Response to Water quality and developer

One big problem with tap water is variation throughout the year. Chlorine & mineral content varies as does organic matter in the water. All can have an effect on your film development. Another problem crops up which bothers those without a good filtration system and that is the occasional 'flushing the lines' done by most water departments. This stirs up particulate matter, dirt, sand and all the junk that has accumulated in the lines since the last flush cycle. If you process film at this time you may end up with negatives that rival 80 grit sandpaper when dry. Distilled water is a great equalizer. It doesnt' vary with the seasons & keeps your processing at a stable starting point which leaves the mistakes to be made by you.

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