on taking that risk. (these things can also come in with the fish too.)

Permalink Reply by Converse on May 6, 2011 at 8:52am

Thank you for the replies. I will do the testing to watch for the sample results. I have some local Dept. of Fish and Wildlife fish biol. friends, so I guess I can ask them if there are any nasty local fish diseases known to exist in any of the waters around here....and then just hope for the best on the souces I find would most likley work. Thanks much for the advice.