Garden pond help

[soobee]

Live in Northampton where we have serious water problem meaning we have to boil all drinking water - including for teeth and cooking - for next 3 weeks. It's called cryptosporidium and is a parasitic organism.

My pond level is very low and normally I top up with dechlorinated tap water. Does anyone know if it is safe to contue to do this? Anglia water said 'fish don't drink water so they will be safe' - just checking!
Thanks

[Lance Morgan]

Only mammals not fish.

[soobee]

Thanks! I'm so glad some people know so much.
Am on my way to start fill up.

[Kayleigh]

Hi soobee and welcome to WAB..

I also live in Northants but where we are in Towcester our water comes from MK. So we were lucky.

I never use tap water as it causes blanket weed.
I use a water butt with rain water.

[nightshade]

Good luck with your pond, tap water is ok as long as you don't add more than about 5%

[dampflippers]

It won't hurt to let your pond get a bit lower for a while if you are worried. I have fixed a piece of hosepipe to the tap on my water butt which I use for top ups when I can. When it's heavy rain, you just leave the tap open and the butt will continue to fill while you use the water.

[soobee]

Thanks everybody
I too fill my pond from a butt but my pond irises are very thirsty and the water level soon drops - I put tap water into a big tank, dechlorinate, leave to stand for a few hours before topping up.

Anybody know why this year my filter sponges are absolutely crawling in what I would call tiny worms? Is it a problem? Should I do anything? Excuse my ignorance on these matters.

[Lance Morgan]

Are they red? if so they are blood worms which are larvae of midge. Harmless.

[soobee]

No i would say they are 'worm' colour