There is something to the water issue, but I don't think you want to filter out the Calcium or Magnesium, or possibly even the sodium depending on how is in there. These elements are more prevalent in ground water than in surface water, but densities also vary greatly by geographic location.

Magnesium is is essential for over 300 biochemical reactions in the body, helps maintain muscle and nerve function, keeps heart rhythm and maintains a healthy immune system. So water could be an important source of Magnesium.

And we all know how important calcium is.

I don't like the chlorine but if you let the a gallon of tap water sit in an open container overnight it should be plenty safe for snakes depending on how much chlorine was in the in the first place.

It's a good discussion, keep kicking it back and forth.
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