CR Water Question

glen · Post by **glen** » Thu Nov 17, 2011 8:52 am

Curious if anyone that uses the Cedar Rapids water does anything to treat it before brewing, or do you use bottled water? I haven't gotten a water report from the city yet, but know they add a fair amount of chlorine. Looking for ways to make better beer, and water seems like a great place to start.

Thanks!

tompb · Post by **tompb** » Thu Nov 17, 2011 8:57 am

All I do is a campden tablet for each 5 gallons.

Matt F · Post by **Matt F** » Thu Nov 17, 2011 9:00 am

Same for me. One campden tablet is good for up to 20 gallons. Tom, when do you add your campden tablet? I fill two tanks with 10 gallons each before doing a 10 gallon batch and throw half a tablet in each crushed and let sit over night.

Every once in a while I add a small amount of gypsum for my IPA's and Pale Ales.

Matt F · Post by **Matt F** » Thu Nov 17, 2011 9:25 am

The campden tablets are mainly to address the chloramines in the water. Chlorine can be driven off with a boil or it disipates if left out over night. Chloramines won't go away unless you treat the water and it is important to get rid of those.

glen · Post by **glen** » Thu Nov 17, 2011 9:39 am

Sounds good. I'll give that a try. Thanks!

hoboscratch · Post by **hoboscratch** » Thu Nov 17, 2011 9:47 am

If you're interested in the nitty gritty here's a link to the CR water report.
http://www.crbeernuts.org/phpBB3/viewto ... ter+report

tompb · Post by **tompb** » Thu Nov 17, 2011 4:24 pm

I put my tablets in when I fill my kettles. Right before I light the fire. From what I've heard they work almost instantly.

Matt F · Post by **Matt F** » Thu Nov 17, 2011 4:57 pm

Good to know. Main reason I let my water sit overnight is convenience. My HLT tank runs through a timer so my mash water is heated to strike temp by the time I get home from work. Crush the grain the night before and it makes for a quick start to a brew session on a week night.

Steven P · Post by **Steven P** » Thu Nov 17, 2011 5:29 pm

I've been running mine through a charcoal filter. The first one I did this way should be ready soon so we'll see if it worked.

tony b · Post by **tony b** » Fri Nov 18, 2011 3:26 pm

While not as bad as some other local communities, CR water does have enough chlorine in it to affect the flavor. I notice it more in coffee than beer. But, anyway, I have an undercounter filtration system (GE) with double cartridges that works really well.