Ward Labs Report - Maynard, MA

[dyqik]

Hi all,

I just got a report back for the water in my new house in Maynard, MA. City water comes from a few wells around the town, so I guess will vary a bit through the year. Sample was taken 2 weeks ago.

The report:
pH 7.9
Total Dissolved Solids (TDS) Est, ppm 287
Electrical Conductivity, mmho/cm 0.48
Cations / Anions, me/L 4.4 / 4.6

ppm
Sodium, Na 24
Potassium, K 5
Calcium, Ca 46
Magnesium, Mg 11
Total Hardness, CaCO3 161
Nitrate, NO3-N < 0.1
Sulfate, SO4-S 19
Chloride, Cl 59
Carbonate, CO3 < 1.0
Bicarbonate, HCO3 105
Total Alkalinity, CaCO3 86
Total Phosphorus, P < 0.01
Total Iron, Fe < 0.01


So I think this doesn't look too bad for general ale brewing (I don't do lagers very much at all). Not low mineral, but isn't too hard to adjust in whichever direction is required. The bicarbonate levels will mean some small acid addition for pale beers, but are high enough for amber through dark beers. There's a bit of chloride and sulfate, so I'm not sure what effect that would have on the taste balance between malty and bitter.

Anyone else have any thoughts or see something I've missed?

 

[mabrungard]

Its decent. You already recognize your other treatment needs, so you should be ready to go. Your water should only conspire against you when brewing really light or delicately flavored beers. It should be good for most ales.

 

[dyqik]

Thanks Martin. I was pretty sure I had that right, but it's good to get some confirmation.