Water conditioning for extract brewing?

[BarryNL]

Is there much point in adding chemicals (e.g. gypsum) to the water when extract brewing. My local water is very low in calcium and sulfates, but does it make much difference apart from during the mash?

[steve_flack]

Carbonates supposedly give a harsh bitterness and sulfates are supposed give a cleaner bitterness in high IBU beers like IPAs.

That's just what I've read.

[EasyBrew]

You may find that the addition of Carbonate Reducing Solution and/or Dry Liquor salts improve your water. We have very hard water and this stuff is great you don't need to boil it and you can add it and use the water straight away. Brupaks have written a comprehensive information sheet on water treatment:

http://www.brupaks.com/water%20treatment.htm