fix funky water or just buy some?

[stevedasleeve]

Hi all. I got the lamotte test kit. Here's my water:

Chloride = 340
Sulphate = 25
Total alkalinity (CaCo3) = 290
Hardness = 0
Calcium hardness = 0
Residual Alkalinity = 0
Sodium = 368 (!)

I am guessing this is unusable water because of the sodium...

I could dilute with distilled and add gypsum to up the sulphate (I mostly brew hoppy ales) or jut buy distilled water and add salts to taste.

What would you do?

 

[ajdelange]

Check it before the softener and check that your softener is washing out all the brine after regeneration.

 

[2trout]

In my neck of the woods RO water from a reliable store (regular posted maintenance) is .21/gal. adds less than $2.00 to a batch. Works well for me.

 

[stevedasleeve]

Just moved to FL and water here sucks. Fortunately I just found a glacier water machine, $1.50/5 gallons, literally 1 minute from my new place. I'll test it (its supposed to be RO) and fix it up for my IIPA recipe. Thanks for the advice!

 

[mongoose33]

I think you should be testing your water before it is treated in your house (softened?). We soften all our water except for a single line to the kitchen sink cold water tap. That's what I tested using the Wards service, and what I use when brewing (though a lot of RO water is used as well).

 

[McKnuckle]

Just buy some.

 

[madscientist451]

I'd go with the Glacier water for brewing and see what you can do for your house water as a long term project. $1.50/5 gallons is pretty cheap.