Considering diving in to AG

[chawn]

I'm considering moving to AG, but am concerned with the water in my area. My water comes from 3 different sources, so I never know what's in it (and it tastes like dirt). For that reason I typically use RO water from a machine outside a store near me. Can I make good beer without worrying about the water if it's RO?

 

[jtratcliff]

You'll need to add back some stuff to the RO water. Not enough minerals for proper mash pH and for the yeasts to use.

There's a thread here somewhere in which one of the water gurus talks about building up a basic generic water profile from RO water.

It doesn't take too much, if I recall correctly.


ETA:

Here it is:
https://www.homebrewtalk.com/f128/brewing-water-chemistry-primer-198460/

 

[chawn]

You'll need to add back some stuff to the RO water. Not enough minerals for proper mash pH and for the yeasts to use.

There's a thread here somewhere in which one of the water gurus talks about building up a basic generic water profile from RO water.

It doesn't take too much, if I recall correctly.


ETA:

Here it is:
https://www.homebrewtalk.com/f128/brewing-water-chemistry-primer-198460/

That does look fairly simple. Thank you.

 

[dobes]

I would not let the water quality keep you from going to all grain, especially if you have access to RO water. When I first started using RO water I thought it was a pain but after a while I got used to it and realize the benefits of creating a water profile to be beer specific. It also makes for some interesting beer experiments.
your situation is a bit tough also not knowing what water is coming out of your tap. But maybe in your future you could get an RO system for your brewery and would not have to worry about that.
Good luck and let us know how your all grain endeavor goes.