The short answer is yes. Doesn't matter where you live in the country (UK) if the tap water is safe for consuming, it's certainly OK for houseplants! So don't be fussy or flaky about the subject.
Most people understand that tap water is treated with chemicals such as chlorine or chloramine to kill harmful bacteria and pathogens, which can be beneficial for plants as well. These chemicals can also help to control pests and diseases in your houseplants, which can be a significant advantage. You've probably never thought of that :)
But there's other important positive notes about plants:
- Tap water is readily available and easy to use
- provides plants with essential minerals and nutrients such as calcium, magnesium, and potassium, which are beneficial for their growth and development.
- tap water is more sustainable than other options such as bottled water or rainwater harvesting, as it doesn't require any additional resources or energy to obtain.
- It is also cost-effective, as tap water is significantly cheaper than buying bottled water or installing a rainwater harvesting system.
The final thought I'd offer is when using tap water, it's best to ensure that your tap water is at room temperature. This avoids any shock to the plant with icy cold water that won't help it at all.
