Hi Deidre, the liquid that sometimes accumulates on the top of your starter (aka "hooch") is primarily made up of sourdough waste products and isn't vital to the health of your starter, although it's fine to stir it in before feeding your starter if you prefer to do so. I only pour it off if my starter has been neglected for an extended time and the hooch looks quite dark. In this case any flavor the hooch might impart isn't likely to be very tasty, and any liquid lost will be corrected for over the course of a few feedings at room temperature that are generally required to restore the normal activity level to a neglected starter. 

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