Water Quality is a significant factor in brewing. The pH, mineral content, and chlorine residual of brewing water can all affect beer flavors. Denver Water routinely tests for several water quality components in our treated water from each of Denver’s watershed sources.
In March 2020, Denver Water raised the pH of the water it delivers to customers as part of our Lead Reduction Program. Water quality information in this chart was collected from treatment plant effluents in 2025.
Most brewers find Denver’s water is well-suited for home-brewing operations.
| Water Quality Parameter | South System | North System | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Range | Average | Range | Average | |
| Total Alkalinity (as CaCO3, ppm) | 42-84 | 68 | 47-56 | 52 |
| Sodium (ppm) | 18-30 | 24 | 11-15 | 12 |
| Chloride (ppm) | 17-35 | 25 | 5-9 | 6 |
| Sulfate (ppm) | 53-76 | 66 | 16-26 | 20 |
| Calcium (ppm) | 27-37 | 32 | 17-19 | 18 |
| Magnesium (ppm) | 6-10 | 8 | 2-3 | 2 |
| Specific Conductance (µS/cm) | 300-390 | 351 | 150-190 | 167 |
| Total Dissolved Solids (ppm)* | 175-225 | 200 | 91-115 | 104 |
*TDS results are a combination of lab measurements and calculated data derived from specific conductance values.