16 replies to this topic

[Steve Urquell]

I always build my water from RO, have used the water machine in the supermarket for 8+ years and always hit my pH #s as measured with a digital pH meter. I keep a bowl of RO mixed starsan in my kegerator to dunk my picnic taps in.
I mixed up a new bowl the other day and got this after sitting overnight. I actually thought I may have brainfarted and used tap water so I mixed another bowl with the same results. First time I've ever had this happen as my mix usually stays clear indefinitely. I think the filters were improperly maintained and it was bypassing them--ended up with something the acid precipitated out.

This water was from Siloam Springs--a place I don't usually use. I got new water today from my usual source and made up a fresh bowl. Will check it before brewing tomorrow. I'll be doing this check from now on in lieu of buying a TDS meter. Looks like Pee-wee Herman added some salts to my RO.

[neddles]

Yeah that's not good. Fortunately you had another RO source and didn't brew anything with that water.

[Big Nake]

Remember me mentioning that I was suspicious about the bulk RO water at my local store? I sent some into Ward Labs and found that the TDS were high and the bicarb was over 50. That's the thing about water... it all looks like water to the naked eye.

[Steve Urquell]

Yeah that's not good. Fortunately you had another RO source and didn't brew anything with that water.

I checked the bowl I made up with the new water this morning and it was clear. No telling what that cloudy water had in it. Makes me want to brew around the time of the service date on the machine. I was a little worried when the machine I used yesterday said "5-03" for the service date/TDS check.

I will do an overnight check from now on for sure. Would suck to lose a batch due to poor water quality.

[Steve Urquell]

Remember me mentioning that I was suspicious about the bulk RO water at my local store? I sent some into Ward Labs and found that the TDS were high and the bicarb was over 50. That's the thing about water... it all looks like water to the naked eye.

Yep, I remember but haven't had any problems hitting my pH #s so I was confident that my local was a good source. I'll def avoid the one that produced the cloudy water. pH #s today are spot on.

[Big Nake]

Yep, I remember but haven't had any problems hitting my pH #s so I was confident that my local was a good source. I'll def avoid the one that produced the cloudy water. pH #s today are spot on.

What's the deal with the cloudy Starsan solution? If it's cloudy you know that you're working with water that's hard, has high TDS or what? When I mix Starsan with water my solution is slightly cloudy. I don't ever remember a time when I made a Starsan solution and it was CLEAR clear. It's more like clearish.

[Steve Urquell]

 

What's the deal with the cloudy Starsan solution? If it's cloudy you know that you're working with water that's hard, has high TDS or what? When I mix Starsan with water my solution is slightly cloudy. I don't ever remember a time when I made a Starsan solution and it was CLEAR clear. It's more like clearish.

From what I read it can be precipitated Ca, metals in the water, or other things that may cause the phosphoric acid to precipitate. Either way--no bueno.
Also, if you keep your starsan mix, it should stay at pH 3.0 to be effective. If it's cloudy, it may not be low enough and needs to be checked. My mixed starsan/RO stays clear indefinitely.

ETA: I'm assuming that Pee Wee load in the second pic is straight phosphoric cid.

Edited by chils, 26 May 2016 - 07:16 AM.

[realbeerguy]

The water machine in the supermarket is NOT RO water.  Just filtered.

 

Use distilled water for Star San make-up.

[neddles]

The water machine in the supermarket is NOT RO water.  Just filtered.

 

Use distilled water for Star San make-up.

Depends on the supermarket and the machine. The one we have in town is RO and says it on the dispenser.

[Steve Urquell]

The water machine in the supermarket is NOT RO water.  Just filtered.

 

Use distilled water for Star San make-up.

I misspoke saying Culligan. My water vending machines are Primo and they do dispense RO water.

 

https://www.primowat...T-YOURSELF.aspx

 

• Tap water from your local municipal water system is run through a sediment filter and a carbon filter to remove large particles, bad tastes and odors.

• The water then goes through reverse osmosis to reduce dissolved solids and microscopic impurities.

• Water is treated with ultraviolet light for an added final polish to ensure the highest quality, best tasting water for you and your family.

[Jub]

Damn, I've always just assumed the water machines outside the grocery store were legit....

 

:crack:

[Steve Urquell]

Damn, I've always just assumed the water machines outside the grocery store were legit....
 
:crack:

We use all RO at my house due to my sulfurous well. I've been using that 20 gals for coffee and it makes some harsh swill. Can't wait till it's gone. Almost brewed that Vienna Tmave with it. So glad I didn't.

[Genesee Ted]

I don't think I've ever seen a water machine at a supermarket

[MyaCullen]

I don't think I've ever seen a water machine at a supermarket

huh, most of them have one here

 

which is strange, because we have decent tasting water

[Genesee Ted]

We have really good water here.

[MyaCullen]

We have really good water here.

I drink ours cold straight from the tap, tastes good

 

run through my carbon filter it's bit better though, uor only water issue is the 135ppm bicarbonate level

Edited by miccullen, 10 June 2016 - 01:19 PM.

[3rd party JKor]

We have really good water here.

I bet you're just not noticing. We have them here as well. I've never considered using it, we have good tasting tap water here.