The Importance of Water Quality When Brewing Coffee

You’ve perfected your grind size. Your beans are freshly roasted. Your brewing technique is on point. But wait—what’s missing? Water. If you’re serious about brewing the perfect cup of coffee, you must take water quality seriously. Coffee is up to 98 percent water, making it just as (if not more) important as the beans you choose to brew.

Let’s discover the importance of water quality when brewing coffee, how to identify high-quality water, and some simple steps you can take at home to elevate every single cup. Whether you’re pulling espresso shots or brewing a French press, your tastebuds will certainly thank you for giving water the attention it deserves.

Why Water Quality Is a Big Deal

If you’ve never thought about the quality of your water you use to brew your coffee, don’t worry—you’re not alone. Water is one of the most overlooked variables in brewing coffee, yet it truly brings everything together. Water transfers all those delectable compounds—acidity, sweetness, bitterness, and body—from the ground beans to your cup. If the water isn’t up to par, it won’t extract the full array of flavors your coffee has to offer.

If your water is too “hard” with excess minerals, you’ll end up with a dull and flat-tasting brew. With water that is too distilled or “soft”, you may as well say goodbye to your coffee’s natural complexity since this will over-extract your beans and create a bitter brew.

Aside from flavor, poor water also puts your brewing equipment in danger. Mineral deposits can build up inside your coffee maker by affecting the heat transfer and clogging vital parts. Bottom line? Water doesn’t just participate in the brewing process—it’s the MVP.

The Science of Great Coffee Water

Now, what exactly qualifies as good coffee water? You don’t need a degree in chemistry to crack the code, but understanding a few basics will make a huge difference.

Total Dissolved Solids (TDS)

TDS refers to the minerals and compounds dissolved in your water. A TDS level of around 150 ppm (parts per million) is considered ideal for coffee brewing. This amount allows for balanced extraction without overwhelming the delicate flavors in high-quality coffee.

Hardness

Water hardness measures levels of calcium and magnesium. While these minerals help extract flavor, too much of them will mute brightness and clarity. Aim for “moderately hard” water with about 70 to100 milligrams per liter of calcium carbonate.

Neutral pH

The pH level of your water should be as close to neutral (seven) as possible. If you notice that your coffee tastes sour or soapy, chances are your water is overly acidic or alkaline.

Chlorine Is a No-Go

Tap water often contains chlorine for sanitization, but this chemical can leave your coffee smelling and tasting like a swimming pool. To preserve those nuanced coffee notes, make sure to filter your water prior to brewing.

 

How to Improve Water Quality at Home

Improving your water quality for brewing sounds sophisticated, but it doesn’t have to be complicated (or expensive). Explore these practical tips that’ll help you get started.

1. Filter Your Tap Water

Start simple with a basic water filter. These budget-friendly filters effectively remove chlorine, sediment, and some excess minerals. They’re an easy upgrade with a big impact.

2. Try Bottled Water

Bottled water formulated specifically for coffee, such as Third Wave Water or Perfect Coffee Water, guarantees your brew gets the perfect mineral balance every time. If you want to save money, consider using spring water.

3. Use a Home Water Test Kit

If you want to take a closer look at the quality of your tap water, a simple home water test kit can tell you the TDS, hardness, and pH. Armed with this knowledge, you’ll know whether you need to filter or re-mineralize your water.

4. Consider Re-mineralization

If you’re using distilled or reverse osmosis (RO) water, you’re essentially starting with a blank slate. To achieve the optimal mineral profile, try adding a pinch of baking soda and Epsom salt. For the ultimate shortcut, use pre-measured mineral additives for a consistent outcome.

5. Maintain Your Equipment

Despite your efforts to brew with the best water, mineral buildup can occur over time. Descale your coffee maker, espresso machine, or kettle every couple of months using descaling solutions or a DIY blend of vinegar and water. This ensures smooth operation and perfect heat distribution.

Water, Brew Method, and Flavor

Not all brewing methods interact with water in the same way. For a next-level coffee experience, make sure to fine-tune your water to match the brewing method.

Automatic Drip Coffee

For automatic drip coffee, use water with balanced mineral content to avoid scaling and ensure consistency. Regularly descale your machine to maintain optimal performance and flavor quality. Love drip coffee? Check out our single pot coffee packsto enjoy our coffee one pot at a time.

Pour-Over

With its slower extraction process, pour-over brewing highlights the clarity and brightness of your coffee. Opt for water with a neutral pH and moderate mineral content to keep those sparkly fruit notes front and center.

Espresso

Espresso is an art, and water is the canvas. With its quick, high-pressure brewing, espresso is extra sensitive to water hardness. For a balanced shot with a creamy mouthfeel, use softened water.

French Press

This immersion method relies on even saturation over several minutes. Harder water can add depth and richness, but go too hard, and you risk muddling the flavors. However, filtered or spring water hits the sweet spot.

Cold Brew

Cold brew’s long steep time extracts coffee differently than hot methods. Water with a slightly higher TDS can emphasize body and chocolatey undertones, making your brew velvety and indulgent.

Taste Test Challenge

Are you curious to see just how much water quality matters? Try conducting your own experiment!

Brew the same coffee beans using three different types of water—tap water, filtered water, and bottled spring water. Sip each brew side-by-side and see how the flavors shift. Just be prepared to never look at water quality the same again.

Transform Your Brewing Experience

When it comes to making incredible coffee at home, every detail counts—and water is one of the easiest ways to go from “meh” to remarkable. Now that you understand the importance of water quality when brewing coffee, you’ll see all the gorgeous complexities in your beans come to life.

Why settle for just good coffee when amazing coffee is within reach? Try experimenting with water quality and experience how it transforms your morning routine.