I typically use an RV Carbon filter for my water. The water always tasted clean and I’ve never had any issues with off tastes after dozens of brews. My concern every time is that I’m stripping out those tasty little minerals that make a good beer great.
So my question: Are there water additives that should be included in every brew?
Activated carbon does not remove the ions we are interested in for brewing. Fear not.
You should still find out what those ions are so that you can figure out what else you might need to do to brew with that water.
The label on my carbon block filter says it removes chlorine, chloramine, organic flavor and particulate down to .5 micron. Whatever ions were in your water (Ca, Mg, Na, Cl, SO4, HC03) before the filtering are still there afterwards. Cheers.
Ps. You got THE best water guy to respond to your thread so quick… ask him a question! 
[quote=“mabrungard”]Activated carbon does not remove the ions we are interested in for brewing. Fear not.
You should still find out what those ions are so that you can figure out what else you might need to do to brew with that water.[/quote]
I’ve been unsuccessful thus far in getting a water report for my area. Do you have any advice on where to look?
Thanks!
[quote=“micahkoll”][quote=“mabrungard”]Activated carbon does not remove the ions we are interested in for brewing. Fear not.
You should still find out what those ions are so that you can figure out what else you might need to do to brew with that water.[/quote]
I’ve been unsuccessful thus far in getting a water report for my area. Do you have any advice on where to look?
Thanks![/quote]
Try www.wardlab.com. Get Test W-6 for $16.50. You’re set.
After I filter, or before?
If the water you use is post filter, that’s what you should send for analysis.
Thanks Denny.
