When we think about making the perfect cup of coffee, we often focus on beans, grind size, or brewing method. But there’s one ingredient that makes up over 98% of your cup — and it’s often overlooked: water.

At Dwyfor Coffee, we believe that great coffee starts with great ingredients — and that includes the water you brew with. Let’s dive into how water quality affects your coffee and what you can do to improve it.

Why Water Quality Matters for Coffee

Water isn’t just a neutral ingredient — it plays an active role in how coffee tastes. Minerals in water help extract flavour from the coffee grounds. But too much or too little of certain minerals can throw the taste off.

Here’s how poor water can ruin your brew:

• Hard water (high in calcium and magnesium) can cause:

  • Bitter, dull coffee

  • Limescale build-up in your kettle or machine

• Soft or distilled water can result in:

  • Flat, sour, or weak coffee

  • Poor flavour extraction

Signs Your Water Is Affecting Your Coffee

Not sure if your water is the problem? Watch for these signs:

• Coffee tastes bitter, flat, or metallic

• You notice limescale buildup in your French press, kettle, or espresso machine

• Your coffee tastes different when made in other places (like a café or friend’s house)

What’s the Best Water for Coffee?

Ideally, your water should be:

• Filtered (to remove chlorine and contaminants)

• Not too hard or too soft

• Neutral in taste and smell

• Mineral content (TDS): Around 150 ppm is ideal

A Quick Fix: Use a Filter Jug

A simple water filter jug, like a BRITA or Aqua Optima, can drastically improve your coffee if you’re using tap water. It helps reduce hardness, remove chlorine, and deliver cleaner flavour.

Dwyfor Coffees That Shine with Filtered Water

Better water = better coffee. And our carefully roasted blends really come to life with proper brewing water. Some top picks:

Barista’s Choice

Rich and balanced with notes of caramel — perfect for French press or pour-over.

Gold Espresso

Smooth and intense, ideal for espresso machines (which benefit hugely from softened, filtered water).

Fairtrade Colombian

Bright, fruity, and clean — a single-origin that rewards proper brewing.

Bonus Tip: Descale Your Coffee Equipment Regularly

Even with filtered water, limescale can still build up over time. Clean your coffee gear every few weeks using a descaling solution — especially espresso machines and kettles.

Final Thoughts

If your coffee doesn’t taste quite right, don’t blame the beans too quickly — it might be your water. Try filtering it, experiment with brewing, and enjoy the full flavour that our Dwyfor coffees have to offer.

Ready to taste the difference?
Explore our full range at dwyfor.com/shop