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Water Mineral Testing

RGWilder

Apprentice
Joined
Oct 8, 2011
Messages
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Location
Tyrone, PA
Hi all.  I just started brewing (jumped right into all grain) a few months back, and am now looking into getting my city water tested for minerals.  The local report only gives us bacterial and chloride levels, and I tested my pH around 7.4.  I was interested in finding out if you have used any reputable, yet inexpensive testing kits/labs.

Right now, I am leaning towards the following, but have never used them:

http://www.apexhealthliving.com/default/household-water-mineral-test.html

Cheers!
 
I used these guys. $16.50 for analysis, and they email you the results very quickly.

http://www.wardlab.com
 
Thanks!  I love the fact that they even have it available at "Home Brewer's"
 
Ward labs is definitely the best option of all that I know of.
 
http://wardlab.com/FeeSchedule/WardLabs_FeeSchedule_Web.pdf#page=10

Their W-6 test is all we brewers need, and it appears to have gone from $16 to $21 since I've used them.  These base rates (I believe) are for when you send them a water sample directly, as in one-way trip from you to Ward.

https://producers.wardlab.com/BrewersKitOrder.php

And at this link they offer this Homebrewers test for almost $40?  Might be marketing spin there, and I think that page is their "kit" sent to you, and then you return it. 

So you can save considerably if you properly prepare your own sample and send directly in a USPS flat rate box. 
 
A few thoughts....
Before investing the time and money in a water report, first, google water report for your city. Someone may have posted it. Second, if you know someone who has a swimming pool or a hot tub spa, they will have a titration kit to test your hardness and alkalinity.  If they also live in your city, they will most likely already know these figures. If alkalinity is 300+ ppm I'd save your money on the water report and instead purchase a TDS meter, since you will have much better results brewing with RO water.
 
As a pal to the rest of the world, publish your findings so they can get put on the water profile portion of BeerSmith...You never know, your neighbor might be thinking of getting into the brew world.
As for me? Chicago water was already on the list...
 
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