water

[G. Cretin]

I have many questions regarding the water I use for brewing.
All answers appreciated...or not
Should I test Ph? If so What range do I want it in and how would I get it there if it's too alkaline or acidic?
My water comes out of a spring and it has a ton of minerals desolved in it ( it leaves a white film in the bottom of my kettle and on top of the water @200F then goes away)So what would be a good filter to buy?
note: I'm going to start doing 10 g batches.

 

[Baron von BeeGee]

Water treatment is a subject that Noonan commits ~40 pages to in New Lager Brewing (excellent resource, even for ale, btw). Palmer addresses it pretty well, and online: http://www.howtobrew.com/section3/chapter15.html

It's a pretty weighty matter to discuss in general terms. I would check a resource and come back with specific questions. I assume you're brewing all grain?

One thing I would say is that it sounds like you have a high level of carbonates in your water due to the white precipitate. This could be problematic depending on the level, though some level of carbonate is present in the 'perfect' liquor for every style...some more than others.

Edit...the pH of your tap water is not really important, the pH of the mash is what's important. You can start with a very alkaline tap water that may (or may not) be brought into the perfect range by the grains in the mash.

 

[G. Cretin]

thanks Barron I think I'll be picking up that book soon. My latest piece of equipment was a fridge for laggering and I need to read up on that anyway.

 

[homebrewer_99]

You should get your water tested so you know exactly what minerals are high and low in your water.

Could be your water is perfect for a particular style of beer the way it is...now if you only drank that style you'd be set. Then again, you could learn how to modify the water to a style you like better.

FWIW, if you brew a particular style that is not compatable with the water your beer may never taste really great until you modify the water.

 

[Beer Snob]

And if you have real discusting, terrible tasting water you can always make a Bud clone.....