I sent my tap water to Ward Labs for analysis. Should have results in a few days. Question: What do I need to purchase to make the additions to my tap water to adjust for the desired brewing water specs for any specific recipe? Are there 4 or 5 base things I need to purchase? Thanks.
Here are the things I use for water treatment on a regular basis: Calcium Chloride Calcium Sulfate (gypsum) Sodium Chloride (non-iodized table salt) Baking Soda 88% Lactic Acid
If it's municipal water it will probably contain chlorine or chloramine. Campden tablets or powder (potassium- or sodium- metabisulfite) will treat for either. If it's well/spring water the metabisulfite likely won't be needed for chlorine or chloramine, but it's useful to have on hand as an oxygen scavenger, or as a sanitizer in a pinch.
common brewing salts and minerals used to adjust your water profile include gypsum ... calcium chloride ... epsom salts ... baking soda ... pickling lime ... canning salt ... and a variety of acids. not all water profiles will need every listed ingredient.
