I tested storage of water in a 5 gallon HDPE bucket with covered lid.
Ammonia, Nitrate, and Nitrate tests done with API Master Test Kit.
1) RO water initially tested zero in all three categories. After one week, there were no changes.
2) Tap water (with simple dechlor, not water conditioner) initially tested zero in all three categories. After one week, nitrate tested orange and then two weeks became red (40ppm+). Ammonia and nitrite undetectable.
I became aware of this issue when trying to store large amounts of premixed RO and tap water for use at a later time. So I tested the water separately and found tap water was the culprit.
Could someone please explain how and where this is nitrate coming from?
Ammonia, Nitrate, and Nitrate tests done with API Master Test Kit.
1) RO water initially tested zero in all three categories. After one week, there were no changes.
2) Tap water (with simple dechlor, not water conditioner) initially tested zero in all three categories. After one week, nitrate tested orange and then two weeks became red (40ppm+). Ammonia and nitrite undetectable.
I became aware of this issue when trying to store large amounts of premixed RO and tap water for use at a later time. So I tested the water separately and found tap water was the culprit.
Could someone please explain how and where this is nitrate coming from?