Test Source Water Composition
1 hourMeasure TDS, GH, KH, and pH of tap or RO source water with test kit or lab report.
Advanced1-2 weeks
Water Chemistry Optimization Guide
Complete guide for water chemistry optimization — step-by-step workflow, tools, checklist, and expert tips to get started.
competition baristascafé managers
Workflow
Build Target Mineral Recipe
45 minutesCalculate mg/L additions of calcium, magnesium, and bicarbonate for SCA or Rao targets.
Mix and Verify Batch
30 minutesAdd mineral concentrates to distilled or RO water; verify final TDS and pH.
Brew Comparison and Lock Recipe
1 hourPull identical shots with old and new water; score extraction and flavor differences.
Tools Used
- Brew Water Mineral Content CalculatorPrimary
Calculate precise mineral additions to transform RO or distilled water into ideal brew water.
- Coffee TDS CalculatorPrimary
Verify finished brew water TDS matches target range before deploying to espresso machine.
- Coffee Extraction Yield CalculatorSupporting
Compare extraction yield before and after water recipe change.
- Water Temperature for Brew MethodReference
Cross-reference water chemistry with brew method temperature requirements.
Checklist
0 / 6 completedLoading your checklist…
Baseline
Planning
Execution
Equipment
Quality
Tracking
Reference Materials
SCA Brew Water TargetsTable
Ideal mineral ranges for coffee extraction.
| Parameter | Target | Acceptable Range |
|---|---|---|
| TDS | 150 ppm | 75–250 ppm |
| Hardness (CaCO₃) | 68 ppm | 17–85 ppm |
| Alkalinity | 40 ppm | ≈40 ppm (HCO₃) |
| pH | 7.0 | 6.5–7.5 |
GH/KH Balance FormulaFormula
Buffer capacity (KH) should be 2–3× extraction hardness (GH) for balanced acidity in cup.
Barista H₂O StandardStandard
Magnesium enhances fruit acidity; calcium adds body — aim for 1:2 Mg:Ca ratio by ppm.
Start with RO
Reverse osmosis plus mineral addition gives more control than trying to filter hard tap water.
Small Batches
Mix 5 L test batches before scaling to 20 L café reservoir — errors are costly at volume.
Chemical Handling
Wear gloves when handling concentrated mineral solutions — avoid skin contact and eye splash.
Safety Notes
- Store mineral concentrates labeled and away from food prep areas — avoid cross-contamination.
- Never use untreated softening salts or water softener output directly for coffee brewing.