[alt-photo] Re: Distilled Water

[etienne garbaux]

Peter wrote:

>I have a dehumidifer that runs for about three months and in July 
>and August I acquire my distilled water.  I gather about 15 litres 
>per week at that time.

The coils and fins of dehumidifiers are generally aluminum, which may 
impart traces of aluminum ions to the condensate.  Some photographic 
processes are very sensitive to aluminum contamination (the 
preparation of silver gelatin emulsion, for one).  If you get strange 
results when you try a new process, consider the possibility that it 
may be due to aluminum in the water.  Similarly, rainwater often 
contains enough sulfur ions to muck up some photo processes.

Best regards,

etienne