How do I find out about my local water?

[Junket]

Fuck your water. Buy distilled or buy a Reverse Osmosis system from Watts. Use Palmer's spreadsheet, and listen to Jamil's water shows, buy some salts, and add to mash. You can get a good bearing from there.

Then drink your beer and you'll be happier. Or not. If you had great water in the first place and this doesn't help, then your problem is fermentation procedures. If your water sucked, and still sucks, read AJ Delange's posts at this forum. Beyond that, time to save up cash for a degree in brewing science...

[mabrungard]

A good way to find out about your water supply is to call the water laboratory at the water company. You'll probably only have the main telephone number, so you'll need to ask to be transferred to the water lab manager. A good ruse is to tell the receptionist that you're with one of the major industries in your town or possibly the hospital or school board. They will catch the attention of the receptionist.

Once you've found the right person and have their phone number, ask for the ionic data that you're looking for. You can continue the ruse and say that you're checking to find if the ion concentrations are within specification for a piece of equipment you're thinking of buying.

Only a fool would automatically punt their local water in favor of bottled water of some sort. With a little knowledge and understanding, you can figure out if the local water will work for your brewing. After you've investigated further, you might find that you'll need to do something extra for your brewing water. But don't assume it off the bat.

[donManguno]

A good way to find out about your water supply is to call the water laboratory at the water company. You'll probably only have the main telephone number, so you'll need to ask to be transferred to the water lab manager. A good ruse is to tell the receptionist that you're with one of the major industries in your town or possibly the hospital or school board. They will catch the attention of the receptionist.

Once you've found the right person and have their phone number, ask for the ionic data that you're looking for. You can continue the ruse and say that you're checking to find if the ion concentrations are within specification for a piece of equipment you're thinking of buying.

Only a fool would automatically punt their local water in favor of bottled water of some sort. With a little knowledge and understanding, you can figure out if the local water will work for your brewing. After you've investigated further, you might find that you'll need to do something extra for your brewing water. But don't assume it off the bat.

I like the way you think, sir.

[Elbone]

I know there is a very active homebrew community in the Atlanta metro area. Hook up with some local brewers that are already using the same water you have and see what they say about it. Chances are someone up the street has already obtained the information you seek and would be more than happy to share.

[Fugglupagus]

. . . . I wasn't aware that the mineral content of the water was not relevant when not mashing/sparging, and that's good to know. . . . . .

It is relevant. It's just relevant from a more generalized perspective. For the extract brewer, there really is no compelling reason to know exact mineral concentrations in our water supplies. But it is helpful to know generalities, like if our water is really hard, or really high in salts or minerals, or if it has really high or really low alkalinity. If it is/does, then it might make sense to dilute our tap water, or use distilled outright. Otherwise if we add mineral laden extract to marginal tap water, we run the risk of adversely affecting the flavor profile of our water, which could show up as off flavors in our beer.

If you're on your way to all grain, this might not matter. But if you stick with extract for a while, it might make sense to try a few extract batches with your dechlorinated tap water. If the beer tastes good, save yourself $5-$6 per batch, use tap. Also try some different color beers, some dark and some light. You might find your tap water works with some styles and not with others.

Personally, I use (mostly) distilled water.