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<h4 class="dechead">On One Hand: Yes, It Can Harm Them
The chlorine found in most municipal tap water can alter the acidity of the soil in your garden, preventing your tomato plants from absorbing the nutrients they need. Chlorine also kills micro-organisms, which is great for swimming pools but bad for healthy, well-balanced soil.
On the Other: Not in Small Amounts
Watering tomatoes with chlorinated water is better than not watering them at all. If you've run out of distilled water or if you're pinched for time, go ahead and soak your thirsty plants with tap water.
Bottom Line
For the best, healthiest tomato plants, try to use as little chlorinated water as possible in your garden. For an easy, inexpensive water source, try collecting fresh water in rain barrels. Otherwise, you can draw water from your tap and let it stand for a few days, until most of the chlorine has dissipated.
Source:
Gardening in Your Greenhouse; Mark Freeman; 1998
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