The Impact of Water Type on Coffee Flavor, and the Best Brands for It
You may carefully select your coffee beans, choose your brewing tools with precision, and fine-tune the heat, weight, and timing—but there’s a hidden element that can elevate your cup from “good” to “exceptional”… it's water.
In the world of specialty coffee, water is not just an ingredient—it’s a decisive factor in highlighting delicate flavors and revealing the character of the beans.
Although water may seem simple and ordinary, its chemical properties directly impact coffee extraction and taste quality.
So, what is the ideal water for making your coffee? And how do you choose the best water for a unique brew?
In this article, we reveal the scientific and practical secrets of using water in specialty coffee preparation, guiding you step by step to choose the best type to enjoy a balanced, rich, and clean cup—just as fine beans deserve.
Why Water Matters in Specialty Coffee
1. Impact on Extraction
Water isn’t just a medium—it’s an active agent that dissolves oils and flavor compounds from coffee grounds. Minerals like calcium and magnesium enhance extraction, while elements like chlorine or excess sodium can spoil the flavor and introduce unwanted bitterness.
2. Acidity and Balance
The ideal pH level for specialty coffee brewing is between 6.5 and 7.5. Any imbalance can result in harsh or flat flavors that fail to express the bean's quality.
Ideal Water Specifications (According to SCA)
The Specialty Coffee Association (SCA) defines precise standards for optimal brewing water:
TDS (Total Dissolved Solids): 75–250 ppm (ideal is ~150 ppm)
Alkalinity: 40–70 ppm
Total Hardness: 50–175 ppm
Free from chlorine and any off-tastes or odors
Types of Water Used in Specialty Coffee
1. Tap Water
Often unsuitable without filtration due to chlorine presence or inconsistent mineral content. Can be improved with specialized filters.
2. Bottled (Mineral) Water
Not all bottled water is ideal. Some brands contain excessive minerals that distort flavor balance.
3. Filtered or Deionized Water
Some professionals prefer RO (Reverse Osmosis) water and re-mineralize it using custom mineral blends to reach ideal composition.
Tools to Test Water Quality
To achieve the best experience, you can use simple tools to analyze water properties:
TDS Meter: Measures dissolved solids.
pH Strips: Test acidity level.
Hardness and Alkalinity Test Kits: Provide a precise breakdown of your water’s makeup.
How to Choose the Best Water at Home
Opt for bottled water with TDS between 100–150 ppm.
Avoid water with high sodium or metallic taste.
Try various brands (such as Nova, Rust, Naqi, Safa) and observe differences in flavor.
Take notes—some waters enhance chocolate or fruity notes more distinctly.
Tips from Cafés on Handling Water
Use a customized water filtration and mineral control system.
Maintain and regularly replace filters.
Test water regularly to ensure consistent brew quality.
How Water Type Affects Coffee Flavor
The water you use isn’t a minor detail—it’s a core factor that significantly impacts the taste, sharpness, and balance of your cup.
Water contains minerals and salts that influence how it interacts with coffee during extraction:
Water rich in calcium and magnesium enhances flavor depth and balance.
Water high in sodium or chlorine can flatten the taste or introduce bitterness, masking the bean’s original notes.
That’s why choosing high-quality water with balanced mineral content is key to great specialty coffee.
Top Bottled Water Brands for Specialty Coffee in Saudi Arabia
Nova Water
A popular choice with well-balanced minerals and no off-taste. Ideal for daily or café use.Rust Water
Engineered for coffee lovers. Adheres to SCA standards for TDS and alkalinity. Preferred by many professional baristas.Naqi Water
Low in sodium and ideal for a soft extraction and clear flavor, especially in manual brewing.Safa Water
Light and clean—perfect for fast home or office brewing without affecting coffee taste.
Remember: Never choose water randomly. Your coffee cup reflects the purity of the water it’s brewed with.
Conclusion: Water Is Not a Detail… It’s the Foundation
You may have the finest beans and the latest brewing tools, but without quality water, your cup will lose much of its charm.
In specialty coffee, small details make a big difference—and water is one of the most important.
Try it for yourself: experiment with different waters and you'll be amazed at their impact on flavor!
To make your journey easier, you can order the right water for specialty coffee directly through the Abar app, offering trusted options like Naqi, Rust, Safa, and Nova—with fast and easy delivery.
Abar: Your Water, One Tap Away
In a world of endless choices and rising quality standards, Abar is here to provide a smart, seamless water shopping experience—customized to your taste.
Whether you’re a specialty coffee enthusiast looking for precise water specs or need daily or event-ready drinking water, Abar offers a wide selection of top brands like Nova, Naqi, Rust, Safa, and more…
All delivered quickly to your doorstep, hassle-free.
With a user-friendly interface, multiple payment options, and free fast delivery in most areas,
you no longer need to search endlessly in stores—Abar brings the perfect water to your cup and your lifestyle.
Download the app now and start your journey with pure water, because simply:
“Every sip begins with Abar.”