It’s the Water
Water Resources and Water Quality
By Larry McCollum of the Contra Costa Water District

We ride our bikes along the canal system on weekends.  We walk along these same paths for exercise at lunch. We throw away the water quality reports that arrive annually in our mailboxes as just another piece of junk mail. We take our water for granted. But water and water quality can be critical to our hobby of growing orchids. 

After reading the latest annual report I decided that it might be nice to find out where our water comes from.  Maybe we should know how to read the annual report.  And know the difference between hardness and calcium carbonate concentration, know what total dissolved solids means, as well as eletroconductivity testing of water.   

What?  This has gone over your head? You feel awash and drowning in terms you don’t understand?  Have no fear!  You really don’t need to know any of these terms in order to grow orchids.  But some folks say that in order to grow them well is another story.  Believe me, some hobbyists really get into the caliber and quality of their water!

If anyone can knowledgeably discuss Contra Costa’s water its Larry McCollum, supervising water scientist at the CCWD.  The Contra Costa Water district has a long history of public service and community outreach.  We are able to hold our meetings in the CCWD Board room because the CCCWD is committed to public service. The Contra Costa Water District delivers safe, clean water to 450,000 people in central and eastern Contra Costa County in Northern California.