Which Type of Water Is Best for Your Espresso Machine?

Have you ever wondered why your homemade espresso doesn't taste quite as good as your local café?

It's easy to blame your beans or even your espresso machine itself. But, believe it or not, water quality might be the hidden culprit.

Why Water Matters More Than You Think

I used to overlook water quality completely—just filled up my machine straight from the tap. Then I noticed something wasn't quite right. My espresso tasted bitter and occasionally metallic. It wasn’t until I dug a little deeper into discussions online that I realised how much of a difference water makes.

The minerals in your water—like calcium, magnesium, and sodium—affect not just flavour but also your machine’s lifespan. The wrong water can create scale build-up, causing damage that's costly to fix. Here's a great read on how different minerals affect your espresso's taste.

Filtered Water: The Sweet Spot

I’ve seen home baristas swear by filtered water—and for good reason. Filtering out chlorine and other impurities preserves flavour while still leaving beneficial minerals intact. This balance often creates a better extraction and a smoother cup overall.

If you're serious about improving your espresso at home, investing in a simple filtration system can do wonders. We carry a great range of filters to suit different espresso setups.

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The Deal with Distilled and Reverse Osmosis (RO) Water

I found that distilled or RO water is excellent at reducing scale build-up—no minerals means no scale. But there's a downside: pure water actually makes your espresso taste flat and lifeless because minerals help extract flavour. Plus, running totally mineral-free water can even damage your machine's internal parts over time. Check out this explanation if you want a deeper dive.

To tackle this, many coffee enthusiasts remineralise their distilled or RO water using products like Third Wave Water sachets. These sachets are specifically formulated to add back exactly the minerals needed for great espresso flavour. They're popular for good reason and widely recommended in coffee communities.

Is Bottled Spring Water the Way to Go?

Bottled spring water is tempting—readily available, consistent, and tasty. But watch out: not all bottled waters are created equal. Some contain way too many minerals, especially sodium, which can ruin your espresso. I’ve had great results with spring water that's around 75–150 ppm (parts per million) total dissolved solids (TDS). You can find TDS info usually right on the bottle.

What about Aussie Tap Water?

Here’s the thing—Australia’s tap water varies greatly. Melbourne’s water, for example, tends to be quite soft, making it decent straight from the tap, though chlorine can be noticeable. In contrast, areas like Adelaide and Perth often have harder water, making filtered water almost essential. I've seen folks from all around the country share similar experiences online.

To ensure consistency, I always recommend using a digital coffee scale to measure exactly how much water you're brewing with. It helps dial in perfect extraction.

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Finding the Ideal Water Balance

I've learned through trial and error that an ideal water profile for espresso usually looks something like this:

1. TDS around 75–150 ppm

2. Neutral or slightly alkaline pH (around 6.5 to 7.5)

3. Low sodium and chlorine levels

To achieve this easily, combining filtered tap water with a pinch of remineralisation is your best bet. For those keen on exploring further, you can read more from the Specialty Coffee Association’s official water standards.

Maintaining Your Machine

Even the best water requires regular espresso machine maintenance. Regularly descaling your machine helps prevent mineral build-up and maintains consistent flavour. Pair that with good water, and your machine will reward you with delicious espresso for years to come.

If you're due for some maintenance, we've got a range of useful items like cleaning accessories to keep things running smoothly.

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It’s Not Just Water—Beans Matter Too

While water quality is crucial, your espresso beans play an equally important role. Choosing fresh, high-quality beans is essential. Our collection of carefully sourced coffee blends ensures that your improved water quality will make a noticeable difference.

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Need More Guidance?

If you're still feeling unsure, feel free to get in touch with us. At Brewed Co, we're always keen to help fellow coffee lovers brew better espresso at home.

Written By Laurie Nance

I'm the founder of Brewedco Coffee™, passionate about coffee, coffee tools, and helping others better understand how to utilize them. With years of experience in the coffee industry, I love sharing insights on brewing techniques, choosing the right equipment, and the science behind making the perfect cup.