Have any of you ever used War Laboratories to have your water tested? I just got up to Fairbanks, AK and want to know exactly what’s in my water before I brew. Also do you think that the minerals in the water could vary depending on the time of the year?
Ward Labs is very reputable and will do a great job on your water test.
I know my water changes based on time of the year. In the spring, it’s all snow melt and rain coming down from the Cascade Mts, so there’s almost no mineral content. In the summer and fall, the mineral content picks up noticeably because the water picks up more minerals from the aquifer (a lot less channeling - similar to a slow vs. fast mash runoff).
HTH-
Yes, I have used Wards for testing. They are fast and reliable. Although due to potential changing water profiles through the course of the brewing year (my water comes from a reservoir), I have opted to simply use RO water and build up with salts from there. So far, the results have been great!
Ward Labs is excellent.
Ward labs is great. I live in eastern Idaho and by Bicarbonates only change 50ppm throughout the season. Only way to know is to find another brewer, possible a pro brewer and ask them or to send in your water to ward labs at different times of the year. What does it taste like?
If you like DIY you could buy one of these.
http://www.lamotte.com/en/food-beverage/7188-01.html
In most cases, it is a variation in alkalinity that creates the inconsistency in mashing pH. There are relatively inexpensive aquarium test kits for alkalinity that can help a brewer track the changes in that parameter so that adjustments to your water treatment can be more accurately implemented. Another factor that we can use to track varying water quality is total dissolved solids. A TDS meter is cheap and very quick to use and may signal to the brewer when the water has changed from their expected condition.
Give these options a thought.
+1. Really glad I bought one.
Seasonal variation is why I ditched tap water altogether and started brewing with distilled (with appropriate mineral additions).
This is a whole lot of info! I might go with distilled water just until I can get it tested. Do you go to the companies website to see the mineral content?
The water tastes really good, its nice and clean. I am not the best at describing stuff. Probably why I haven’t tried being a judge. That’s a good idea to ask other homebrewers about there water
Water taste is no indicator of water’s suitability for brewing. I just presented a seminar on exactly that subject and why we all need to pay more attention to our brewing water at the AHA National Convention. AHA members will be able to review the audio and slides from all the convention seminars in a few weeks.