Water, Water, Water

[idedek]

Quick question. I have generally been brewing with bottled water(which is a cost I would like to eliminate). I have looked into some different systems for water purification and have found the Pur on tap filter. Has anyone used this? If yes how have your results been? Thanx

[CRBrewHound]

From my understanding the "Pur" filter's are little more then a clorine filter, if you are trying to filter out everything then build your water back, I would suggest a reverse osmosis system with Deionizer (RO+DI) or even just the RO.

[28paws]

I use one of those big PUR filters that you fill up and put in the refrigerator. The day before I brew I fill up a bucket and my brew kettle with filtered water from it.
I used bottled spring water for a long time before I tried filtering it myself and I can't tell a difference. Give it a shot and see what you think.

Cheers

[Buttwidget]

I use RO+DI water from my local vending machine and build it back. My beer quality has skyrocketed since switching away from just using tap water. At $1.50/ 5 gallons, I find it economical enough that its now just a part of my process.

The closest machine is usually "sold out" and needs service about every third time I go there, so I have to go another mile to get water from a different maching, but that at least provides me the illusion that the machines are serviced regularly

~widget

[Stinkfist]

The grocery stores around here have a RO water dispenser that costs 37 cents a gallon...works great for me...much cheaper than buying an RO System for myself..costs about $3.70 a brew day think I can handle that

*edit to clarify I do add minerals back into the RO water I get...

[mabrungard]

You would be wise to investigate and understand your tap water quality before assuming you have to go to the expense of buying RO water or a RO system. There are plenty of places that have great water for brewing and the only treatment it needs is filtration through an activated carbon (AC) filter to remove chlorinated compounds and any off-flavors from the water. One of those PUR filters will do that, but they have very low capacity and the cost per gallon is relatively high. Going with a larger 10" or 20" undersink filter canister with a good activated carbon cartridge would be a better way if this is the only treatment your water needs. The flow rate through those filters must be fairly slow (<1 gpm) in order to avoid prematurely getting chlorine breakthrough from the filter. You can easily get 1,000 gallons of treated water from a 10" AC filter canister before its exhausted.

RO water is not desirable brewing water unless its re-fortified with calcium and other minor ions. Soft water is not desirable for brewing either. Hardness is good for brewing. At the minimum recommended calcium content of 40 ppm or more, that is termed a "moderately hard" water. So, moderately hard to hard water is what we want. Alkalinity is the parameter that brewers need to be critical of.

I suggest that the Water Knowledge section in Bru'n Water software will help most brewers understand what to change with their brewing water and why they're doing it.

Enjoy!

[idedek]

Thanks for the info. I have been waiting on a water report for a few months now(typical) and as soon as(if ever) I get that I will be able to know what I need do to treat.

[livefreebrewfree]

I built a water filter using a whole house filter canister, a replacement carbon filter to remove the chlorine taste & odor, and some tubing with a hose hookup. Works perfectly and I even did a taste test and my wife and I could definitely tell the difference in a blind test. Total cost was about $50 and it will last quite awhile.

If you want the full plans, let me know.