Since having all this rain in the last two months my tap water ph seems to have gone a little crazy and now starts low (in the 4s) versus previously was in the high 6's (which I use citric acid to reduce). I know I can add a bicarbonate to increase the ph but on the week end I added 4 teaspoons of bicarbonate (to only 20L of mash water and I still only got to 4.9PH brewing a pale ale), but I am a bit concerned about adding that level of bicarbonate to this amount of water. Does any one have any suggestions as to whether
a) 4 teaspoons will have a significant affect on the flavour (I am starting with very soft water with bugger all other minerals in the water)?
B) what else people might use to increase the ph instead of a bicarbonate?
Any help would be great!!!!!
a) 4 teaspoons will have a significant affect on the flavour (I am starting with very soft water with bugger all other minerals in the water)?
B) what else people might use to increase the ph instead of a bicarbonate?
Any help would be great!!!!!