More water analysis help

[Lars]

I just got the muni water report for my area, and was wondering if anyone would be willing to help me read it. In other words, wtf am I looking for and what does it mean for my beer?

Thanks!

[Danno]

Look for:

- Ca
- Mg
- Hardness
- Na
- CaCO3 (and any numbers associated with it)
- Cl (chlorine)
- S04
- Alkalinity
- pH

That's a good start.

[Lars]

Ok, here it is!

- Ca 98ppm
- Mg 20ppm
- Hardness 19 grains per gallon
- Na (nitrate?) 17ppm
- CaCO3 (and any numbers associated with it) 328ppm (total hardness)
- Cl (chlorine) 1.0ppm
- S04 74 ppm
- Alkalinity 188 (total hardness CaCO3)
- pH 8.0


Any thoughts?

[Danno]

You have moderately hard water with a fair amount of alkalinity. High in carbonates (CO3) but most of it is temporary. If you are making a stout or porter, leave it alone. Otherwise, I'd either dilute it by 50% with distilled water or boil it while pumping some O2through it to get the CO3 to precipitate out.

I suggest you get full details at www.howtobrew.com. Look for the Free 1st edition that's on line. Go to the all-grain section and then to the water pH section.

http://www.howtobrew.com/section3/chapter15-1.html

[Lars]

Thanks! I've been trying to perfect an American Brown Ale, so I guess I should just leave it alone! My last attempt was pretty damn good, now I just have to brew it again, to see how consistent my brewing is...