Hey Bailey…Can I use dehumidifier water in my garden?

Q: I use water from my dehumidifier to water my shrubs and flowers. Is it okay to use it on my vegetable garden too? – Linda

A: Hey Linda! Thanks for the great question. 

With the climate-fuelled drought happening here in Nova Scotia where I live, I understand wanting to reuse water when you can! 

Dr. Joe Schwarcz, who runs McGill University’s Office for Science and Society, explains that the water coming from your dehumidifier is pretty pure at first. That’s because when water evaporates, it leaves minerals and impurities behind. 

So, if your coils are clean, the water dripping off them is basically distilled. Seems like it would be pretty safe, right?

But once that water sits in the tank, it can grow bacteria and mold, making it unsafe to drink or use on edible plants.

Add to that the guidance from legendary (in my household anyway) home improvement guru Bob Vila that this water can have tiny amounts of lead from your house or the machine itself. 

Since veggies and herbs can absorb those contaminants, it’s best not to use dehumidifier water on plants you plan to eat.

The good news is that for shrubs, flowers, or houseplants, you can use the water! But try a little first on a small spot to see how they react. 

And it’s totally fine to use it for flushing toilets, like other gray water.

Thanks Linda, and happy gardening!

-Bailey