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Where do you get RO water? (Chicago)

Discussion in 'General Homebrew Discussion' started by hanuswalrus, Jan 5, 2016.

 

  1. #1
    hanuswalrus

    Well-Known Member

    Posted Jan 5, 2016
    Every time I go to the store to get brewing water, the only thing I ever see is Distilled water sold by the gallon. It's usually $1 per gallon, which is more than I want to pay. I've checked places like Jewel, Target, Wal Mart, and Meijer (they actually have 2.5 gal of Distilled). I keep reading that RO is just as good, but cheaper. So I'm wondering where people are going to get this stuff, preferably sold in quantities higher than just 1 gal. Anyone in the Chicago area with tips?
     
  2. #2
    soccerdad

    Mama Tried  

    Posted Jan 5, 2016
    Try going to 'primo water' and doing a search. For best price look for a primo refill station - should come to less than 40¢ per G
     
  3. #3
    muels

    Well-Known Member

    Posted Jan 5, 2016
    I work in the Joliet area. I always get mine at Jewell, Walmart or our local grocery store. I have 5 gallon water jugs from culligan I fill 4 at a time.
     
  4. #4
    IslandLizard

    Progressive Brewing Staff Member  

    Posted Jan 5, 2016
    Many Walmarts have those Primo refill stations, but they tend to be tucked away a bit. I found one on the back side of the rack where they sell the prefilled gallon jugs of "Spring" and "Distilled" water. I guess they don't want you to find them easily or compete with their prebottled water sales.
     
  5. #5
    hanuswalrus

    Well-Known Member

    Posted Jan 5, 2016
    Hmm, maybe I'm just not looking hard enough. Thanks for the tips guys
     
  6. #6
    sudbuddy

    Hang on, I had something for this

    Posted Jan 5, 2016
    Don (@DCPCooks) has an RO filter coming out of the urinal in his garage. Maybe he'd let you fill up a carboy or two from there :D
     
  7. #7
    mabrungard

    Well-Known Member  

    Posted Jan 6, 2016
    You are located too close to the lake. The water is not that hard and most people don't have a need for RO. However, if you go west or south of your location, then you will see RO machines in those communities that get their water from wells.

    Be thankful.
     
  8. #8
    muels

    Well-Known Member

    Posted Jan 6, 2016
    Yep, we are on a well down here. No way I can use it for brewing.
     
  9. #9
    hanuswalrus

    Well-Known Member

    Posted Jan 6, 2016
    I know, I'm very thankful for our great water coming from the lake. But I occasionally brew up in Wauconda w/ my stepdad. Their water currently comes from wells, but I did read that they should have Lake Michigan water by 2018.
     
  10. #10
    Clonefan94

    Senior Member

    Posted Jan 6, 2016
    I usually buy my 5 gallons of RO water at Ace Hardwares in the area. I see them at Lowe's and Home Depot as well.
     
  11. #11
    hanuswalrus

    Well-Known Member

    Posted Jan 6, 2016
    Do they come in pre-filled 5 gal jugs or are you refilling buckets?
     
  12. #12
    QuadConPana

    Well-Known Member

    Posted Jan 6, 2016
    We bought one of these.

    It takes a little planning, because it only has a 2 gallon reservoir. So, I have to put a couple of gallons in my fermenter the night before. The next day, it will give me enough to mash in. And, by the time that is done, I have enough for the boil.

    A little bit of a PIA, but it also means better coffee, better drinking water, and it is great for rinsing beer glasses before filling.
     
  13. #13
    Clonefan94

    Senior Member

    Posted Jan 6, 2016
    Pre-filled 5 gallons.

    I used to know a place in Geneva that had a machine, to fill up whatever size you wanted and they charged by the gallon. They switched out machines there though and it's no longer an RO machine.

    Sorry, if you are loooking to refill on your own, I don't know of any places. Check any health food stores though, that's what the place in Geneva was.

    I used to be in the water business, so I always have a few extra 5 gallon bottles laying around to just exhange. Plus, they make it really easy to mix up a long lasting 5 gallons of starsan.
     
  14. #14
    Spartan300man

    Well-Known Member

    Posted Jan 6, 2016
    another idea, this is a long shot, see if there is a aquarium store near you. I know people that buy RO water for certain species of fish from pet shops that specialize in aquariums. You might be able to work out a deal, if you pay with full bottles.
     
  15. #15
    hanuswalrus

    Well-Known Member

    Posted Jan 6, 2016
    No actually I was looking for pre filled jugs. Thanks for the tips!
     
  16. #16
    Dcpcooks

    Well-Known Member

    Posted Jan 27, 2016
    Its out the supply line not the drain line!
     
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