My boss got some north american pitcher plants today at work and I told her to use distilled water only/ she gave me money to buy some/ I was wondering to save her money and my time/ would River water work just as well. I'm going to the river to do some fishing tonight. i know the mississippi is probably better for them then tap.

I do not think it is safe for the carnivores, lots of dissolved solids and minerals in river water.

If your boss can find a way to collect rain water, that is what your pitcher plants want, and it's free. If not, the distilled water will be the next best thing, and it only takes a little bit to make sure each pitcher has water in it. You don't need to fill up the pitchers.

I spray mine with a pump sprayer full of rain water, when it doesn't rain enough here. As long as there's about 1/4 to 1/2in. of water in the bottom, the pitchers will work great.

In my area, since we are in drought, I have no choice but go distilled water. But when we have the chance of some rain..I try to collect some rainwater. Just got to keep those pitchers in some water and as much full sun, and it is easy growing.