6 replies to this topic

[Seven]

I'm finally ready to get back to brewing after a long hiatus. Our new house is on a well so I want to get the water analyzed before my next batch (AG). Can anyone clue me in on what to do? I know our well water is very high in iron (it stains toilets worse than I do) but we have a water softener and acid neutralizer. Should I sample the water straight from the well and possible after filtration? How large of a sample do I need? Container? I have a tankless water heater so I plan on starting with hot water rather than the cold well water so should I sample the hot? I can't imagine it would be much different from the cold. Is Ward Lab still the go-to lab? Thanks!

[Thirsty]

Is Ward Lab still the go-to lab? Thanks!

I happen to be sending them a sample today. $16.50 for the W-6 test should give you everything you need. These are the responses I got when I emailed them:Dave all you need to do is fill a plastic bottle with at least 8 oz of water ( disposable water bottles work great, just rinse a couple times before filling) Send in with your name address and email address. I would suggest our household standard test or w-6 test. This is the one the brewers use. If you have more questions just ask.Thank-youRogerDave you can send a check with the samples or we will send an invoice and you can pay by credit card or check then. Send to Ward Laboratories Inc PO Box 788 4007 cherry Ave Kearney NE 68848. Po box if you mail Physical if you use UPS Fedex etcRogerHOpe that helps!

[stellarbrew]

I would just add that you would be best to take your sample from the point where you will obtain your brewing water. If you will draw your brewing water from a point downstream from a filtration unit, then I think that would be the best place to take your sample.

[Seven]

Thanks guys! I think I'll test pre and post filter since I can easily bypass the filtration system. I have a feeling the filtered water will be too soft for AG brewing.

[RommelMagic]

Is your water softener using salt filtration? I've read that such filters add too much sodium and can greatly affect your beer.

[Seven]

I'm not sure what the filtering medium is but the system is back-rinsed every so often with a salt solution. The water itself tastes very clean. I've never been a water snob but I can't stand a lot of tap waters I've tasted recently. I'll post my results when I get them. Thanks everyone!

[stellarbrew]

I'm not sure what the filtering medium is but the system is back-rinsed every so often with a salt solution. The water itself tastes very clean. I've never been a water snob but I can't stand a lot of tap waters I've tasted recently. I'll post my results when I get them. Thanks everyone!

The sodium from the brine that backwashes through the resin media in a softener ends up being exchanged in the water for the calcium. Your softened water will be higher in sodium and lower in calcium, which is exactly the opposite of what you would generally desire for brewing water. I think you'd be better off using unsoftened water.