there is a stream that goes under a road in my town and the small stream with runnning water runs down to a little lake saw a bird drinkin from lake but i was wondering if i could use stream water because of all the pollution from CARS and TRASH i had found few items of trash in the stream near the road would that affect quality if so how can i check quality is it worth it
In a pinch, I've used stagnant water from puddles, etc. Sometimes when its 110 degrees, you have to do what you have to do. It never caused any ill effects for the plants. However, I wouldn't use it on a long term basis unless you are fairly confident about its purity. Animals, birds, etc probably would avoid it if it was too polluted.