The hosepipe ban led me to buy an old whiskey barrel to use as a rainwater butt. Its been great but the water really really stinks! I assume its stagnant or reacting with the wood in some way....it doesnt matter for the plants (I think) but is pretty unpleasant to use. Although not so important now its raining again does anyone have any recomendations to deal with this so next summer will be less smelly? Thanks
the smell is made by all the plant material (sludge) at the bottom of the barrel. clean it out and try putting a small net bag of charcoal in.This is suppost to sweeten the water.
Try to prevent leaves, twigs and other debris from entering your water butt in the first place. This can be as simple an old sock or similar to filter the debris from the drain pipe. Remember to inspect regularly and clean as necessary. Good luck
The plants don't mind the smell. If you are bothered, add either charcoal or potassium permanganate to the butt. You should clean out the gunk at the bottom of the butt every year but I have never met anyone who has cleaned out his water butt, ever.
