Local Water Analysis

[sweetkness]

So I finally got a copy of my area's water analysis. I live right on Lake Superior. I will just start by giving the info that was on the analysis, all values are in mg/L, except for pH of course.

Dissolved Oxygen - 12.8
pH - 8.928
Nitrate Nitrogen - 0.230
Chlorides - N/A
Alkalinity - 48.0000
Hardness - 45.500
Sulfates - 7.360
Phosphates - <0.005
Iron - 0.013
Fluorides - 1.160
Aluminum - 0.047
Sodium - N/A
Dissolved Solids - 59.700
Chlorine - 1.300

Now I had a few questions, I figured I would check here before trying to get back in touch with the water folks. They give alkalinity and hardness, but it doesn't say "as CaCO3", is that something that should just be assumed? Second, I wasn't given any info on Calcium, Magnesium, or Bicarbonate. Unless I'm mistaken and I can get that information from the numbers above, and I right in assuming I need to call them and get those measurements also? Especially if I wanna use the chart in How to Brew to estimate my mash PH. Any help would be appreciated.

[hmpitags2006]

What you are looking for is kind of a function of alk/hardness. I agree that they should have given you those value, instead of hardness. The only thing I could suggest is check these out.
http://www.advancedaquarist.com/issues/jan2004/chem.htm
http://www.reefcentral.com/forums/showthread.php?threadid=102605
and possibly post here asking some questions,
http://www.reefcentral.com/forums/forumdisplay.php?forumid=112
they will not know a lot about brewing aspect of what you are looking for but you can apply what you learn to it.

-G

[Mad Scientist]

Those are very nice links.

All the same, you'll need to call you water system and get the Ca and Mg numbers. If they do not have bicarbonate, ask if they have temporary hardness.

[HarkJohnny]

i simply sent an email to my water company and got a response the same day. I included the components I wanted to know about and what type of measurement.