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What Is TDS in Water? And Why It Affects Your Coffee Flavor
When most people think about making great coffee, they focus on beans, grind size, or brew method. But there’s an invisible ingredient that matters just as much—your water. And one key measurement that determines water’s impact is TDS, or Total Dissolved Solids.
What Is TDS in Water?
TDS stands for Total Dissolved Solids—a measurement of all the inorganic and organic substances dissolved in your water. This includes:
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Minerals (like calcium, magnesium, sodium)
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Chlorine or fluoride
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Metals (iron, copper)
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Salts
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Organic matter
TDS is measured in parts per million (ppm) or milligrams per liter (mg/L). The higher the number, the more "stuff" is in your water. Buy TDS meterto check the organic and inorganic substance in your coffee water today!
How TDS Affects Coffee Brewing
Water with different TDS levels extracts flavors differently. Think of water as a solvent. If it’s too “empty,” it extracts poorly. If it’s too “full,” it can’t extract well either.
| TDS Level | Result in Coffee |
| 0–50 ppm | Flat, sour, under-extracted |
| 75–150 ppm | Balanced, bright, ideal |
| 200+ ppm | Dull, muddy, over-extracted or bitter |
High TDS can mute acidity, overemphasize bitterness, or produce a “chalky” taste. Low TDS may result in a weak, sour, or "hollow" cup.
How to Test TDS in Your Water
Testing TDS is easy with a TDS meter, often included with filters like ZeroWater. Here’s how:
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Pour your tap or filtered water into a clean glass.
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Insert the TDS meter and wait for it to stabilize.
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Read the result in ppm.
📌 Pro Tip:
Before adding Third Wave Water minerals, make sure the base water is at 0 ppm or as close as possible. That’s why we recommend distilled, RO, or ZeroWater-filtered water.
Why It Changes Coffee Flavor
Even with top-tier beans, poor water leads to:
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Muted or muddled flavor notes
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Less aroma
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Off-balance acidity or bitterness
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Poor crema in espresso
If you've ever brewed coffee that tasted "not quite right"—the water might be the problem.
Third Wave Water’s Role
Third Wave Water offers precision water mineral packets that work best with distilled or nearly 0 ppm water. By starting with low-TDS water and adding a specific mineral blend, you get:
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Optimized calcium, magnesium, and sodium levels
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Perfect extraction for espresso, pour-over, or cold brew
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More consistency and machine safety (no scaling!)
Final Thoughts: Test, Adjust, Enjoy
If you’ve never tested your water’s TDS before, now is the time. It’s one of the most overlooked steps in home and professional coffee brewing.
Whether you're a barista or a home coffee lover, start with better water—and your coffee will thank you.
FAQs
Q1: What is a good TDS level for brewing coffee?
A: The ideal TDS range is typically between 75–150 ppm, depending on roast and brew method.
Q2: Can I use tap water for coffee?
A: Most tap water has high or inconsistent TDS. It may affect flavor and cause scale buildup.
Q3: What if my TDS is too high?
A: Use a ZeroWater filter, reverse osmosis system, or distilled water as your base, then add minerals like Third Wave Water.