Rainwater Cistern

[Jonathan Briggs]

I have a rainwater cistern in my back garden that I would like to use for my homebrewing.

However, I would like to verify that it is safe to do so. Does anyone know of any companies that offer small scale one off pathogen testing (and also brewing ion testing too if possible).

Thanks.

[Jim]

If you live in an area with any kind of air pollution (e.g. a lot of traffic) I wouldn't recommend it.

I tried collecting rainwater to use for brewing once, but I could taste the exhaust fumes in the water. Yuk!

[Jonathan Briggs]

It's an underground cistern, like a well, not a water butt.

Traffic pollution would be the last of my worries

[Kev888]

Ah, thats nice - I understand the desire to use it now. Though it may depend on the consistency as well as safety, if it changes brew to brew things could get more complicated, though you could still test total alkalinity and calcium with home kits.

WallyBrew on here provides water testing for brewing, which many informed members use and seem to rate the results highly.

Sadly I'm no water expert myself, but I wonder what exactly you'd need to worry about and so test for from a safety perspective; it may be that no common pathogens could survive a 90min boil whereas other things could, and there would presumably be inorganic components to check for the absence of. If/when you find out I'd be interested to hear.

[Jonathan Briggs]

Indeed it is. I like the idea of using water from beneath my feet instead of a reservoir miles away.

What I really need (and have only just found out) is the potability of the water (is it fit for human consumption) and not the ionic breakdown for brewing.

Rather than relying on a boil to make the water safe, I want to know that the water is safe before than (belt and braces) so I don't harm anyone (including myself).

[Pinto]

I think you're worrying a little too much tbh - remember beer was the reason your distant ancestors survived the middle ages as it was the only form of purification available to them !

You'll likely be able to find local environmental services company who can test for cold water issues like cryptosporidium - and if you wanted to be safe, there are also domestic UV water treatment systems you can buy (basically how they treat your drinking water)

I do like your idea tho - could make some fantastic beer with added smug factor !

[WallyBrew]

Pick one from the list and contact them.

Preferably find one near you. Obtain from them suitable sampling bottles. Sample it and return immediately. Monday/Tuesday would be best days of return.

Whilst these all have UKAS accreditation there are some on there that used to ship stuff around the country by couriers so how they ever complied with the provisions of the "Blue Book" series on water examination I will never know but then I have always believed UKAS accreditation is just an enigma.

[Jonathan Briggs]

I tried this with Severn Trent (my local supplier) and they stated that I should contact my local environmental health, who I am awaiting a reply from.