Water sources...Hard vs Soft

My current water source is from the Missouri River; treated; but still quite high in mineral content,(hard) Have not seen any water deposits form on it's shell; but it does on my skin. When I am at my second residence; my water source is artisan in nature and much less mineral content; (softer). Question is over the difference in drinking and soaking in it; plus keep the enclosure humid; does the type of water have any positive or negative effects on tortoises?

I doubt if there is any difference in the two for drinking water. The water sprayed on the shell can leave visible deposits after spraying and drying hundreds of times so I use a soft RO water but it isn't a health issue.

Yes; now that warmer weather is returning; I assume I will see those stains while spending more time outside. But now with the humidity levels of his enclosure; and only leaving it for his soaks; it never really dries out that completely.

I also have both well water and city tap. Both are very hard and alkaline and very high in mineral content. I've never had the opportunity to use soft water, so I don't have anything to compare it to.

I use collected, filtered and stored rainwater for spraying and either well or tap for soaking and drinking.

Tom said:

I also have both well water and city tap. Both are very hard and alkaline and very high in mineral content. I've never had the opportunity to use soft water, so I don't have anything to compare it to.

I use collected, filtered and stored rainwater for spraying and either well or tap for soaking and drinking.

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Have you heard that its illegal to collect rain water in some states? Not here; so I have buckets out there now...great idea for spraying them with. Thanks

eric joranson said:

Have you heard that its illegal to collect rain water in some states? Not here; so I have buckets out there now...great idea for spraying them with. Thanks

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I have not heard that.