Composting: Water Considerations

water with the compostIt is important to provide moist conditions for a hot compost to reach its  potential.  The challenge is to create conditions that are neither too wet nor too dry.  Your best bet is to cover the pile with an impermeable material, and provide external water it as needed. The moisture should be even and consistent, like well-drained garden soil. 
* Be careful when watering the pile with water from the city grid, which contains Chlorine in amounts sufficient to hinder the very soil life we are trying to encourage in our compost. 

  • Use rainwater caught in rain barrels or other collection systems
  • If using a hose with sprinkler/sprayer nozzle, hold the head as far away as possible from the pile, allowing some chlorine to evaporate.