Water Quality

[TANSY]

Hi Everyone, Like a few others I am starting again after about 20 yrs. One of the reasons I stopped was the water quality seemed to change , clorine etc added. I notice in Jims tips he suggests adding 1/2 a crushed Camden tablet to the water and some people are using bottled water from the super markets any other ideas on this and preferences. What is the best way to tell if this is needed, smell, taste or any test. Used to do Tom Cactons lager is it still available? Thank you Tansy

[Garth]

Alternatively you can get a water filter that simply pushes onto your cold tap, no plumbing needed, and makes water nice to taste also, you can still get Tom Caxtons kits.

[sparky Paul]

The trouble with tap water is that it varies considerably depending where you live, different things are added depending upon the water source.

For example, aluminium sulphate (the stuff that poisoned people in Camelford in 1988) is added to make the water clear, but I read the other day that most of the water supply in Scotland exceeds the legal limit for this compound - this is presumably because much of the supply is from moorlands where the water is discoloured.

Fortunately, our water is very good here, but I reckon Garth's suggestion of a water filter would be the way to go if your water was suspect.

[Jim]

I've fitted a water gem filter now. The first brew using filtered water is maturing in the barrel at the moment.

Sly tasting suggests it's pretty good stuff.

The campden tablet trick is fine for chlorine and chloramine, but doesn't remove sediment, rust etc.

[TANSY]

Thank you Garth, sparky Paul and Jim, good ideas, what make of filter do you have Garth and where did you get it. Lady in HB shop said some customers actually phone water company to ask when they are dopeing. Think I will try drawing off 24 hrs before use and adding campden tablet. Thanks again for quick replies. Tansy

[Garth]

Tansy, Hop and Grape along the A66 from you in Darlo have the water filters in for about £15, is that the hbs you use?

[TANSY]

Thanks Garth, I am using ALLAN'S hbs in North Ormesby, I used to use it years ago and it is still on the go after 25 years sadly ALLAN died suddenly last year but his wife is running it very succesfully and she is very helpfull. It is closer and I remember ALLAN starting up as my surname is ALLAN good shop. Have seen H& G on the internet and may use it some time. Thank you once again Tansy