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Does HCO3 = total hardness or total alkalinity

Wildrover

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when I multiply the number by 1.22

http://www.brewersfriend.com/water-chemistry/ ?
 
The 2 terms go hand in hand.  Some water reports show hardness as Bicarbonates (HCO3) others show hardness as Calcium Carbonate (CaCO3).  This particular tool you referenced wants the hardness entered as a Bicarbonate (HCO3).  So if your water report shows the hardness as  Bicarbonate (HCO3) then enter that number directly.  If your water report shows hardness as Calcium Carbonate (CaCO3) then multiply by 1.22 and enter that number.  I use John Palmer's spreadsheet from his website "How To Brew".

http://www.howtobrew.com

Chapter 15 is the best and easiest read on water chemistry and his spreadsheet is free to download.
 
Thanks Swizland, I appreciate the reply.  When you first posted it I found your reply a little confusing but after a few days of reading up on water chemistry this response almost seems elementary to me.  Amazing what reading from the experts can get you.  You'll notice there is a similar thread in the all grain board which is where I probably should have posted this initially.  It mentions the spreadsheet you mentioned as well as some others
 
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