First time I'm starting seeds myself for end-of-May transplanting. I've read that concerns over the chloramine produced in many towns' water systems (by the addition of ammonia to chlorine) are minimal since the soil's top inches of biological activity break it down above the root zone.
However, I'm thinking of using bottled 'spring' water for my germinating seeds and seedlings. I'm concerned that chloramines aren't conducive to healthy growth of young plants. I'm also thinking of investing in a rain barrel to reduce chloramines in the veggie garden.
Any comments and suggestions appreciated.
Watering seeds, town water and chloramines
If you are concerned about chloramines boil water for twenty minutes and then cool with open lid. Chloramines will "blow off"/ evaporate. I actually think just a few minutes to produce steam and then cool is enough. But I don't think chloramines are really a problem at all. Most city water is treated. I raise hundreds of seedlings every year using city water. That said, I also bake bread with wild yeast and boil the water. Yeasts and bacteria are more sensitive to chlorine than seeds.