Colin Malsingh wrote:
On Thu, 3 Jul 2003 08:11:23 +0100, "Lee" wrote:


Is there any leaf matter decomposing in the bottom? Its been a little hot
lately!!


No, the water butt itself seems reasonably clean and provided "normal"
water right up to the point we had the decorating done. The weather
hasn't been any hotter since. In fact, the original guttering & pipes
probably contained much more gunge & built up organic matter than the
new ones.

As I said, the water coming out from it now is clear and had no smell.

I have now drained it completely (that was fun, after this week's
rain) so will have to monitor it when it next rains, to see if this
gradually subsides.

Any other theories about the cause or likely safeness of using it?

Quite likely to be from the lubricants used in the guttering moulding
process. I think it's unlikely to do any harm and I would go ahead and
use it. However, please don't blame me if it kills your entire garden!
Why not try it on something unwanted or unimportant first?