Using lake water?

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dixiedragon

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I am planning to enter a craft show next year. This craft show takes place on a lake. I thought it might be nifty to make some soap using the lake water. The water is very clean. Any thoughts on this, either in terms of it being a selling point (or not), or anything else?
 
I would probably even boil it. But the idea is great!:)
I'd love to have a super clean lake nearby AND have a soap with that clear water - would buy both of these ;).
 
When I think about lakes, beaches and etc......I think of people relaxing drinking a beer and grilling. If I were you, I would make beer soap since beer will be on may peoples mind.
 
Boiling and filtering would be on my "To Do" list for using lake water. Even if it appears clear and clean, there are beasties in there. Just put some on a microscope slide and look.

I am with Iluminada. Think about things people associate with a beach. I would think beer soap, coconut scented soap(like sunscreen), some Margarita scented soaps, etc. Maybe even some sand and water colored soaps.
 
I would filter it to remove any microbes or other crawlies.

Sounds a great idea. Do you think that after straining it that the Lye would kill any bacteria? save boiling it? I'm new so I don't know.
 
There are bacteria, spores and one-celled organisms that can survive a wide range of pH. I would both boil for 3 minutes and filter that water before using it. Matter of fact, I would probably go get some of the water purifiers(filters, not tablets) from the camping section of Walmart, Target, or whatever sporting goods store you have close by. They are intended to remove exactly what it is you want to remove. Boil the water also.

You just can't afford the bad publicity you may get from soap gone bad. Not to mention potential lawsuits.
 
I'd think most algae, bacteria, aquatic insects, etc. would not survive the lye, but they could still produce impurities in your soap. I would be equally concerned about the mineral content and what that might do. So either way, filtering is a must for reducing chance of DOS -- plus you'll be glad you can look customers in the eye when they ask if you filtered it or cringe at the thought of bathing in lake water. I'm the kind of gal that would be interested in a soap made with the lake water, though I'd guess I'm in the minority. But I would definitely avoid any green coloration or fleck-producing additives to discourage people from thinking about algae or other organisms in there (since most people probably would be hesitant about this). Blue would be good though, or even natural color or white. Another idea would be to make a fisherman's soap -- people might really like the idea of it bringing good luck for a bite! Even if it's just for a novelty.
 
We had a monster snow storm the winter before last. I used some of the snow to make soap that commemorated the storm. I boiled the melted snow first. No problems. I can't imagine boiled lake water would be a problem either. Love the idea. I've seen sea water used, too.
 
I love the idea and would totally buy that, but I would hope the maker boiled and filtered the water first.

Since its a lake and not the ocean I don't think "beach" as much as clean, fresh and airy. I'd go for fresh scents that remind me of the forest or nature.

Sounds really cool!
 
Brilliant ideas. I am definitely going to do this - we have a lake very close to us, which is mountaintop, and as pure as can be (since there is no run-off into it and we are far from any air pollution). (Obviously I will boil and filter, but the lake is a worthy contributor anyway.)
 
While boiling it and filtering it would be recommended, how many of us swim in lakes and rivers? Lol some more clothed than others... I would be more concerned with the possibility of DOS than anything harmful to myself in a wash off product. To each their own I'd definitely try a bar of it ;)
 

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