Houston Water Report

[TexLaw]

A fellow Foam Ranger in Houston recently had his water tested. Here are the results (in ppm):

Calcium 50.3
Magnesium 8.06
Sodium 53.6
Alkalinity 150.00
Sulfate 29.4

He didn't have a chloride result (it was a free test). Enjoy!


TL

 

[EdWort]

I don't know squat about water, so is it good? If so, for what beers?

It will be interesting to compare my filtered LCRA water. Tanks!

 

[TexLaw]

It's pretty good water for maltier styles. It is quite good for darker beers, as that high alkalinity balances the acidity from the dark grains. If you want anything too hoppy, you need to reduce those carbonates, or you get harsh bitterness.

It also is fairly high in sodium, when compared to most of the world's major brewing water profiles, but that does not do a lot. Just know that there is no reason to add any more. I expect the chloride content is on the same order, as the two typically go hand in hand.


TL

 

[toddk63]

Here is another data point for Houston water. This is for their main surface water system.

From May 2005: "Metals"
Calcium 38.5 ppm
Magnesium 7.82 ppm
Sodium 51.4 ppm
Total Hardness 128 ppm

From Dec 2008: "All Minerals"
pH 7.4
Total Alkalinity as CaCO3 183 ppm
Bicarbonate 223 ppm
Chloride 42 ppm
Sulfate 13 ppm
Total Dissolved Solids 274 ppm

I am told they test for minerals and metals every 3 years. Next report is due end of 2011. I will update this thread when I get it.

Hey, TexLaw. Don't I know you from somewhere?

Todd K.