Screwfix water filter

[subfaction]

Hi guys, I'm getting a screwfix water filter fitted for nicer drinking water. I was going to use it to brew with too, but have no idea what it will end up doing to the water. It's the cheapest one they sell with tap. I'll still test and adjust alkalinity but wondering if I'll need to add salts. Currently we have water that's very hard with too much of everything in it. So normally all i have to do is just adjust with crs - according to the calc on here.
Anyone else doing this?

[TonyT40]

Doesn't tell you much does it? The manufacturers site is no better. You may be better looking for one that specifies what it filters out?

[boingy]

Do you have any defects in your current beer?
If not then leave the filter for drinking water...

[jmc]

Unfortunately once its filtered you won't know what's in the filtered water.
You can't use your water supplier's info as you won't know what's been taken out.

If you definitely want to use the filter you could get an analysis of what's left in the filter water.
See topic: Water Analysis at Murphy and Sons

[vacant]

I think relying on a water company report and/or a one-off analysis of a sample of your water gives a false sense of security.

• Your water can vary due to changes in season, source, work on the pipes
• Water company report is just an average/conglomeration of historical data so unless it states minima/maxima and these vary little from the mean over the years it is of limited use as a guide to what today's water has in it
• Your water filter may well degrade before replacement

I would suggest staying with using CRS/add calcium if required (plus campden tablet I assume). Then if you or anyone else perceive faults in your beer or as an experiment, think about other type of salt addition.

Lastly, I once used reverse osmosis water adding required salts (no CRS) for a light-coloured beer as I have hard water here too, and got a great beer. But these days I just pay attention to getting the alkalinity right with a salifert kit. I fill my boiler the night before, do a test and add CRS for 30 for example. Next morning I do another test and do a final small reduction to 25 or so.

[subfaction]

Thanks chaps, confirms what I expected. I guess I'll have to do some kind of side by sides to see if I can spot improvements. The tap water here really isn't the best taste wise, and although I'm 'happy' with my beers to date, I want to make the best I can. If I find out anymore info on what the filter does I'll post back.