Bobby_M's Brew Water Adventure

**Bobby_M** · 07-08-2009, 02:53 AM

http://www.amwater.com/files/NJ-Elizabethtown.pdf

Has anyone in NJ, on this system, been able to obtain a more comprehensive report with brewing applicable data? If not, what's the best deal on send away water analysis?

**wilserbrewer** · 07-08-2009, 04:27 AM

Yea Bobby...I got the same BS type report down here in Monmouth Co. "all filler, no beef"....useless! I am curious how you makeout.

Blender · 07-08-2009, 04:43 AM

I have read that a lot of brewers send water samples to Ward Labs. I am about to do this for my water.

**Bobby_M** · 07-08-2009, 01:50 PM

I've contacted NJAW asking for:

•    Calcium (Ca+2) ?
•    Magnesium (Mg+2) ?
•    Sulfates (SO4-2) ?
•    Sodium (Na+) On my report 12-62ppm
•    Chloride (Cl-) ?
•    Bicarbonate / Alkalinity ?

I got back an email saying that they forwarded to the water quality department. I might just have to send a sample out for testing.

So the ward labs test is about $20. Wouldn't it be a cool idea to start a water analysis database indexed by municipal water systems so that everyone on that system can share the same data? Actually, I just found this thread: http://www.homebrewtalk.com/f12/water-quality-chemistry-report-thread-101510/ but I'm wondering if a database would be more useful.

**schweaty** · 07-08-2009, 08:29 PM

I got a report from my local water department and they sent me data that had: Maximum, Minimum and Average values. Honestly that gives me a ballpark idea but the values vary so greatly that I'm really considering RO filter or home titration testing kits.

MMW · 07-08-2009, 08:42 PM

We get our water from two different lakes, a river, and a bunch of wells. Which one is pumping which day is anyone's guess.

I'm ignoring it for now, but one of these days I'm going to have to figure something out.

**ShortSnoutBrewing** · 07-08-2009, 09:11 PM

Not that it's a huge difference, but the Ward Labs analysis is $16.50. Closer to $20 if you're counting shipping.

**wilserbrewer** · 07-09-2009, 03:08 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MMW

We get our water from two different lakes, a river, and a bunch of wells. Which one is pumping which day is anyone's guess.

Yea, same situation for me here too.

Bobby, you very well may be on part of network system of many sources.

sparkyaber · 07-09-2009, 02:43 PM

I sent mine to wards, all the info you need and more. Give them a call, very friendly and helpful.

brybarrett · 07-09-2009, 03:06 PM

I live in Hamilton NJ, Mercer County. Aqua Water oversees the water in my area. I got in touch with a person in the water quality department asking for more details. I'll post my results when and if I get a response.