Can I Use Tap Water When Making Wine Kits?

Hello,
I am just getting ready to get my first batch of wine brewing with one of your wine making starter kits. I have a quick question. Is it was ok to use tap water from my sink to make this wine kit? Do I need to get bottle water from the store or what? We have good water here in our town, but I’m sure it has chlorine and other stuff in it.
Thanks,
Gerald
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Dear Gerald,
This is a great question that many beginning winemakers ask. Water is one of the main ingredients in any wine, so when you are first learning how to make your own wine, the source of water should be questioned.
Chlorine is the main issue with most municipal water systems. A trace amount of chlorine is added to the water to keep microbial growth at a standstill. For most urban areas the tap water is fine to use, but in some areas enough chlorine can be added to inhibit the fermentation. That’s the bad news. The good news is that chlorine can easily be taken out of the water before using.
This is another one of my simple wine making tips that I tell beginning winemakers: If you suspect that the tap water in your area has high levels of chlorine, I suggest that you draw the tap water a day ahead of time and allow it to sit open in a bucket overnight. Most of the chlorine will dissipate into the air, bringing it down to a level that is insignificant to making wine.
Happy Wine Making
Customer Service
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Ed Kraus is a 3rd generation home brewer/winemaker and has been an owner of E. C. Kraus since 1999. He has been helping individuals make better wine and beer for over 25 years.