Natural Spring

[mot]

I happen to live relativley close to a natural spring about 10 mintues away from my place. It flows year round and anyone can go get water there to bottle and bring home. What do you guys think about using this for brewing?

 

[the_bird]

All-grain or extract? For AG, I'd be worried about mineral content, it'd probably be worthwhile to get a sample checked (some place does it for like $15, IIRC). For extract, I'd just make sure to boil any top-off water you use. Otherwise, I don't see a problem.

 

[Fingers]

Please expand, Bird. I have natural well water that is high in minerals and wasn't aware that it would be a concern with AG.

 

[D*Bo]

Depends on the style and ammount of hops used. There are many articles and threads dedicated to water chemistry. Too much info for a quick reply.

 

[Fingers]

My bad. I'll do a search....

 

[LouT]

I'd try a batch with it, just boil it first -- there's some nasty stuff you can catch from beaver poop, I can't remember what it's called.

 

[Desert_Sky]

I say if the water tastes good, then give it a shot. Just sparge with a little lower temp

 

[mot]

thanks guys this would be extract and the water tastes great out of the spring best water I have ever had!
There are thousands and thousands of people using the spring I might be able to find something on it from the city it is in, I am sure they have done some wort of testing on it to make sure it is safe

 

[Brewing Clamper]

It's not downstream from any factories is it? Cattle Feed lots?