does the temperature of water affect the growth rate of a plant?

Answer 1

I would imagine, based on the type of plant. Tropical plants can't survive in cold climates or areas, and if the water they are drinking is cold, I imgagine it makes them cold. So it would vary by the type of plant.

Answer 2

All plants do best when watered at the ambient temperature.
Water is how all dissolved nutrients are transported in a plant. Large variations in the temperature change the plants rates of transport. This in turn changes its respiration, then how well it can grow. Cold water can make some plants wilt. If this is done repeatedly the plant could be injured.
Water should be within a few degrees of the plants environment to avoid shocking it.
Very cold water dropped on some tropical plants will mark the leaves. African violets when watered with cold water in a warm room develop whitish spots that are dead tissue.
http://www.apsnet.org/online/feature/abiotic/water.html

Answer 3

In a way. Water that is too hot can burn plants or create an overly humid environment which would cause plants to lose water. Water which is too cold cools the soil temperature which then slows growth rate.