Water Chemistry - How To?

[Kevnlis]

I am going to use rain water and add my own salts to the water to create the profile I wish to use for my CPA clone.

I have read quite a bit into it and done all the calculations for what I need to add to make the water how I want it. But the part I can not find, is it best to add the salts to the mash or to the water before I mash? How do I go about adding them? I am using a bit of Bicarb, Epsom, and Gypsum.

[Tipsy]

Hi Kev,

I've been thinking of trialing rainwater in a couple of brews but I wasn't going to add any salts because I don't now what the rainwater contains.

Have you had your water tested some how?

[Kevnlis]

I haven't had it tested no, I am assuming absolute zero and adding the salts as if it were distilled water. I know the ph is around 7...thats all.

[drsmurto]

Kevnlis - replied to this over at Brodies.

Dont assume zero.

Maybe i should start charging for testing water samples......