[benny1]

I recently bought a water butt for my allotment and it has a plastic smell which I can also smell in the water. I noticed the smell is especially worse when the weather is hot . I do not really want to put this on my vegetables and am worried the water may contain chemicals leached by the plastic does anyone know anything about this?

[jimbeekeeper]

Is this a brand new water butt or just a plastic drum?

If it is new, yes it will smell of "plastic" but nothing so worry about.

Where as if just an plastic drum with un-known history, I might not want to be watering my plants from it.

[Brushcutter]

I have a 1000ltr IBC which used to contain some oil based wax/varnish type stuff. Hosed out thouroughly before use, still smells, slight oily residue on surface of water when i draw it off. As of yet hasnt killed my plants or me! Not ideal, i know but the plants dont seem to mind.
P.S If you can smell it it is volatile but evaporating.

[Paul Plots]

Benny1...... there are a few good questions hear (from the other posts) to think about:

If the water-butt is a new butt designed specifically for collecting and storing water to use for gardening then it really should be ok. You could, if this is the case, go back to the supplier / manufacturer and ask them.

If the container comes from another source then knowing the history of its past use might give you a clue as to whether or not it is a good idea to use it to hold water for use on things that will be eaten.

[savbo]

i know many people are concerned about oestrogen-mimicking chemicals believed to leach from plastic when warm - e.g. water bottles...

I'm not. No doubt i'll be regretting it when my moobs get even bigger...

[mumofstig]

eventually the smell will stop. Tip the water out and use from then on.....if you are really worried about it.
Do you grow your seedlings in plastic pots and seed trays....or only terracotta? If plastic then the plants are already exposed to the plastic.
Do you water with a plastic watering can.........same thing applies, if you think about it

[Paul Plots]

The simple solution - a peg on the nose