8 replies to this topic

[Thirsty]

The letter says that among 24 samples taken in several locations, a few cases of coliforms showed presence. There was one sample of E Coli in all of those. Because one sample was detected, they had to notify everyone. So they retested and got lower levels of coliforms, but still one sample of E coli. So they said they are raising the chlorine content, and flushing the pipes to redistribute this higher chlorination. So what will this do to my brew water? I usually collect through a pur faucet filter and collect all of my water the night before and let it sit overnight to help the chlorine evap out. I did just change the filter last brew as well. When they say "up the chlorine levels" does that make a dramatic difference, or is it a miniscule addition?

[HVB]

The letter says that among 24 samples taken in several locations, a few cases of coliforms showed presence. There was one sample of E Coli in all of those. Because one sample was detected, they had to notify everyone. So they retested and got lower levels of coliforms, but still one sample of E coli. So they said they are raising the chlorine content, and flushing the pipes to redistribute this higher chlorination. So what will this do to my brew water? I usually collect through a pur faucet filter and collect all of my water the night before and let it sit overnight to help the chlorine evap out. I did just change the filter last brew as well. When they say "up the chlorine levels" does that make a dramatic difference, or is it a miniscule addition?

Might be time for to send a sample to get tested. I think Ward Labs charges 16 bucks or something like that. Witht that you will know for sure and can adjust. Also, I would imagine by law they would have to provide you with a breakdown of the water.

[MtnBrewer]

If they're still just using chlorine, your filtering/evaporation technique should still remove all or most of the chlorine. A Ward Labs test never hurts though, if only to help you sleep better.

[beerbaron]

if it does not smell like chlorine after sitting overnight I would say taste it and brew on.

[Deerslyr]

I've got a buddy that has a couple of those huge blue bottles and goes and fills those up. Grocery Stores usually have them. I think for a 5 gallon batch, he purchases 10 gallons of water. Usually comes to around $8 for him I think. Then he adds the minerals/salts/etc. to acheive water profile. You may want to consider doing something like that in the interim. I've been considering it, but I just don't have the energy to do it, nor do I have the space to hold 2 more large empty containers!!!

[BarelyBrews]

I get one or two of these letters from my Village a year.usually about three weeks after i have made a brew. I feel better running it through a filter also, i have a PUR filter on the faucet, and a Brita on a jug. Its hit or miss with my water, sometimes it is clear and clean. Other times it runs light color. If you sent in a sample it might not be the same consistent water two days from now. I have lost faith in my drinking water(also brew water) so i filter it all.

[tag]

Just add one half of a crushed Camden tablet to 10 gallons and it will rid you of all of the chlorine or chloramine.

[denny]

Just add one half of a crushed Camden tablet to 10 gallons and it will rid you of all of the chlorine or chloramine.

+1.....it's the easiest, cheapest way to deal with it.

[VolFan]

Just add one half of a crushed Camden tablet to 10 gallons and it will rid you of all of the chlorine or chloramine.

I agree. Our water distributor uses chloramine, which doesn't evaporate, so I always have a bottle on hand.And I also agree with sending a sample into Ward Labs just to know about everything else. Some of the best $15 you'll spend for brewing.