Harris Water Hardness Test Strips (25 strips)

B2B-2616

Regular price £6.75
12 in stock



Water Hardness test strips are very simple to use, they have a range of 0-500 mg/l and are supplied in a re-sealable container of 25 strips. The range is 0, 50, 125, 250 and 500.

Very simple and quick to use, just immerse the swab strip in the water for 2 seconds then remove. Shake off excess liquid and compare against the colour chart on the packaging within 30 seconds. This will indicate the total water hardness.

The hardness of water depends on its content of calcium and magnesium salts. The total of these salts determines the hardness of water. Water hardness is expressed in mg/L (ppm) of CaCO3 and often classified as ”soft” or “hard” water.

The definition of water hardness is based on the amount of calcium it contains per litre.

0 mg/L Totally soft water
50 mg/L Soft Water
125 mg/L Slightly Hard Water
250 mg/L Hard Water
500 mg/L Very hard Water

 

Soft water:
Soft water has a relatively low concentration of calcium carbonate and other ions. Soft water will lather with soap very easily and leave little or no scum in baths, kettles or heating systems. It is very good for bathing in, but it is not advisable to drink or brew with totally soft water.

Hard Water:
Hard water has a high concentration of calcium carbonate and other ions. The higher the concentration of calcium, the harder the water. Hard water will not lather with soap very easily and leaves scum and scaling in baths, kettles or heating systems. It is a major contributor to boiler breakdown as the deposits block the pipes. There are two types of hardness, temporary and permanent. Temporary hardness falls out as a deposit when boiled, permanent does not.

Water for Beer:
Different beer styles are better suited to specific types of water. Bitters and Pale Ales achieve optimal results if brewed with a harder water (Burton is a relatively hard water area). As a general guide aim for around 250 mg/L.
Pilsner Lager, Brown Ale and Mild brew best if a softer water is used. As a general guide aim for around 50 mg/L when brewing these varieties.

To increase the hardness of water:
The simplest way is to add Calcium Sulphate (Gypsum) or Calcium Carbonate. These do not dissolve easily in the water, so it may take a while of constant stirring to get them to mix properly.

To make the water softer:
The safest way to reduce the hardness of beer is to use Lactic Acid – either liquid or powder form.

Temporary hardness can be reduced by boiling the water and allowing it to cool before use. Syphon the water off any sediment before using it for brewing.

 

SHOPPING AND ONLINE DELIVERY METHODS

In normal circumstances we aim to despatch all orders within 24 hours of recieving them via the method of shipment chosen at checkout.

We offer FREE STANDARD DELIVERY for all orders over £70 to most regions of the UK.

For most orders under 5Kg, we usually use Royal Mail.

For any order over 5Kg we use DPD who can handle heavier and bulkier packages.

Unfortunately, for certain regions within the UK there is an extra charge for delivery, as per the table below (Postcode Areas with Delivery Surcharge)

*PLEASE NOTE: For any customers residing in the postal code areas shown below we can still ship any small & light parcels under 2kg via Royal Mail. Please contact sales@brew2bottle.co.uk & we will happily arrange this for you.*

STANDARD DELIVERY TO MOST REGIONS OF THE UK

  • £5.95
  • Up to 5 Working Days (Monday-Friday)
  • Insured Delivery Service
  • FREE for orders £70.00 or above

EXPRESS DELIVERY TO MOST REGIONS OF THE UK

  • £7.95
  • Order Before 12pm for Next Working Day (Monday-FridayDelivery
  • UK Mainland Only
  • Any Express orders placed on Saturday or Sunday will be dispatched the next working day, ie Monday, unless a Bank Holiday.

POST CODE AREAS WITH DELIVERY SURCHARGE

Region Post Code Range Service Shipping Cost

Northern Ireland

BT1 - BT99

Standard - 2 Days

£ 15.00

Isle of Man

IM1 - IM9

Standard - 2 Days

£ 18.00

Channel Islands

JE2 -JE3
GY1 – GY10

Standard - 2 Days

£ 15.00

Scottish Highlands

AB36 - AB38
AB55 - AB56
FK17 - FK21
IV1 – IV39
IV52 - IV54
IV63
KW1 - KW14
PA21 - PA40
PH19 - PH26
PH30 - PH41
PH49 - PH50

Standard - 2 Days

£ 15.00

Scilly Isles

TR21 - TR25

Standard - 2 Days

£ 20.00

Scottish Islands

HS1 - HS9
IV40 - IV51
IV55 - IV56
KA27 - KA28
KW15 - KW17
PA20
PA41 - PA49
PA60 - PA78
PH42 - PA44
ZE1 - ZE3

Standard - 2 Days

£ 16.00

MORE DELIVERY INFORMATION

Due to size restrictions through some courier networks, some items are available on Standard Delivery only.

RETURNS INFORMATION

In the unlikely event you wish to return a product please contact our customer services via email to sales@brew2bottle.co.uk.

If for any reason your package arrives with signs of damage please sign for the package as damaged.