I'd say it's the vendor's water. With all the bagging and adding and spilling, the salinity takes a beating! And if they're telling you a value, you need to add device error from their side also. 
I'm sure your refractometer is fine. 
		
	
		
		
		
		
			
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				Brad
			 
		
		
		
		
	
		
		
	
	
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