Bru'n Target Water Adjustment...all negative?

[slightlyoffbeat]

I'm using the water profile from daksin. I live in Mira Mesa, pretty close to 2kids. I figured it will do until I can get my water tested.

Calcium Ca- 62
Magnesium Mg- 22
Sulfate SO4- 171
Sodium Na- 74
Chlorid Cl- 87
Bicarbonate HCO3- 135
Potassium K- 4
Total Alkalinity TA- 121
Total Hardness TH - 247
P- 0.34 (NR) *NR*
Iron Fe- <0.01ppm
pH- 8.1

I inputted it all into Bru'n:
https://www.dropbox.com/s/lsovr8qx92rjt2n/Screenshot 2015-01-31 23.53.39.png?dl=0

Inputted the recipe:
https://www.dropbox.com/s/7lu49bo6fl7j620/Screenshot 2015-01-31 23.54.06.png?dl=0


The water profile I chose was black balanced for an Oatmeal Stout (any other recommendations. But no matter what profile I choose, almost all of the target water adjustments are negative!

I must be missing something? I can't be required to dilute every single time? Am I screwing something up somewhere? I'd have to have 80% dilution to not have negative numbers.

https://www.dropbox.com/s/g8al0l1trtl7abl/Screenshot 2015-02-01 00.12.45.png?dl=0

 

[ajdelange]

If you have any ion concentration in your existing water profile that exceeds the amount you want in your treated water you will have to dilute. That is the only way to 'reduce' an ion concentration short of precipitation (lime or heat treatment), distillation, RO or ion exchange.

 

[mchrispen]

Your chloride is over double the recommended level and your sulfate is is nearly 4X. It looks like the program is working as expected.

With your alkalinity, elevated sulfate and chloride levels, I would still dilute at least 50% for most hoppy beers I brew (to reduce the chloride). And use 100% RO for anything on the dark/malty side or for lagers.

I had a similar reaction when I got my Ward's Lab report, but now thank full it forced me to use 100% RO water and build up. My beers have dramatically improved, as has my skill at brewing and analyzing my beer.

 

[slightlyoffbeat]

Thanks guys. After reading your replies and a few more articles on brewing water, I understand now. I'll buy some RO for my oatmeal stout, and I suppose I'll need to start figuring out how to get RO/distilled water for my beers now. I dont' want to just buy gallon jugs every time.

Thanks again.