The Science of Coffee Getting great water for coffee, step-by-step. Part 2: How to measure and treat your water
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Jul 14, 2025 Lucia Solis, a coffee podcaster and former winemaker, joins the conversation to dive deep into how water quality can enhance your coffee experience. They tackle essential concepts like hardness and alkalinity, explaining why these factors matter for flavor and equipment life. Listeners learn practical ways to test their water at home and improve it, whether through filtration or mineral addition. The dynamic discussion not only demystifies water science but also ensures you can brew that perfect cup every time.
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pH Meter Can't Measure Alkalinity
- pH meters do not measure alkalinity, which is the ability of water to resist changes in acidity.
- Alkalinity influences coffee taste by neutralizing acids and preventing pH changes in the brew.
How To Measure Water Quality
- Use city water records, test kits, lab tests, or local roasters to find your water's alkalinity and hardness.
- Test your actual tap water for accuracy since water sources can vary even within cities.
Understanding Water Measurement Units
- Water hardness and alkalinity units vary globally, causing confusion in comparisons.
- Converting to SCA's ppm CaCO3 unit with simple math helps locate your water on their quality chart.
