Is Third Wave Water Safe to Drink and Use in Espresso Machines?

Third Wave Water has become a favorite among baristas and specialty coffee lovers—but is it actually safe to use? And can you drink it? In this guide, we break down the real science behind Third Wave Water and its impact on your coffee, your espresso machine, and your health.

What Is Third Wave Water?

Third Wave Water is a pre-measured mineral supplement designed to optimize water for coffee brewing. It comes in sachets that are added to distilled or reverse osmosis (RO) water, creating water with an ideal mineral balance for coffee extraction.

Each packet contains food-safe minerals including:

• Magnesium sulfate

• Calcium citrate

• Sodium bicarbonate

These minerals are modeled after the Specialty Coffee Association's (SCA) brewing water standards.

Is Third Wave Water Safe to Drink?

Yes, Third Wave Water is safe to drink in the sense that all its ingredients are food-grade and approved for consumption. However, the company clearly states that:

Third Wave Water is intended for brewing coffee, not for daily hydration.

Why? Because:

• It’s mineral-balanced for coffee extraction, not hydration.

• It lacks electrolytes you’d need for general health and hydration.

• It may taste flat or off if consumed straight.

So, while it's technically drinkable, it’s not recommended as a substitute for regular drinking water.

Is Third Wave Water Safe for Espresso Machines?

Absolutely. In fact, it’s one of the safest options for espresso machines. Here’s why:

1. Balanced Hardness

Third Wave Water formulas are designed to prevent scale buildup—a major cause of damage in espresso machines. Tap water and unregulated mineral content often lead to:

• Calcium carbonate scaling

• Clogged valves and heating elements

• Inconsistent pressure and extraction

2. Machine-Safe TDS

Its Total Dissolved Solids (TDS) level is within the safe range for:

• Espresso machines

• Commercial coffee brewers

• Home brewers like V60, Chemex, Aeropress, etc.

3. Tested by Industry Experts

Third Wave Water has been widely tested and endorsed by professionals including:

• Barista champions

• Coffee roasters

• SCA-certified labs

Pro Tip: Use the Espresso Profile sachet specifically if you own an espresso machine. It’s tailored for lower buffer and scaling risk.

Tap Water vs. Third Wave Water: Why Not Just Use What’s in the Tap?

Tap water in Europe may be safe to drink, but it’s rarely ideal for coffee. Common issues include:

Can I Use Filtered or Distilled Water Instead?

Filtered Water (e.g., Brita):

• Removes some minerals and chlorine, but not enough for proper mineral control.

• May still lead to machine scaling or bad extraction.

Distilled/RO Water:

• Has zero minerals, which sounds good—but it's actually too "clean."

• Leads to flat-tasting coffee and may damage some boiler sensors over time.

• Needs to be re-mineralized — which is where Third Wave Water comes in.

 Is Third Wave Water Worth It?

If you:

• Use specialty beans

• Brew coffee daily at home

• Own an espresso machine or high-end equipment
  …then yes, it’s absolutely worth it.

For a few cents per brew, you’re:

• Protecting your equipment

• Getting the most flavor out of your beans

• Ensuring consistent results across different water sources

Is Third Wave Water safe to drink without coffee?

Yes, it’s safe—but it’s not designed for regular hydration. The taste may not appeal to everyone.

Can I use it with tap water?

No. It’s designed only for use with distilled or reverse osmosis water. Mixing with tap or filtered water defeats its purpose.

Will it void my espresso machine’s warranty?

No. In fact, it helps preserve the machine and can reduce maintenance by preventing limescale.

Is it better than Brita or Aqua Code?

Yes. Brita filters don’t allow precise mineral control. Aqua Code is a similar re-mineralization product, but Third Wave Water offers clear SCA-targeted profiles and more third-party testing.

Can I use it for cold brew?

Yes! Use the Classic Profile for best results with cold brew or immersion methods.

Final Thoughts

Third Wave Water is not just safe—it’s smart. For anyone serious about coffee, it solves real problems: inconsistent extraction, machine damage, and flavor issues caused by bad water. It’s a small upgrade that makes a big difference.