It's important to use the highest quality water in hydroponics. Tap water is often preferred because it has been filtered, disinfected, and it's easy to access. However, it can be expensive and it typically contains disinfectants like chlorine or chloramine that we may prefer to avoid.
Whether you decide to source your water from a natural spring, rainwater, or a nearby tap, you'll need to store your water in containers certified for potable water (NSF-61). This certification assures you that the container itself won't leach potentially toxic substances (like plasticizers) into your water and that the water will remain potable. This designation is critical, since the water is directly absorbed by your and no one wants to risk consuming toxins from their salad.
