Rob1 @MediumRoastSteam @DavecUK
Hi Rob1, MediumRoastSteam, DavecUK
Firstly, I just want to thank you (and all) for all of your excellent and patient advice and help. I wish there were some way I could give back (I already donated), but you guys know so much more about espresso than I. This is indeed such a friendly and helpful Forum, unlike some message boards that are frequented by trolls and other self-impressed but ungenerous characters.
So, thanks for helping with my often detailed learning questions. And here we go on water:
I about to send off my water for complete testing. I plan two tests: 1) The TWW water (a gallon of RO water from a supplier, mixed with a TWW packet) after mixing but before being filtered by the Lelit filter. 2) TWW water, after filtration through a Lelit filter.
For Test 2, I plan to fully purge the steam and brew boilers by running hot water until it stops (with pre-infusion off). And then use the hot water wand to get the required 1 litre water sample for the test. I presume that my sample will end up as 1 litre of fully Lelit filtered water only. There cannot be any water from “contaminate” sources in this Test #2 sample, such as any water that may enter via the unfiltered OPV hose.
So, am I OK with using the hot water wand to source this test water? If not, I will find a way to pump my TWW water through the Lelit filter for Test 2.
FYI, I have been using the Lelit filter on the TWW water because I do not currently have information on it’s calcium and overall hardness, and because @DavecUK sternly warned me of the many Lelit system consequences of not doing so. :)
However I suspect that the Lelit filter is removing minerals that beneficially contribute to taste. The water tests will provide clear water chemistry information on TWW water, before vs after Lelit filtration. I can then use this information to find the best balance between Lelit machine protection and water taste.
PS
I do fully purge all boilers once per month and also run 50 ml through the hot water tap and 25 mo through the grouphead, before my morning espresso shot.