Well Water, Water Report and Consistency Questions

[Sammy86]

@Sammy86 if I understand correctly, you are basing water quality on late spring/early summer. If this is correct, this means any brewing water additions in Fall, Winter, early Spring and late Summer are wrong.

Not necessarily true...my first water test in the summer (July, 2019) was almost identical to the one I got in March (2020)...only difference was hardness and it was down 25 ppm. so I don't know the science behind it or if its even true just relaying a message from a well guys who has been in the business for 30+ years.

Also of note, i now have an RO system so I don't necessarily worry about it for brewing but I will be getting it tested again this summer for my annual test.

 

[okiedog]

The ratio is useless. Don’t use it as a guide for sulfate or chloride additions.

Thanks Martin. I know that I have a lot to learn when it comes to water chemistry. I have used your spreadsheet in the past with some success, but now I'll have to give it another try. Would you please elaborate on why I should not rely on sulfate/chloride ratio?

 

[Tobor_8thMan]

My point is the report is a moving target. You brew in August/September. What is the hardness? Whom knows.

I have the same problem here.

 

[mabrungard]

Thanks Martin. I know that I have a lot to learn when it comes to water chemistry. I have used your spreadsheet in the past with some success, but now I'll have to give it another try. Would you please elaborate on why I should not rely on sulfate/chloride ratio?

Because you can keep the ratio unchanged while drastically changing the impact due to the magnitude of the concentrations. 10 ppm sulfate with 20 ppm chloride will have a significant difference in effect from 100 ppm sulfate with 200 ppm chloride. The ratios are the same, but the effect will be different in the beer.

 

[okiedog]

Okay, now I understand. Of course, I do pay attention to more than just the sulfate to chloride ratio. MB, when it comes to brewing water, you keep me thinking, and I am happy to be enlightened.