Nav: Home > Coffee >

Water for Coffee: What Water to Use for Coffee Brewing - Perfect Water Quality Conditions for Pour-Over Coffee

Published: 2026-01-27 Author: FrontStreet Coffee

Last Updated: 2026/01/27, You might have some knowledge about coffee. From beginner enthusiasts to those with the latest and best barista equipment, have you considered another method to create the ideal coffee? That's right, we're talking about the water you use. It turns out that whether you choose tap water, distilled water, or filtered water, it will have a huge impact on your brew. FrontStreet Coffee believes that seemingly simple coffee is actually a complex process where water quality plays a crucial role in determining the final taste and quality of your coffee.

You may have some knowledge about coffee. From beginner enthusiasts to having the latest and best barista equipment, have you considered another approach to creating the ideal coffee? That's right, we're talking about the water you use, and it turns out that whether you choose tap water, distilled water, or filtered water, it will have a huge impact on your brew.

Coffee brewing with different water types

FrontStreet Coffee believes that seemingly simple coffee ingredients can actually become very scientific when you consider specific flavors. For example, in certain cases, two备用 cups made from identical beans can be completely parallel when made with different water sources. Try it yourself - simply brew your favorite coffee with tap water, then try it with bottled mineral water. Does the taste differ?

The fact is, a cup of coffee is actually 98% water, which means that once you've carefully selected the roast and origin of your coffee beans, the water you pair with it can alter the coffee's flavor more than initially imagined. This is because water essentially acts as a solvent when mixed with coffee, thereby causing very subtle chemical reactions to extract the flavors from the coffee beans.

We're sure you're thinking "All this fuss about water, how can I make more decisions?" But we guarantee that perfect coffee doesn't just come from the best beans. As a new focus in the coffee world, water varies due to filters, location, and source. It can become very technical, and the choice of water will change your coffee world.

Why is water important in coffee making?

Okay, we all know that water can be either "hard" or "soft" due to the reasons listed above, but when choosing the right water for your coffee, you must keep in mind TDS (Total Dissolved Solids). These are usually composed of magnesium, calcium, and bicarbonates - the most common mineral elements that have particularly strong flavors. It's this balance that makes some beans' sweetness and others' bitterness complement each other. This is an art, but every detail matters. Have you ever chosen the best beans, used the best brewing techniques, yet been disappointed with the results? It can come down to water. The water you choose can bring an ordinary cup to an outstanding, memorable brew, and sadly, vice versa.

What's the best water to use when making coffee?

Different types of water for coffee brewing

Typically, there are three choices here: filtered, distilled, and purified. Although your water should be completely neutral (pH values between 6.5 and 7.5 are acceptable). We don't want to state the obvious here, but your water should be clean, clear, and fresh - without musty odors or the muddy tones that sometimes appear, especially in reusable water bottles. The mineral content in your water should be about 150 parts per million (ppm), and the optimal water pH for coffee is 7.0 (neutral).

Filtered:

This is just water that has already cleared any major impurities but still contains most of its natural minerals. Ordinary filters (like Brita water filters) will remove any excess carbon or bad tastes, making your next brew richer in flavor.

Purified:

While thoroughly cleaned, purified water usually removes all harmful elements but also removes most beneficial minerals. Typically, purification systems like reverse osmosis can add minerals back into the water, but this is a lengthy process to undertake daily!

Distilled:

Similar to filtered, distilled water is less suitable for making coffee (unless you're brewing coffee grounds under pressure, such as making espresso). All in all, distilled water is much better than tap water.

What does good coffee water taste like?

First, to be clear, you should never brew coffee with water that doesn't taste good on its own. Your water should be clean, without off-odors or any color. At a neutral pH value, ideally, the Total Dissolved Solids (TDS) for the best water used for making coffee is about 150 milligrams per liter. You also need about 10 milligrams per liter of sodium, 40 milligrams per liter of total alkalinity, and 0 milligrams per liter of chlorine.