Filtered and purified water helps coffee retain its natural flavors and aromas, without unpleasant aftertastes.
Water Treatment for Coffee Shops
With over 40,000 coffee shops in the US, delivering a high-quality product to customers is essential to stand out from the competition.
Investing in espresso machines and sourcing the best coffee beans, while important, is only part of the equation. Water makes up roughly 98% of a cup of coffee and plays a vital role in the taste and aroma, as well as the lifespan of equipment.
At Kinetico, we offer state-of-the-art, non-electric water systems designed specifically for the unique needs of coffee shops and restaurants. Explore our commercial water systems and get started with a free water test to determine the right solution for your business.
Why Water Quality Matters in Coffee Brewing
Optimal coffee brewing calls for a specific water makeup in terms of mineral content and factors such as alkalinity and pH, as outlined by the Specialty Coffee Association. Having the right quality of water brings the natural flavors out of the coffee beans for a smooth, lively cup of joe without chemical aftertastes or over- or under-extraction.
98% of Coffee Is Water
As the most primary ingredient in coffee, water plays a key role in quality alongside the beans, brewing method, grind and temperature.
Water-Based Equipment
Water with a too low or too high mineral content, pH and alkalinity results in coffee that tastes overly acidic, bitter, sour or flat.
Hard Water Can Damage Equipment
Calcium and magnesium above the SCA’s recommended levels can damage coffee machines, from pumps and heating elements to reducing flow rate and causing uneven extraction.
SCA Water Standards
Meet SCA water standards for brewing coffee with a Kinetico water system built for cafés and backed by the industry’s most comprehensive warranty.
Learn More About Kinetico Advanced Water Systems
REQUEST A FREE CONSULTATIONCommon Water Issues in Coffee Shops
Don’t let poor water quality ruin the taste of your coffee and beverages. Chlorine, hard water minerals and other impurities all impact your coffee’s natural flavors and aromas, causing a bitter, sour, weak or even a chemical taste depending on the contaminant.
Water quality also impacts the lifespan of your equipment. High levels of calcium and magnesium can cause damaging scale buildup in machines, while low pH (acidic) water can corrode internal components leading to costly maintenance.
Kinetico commercial water systems can help you achieve the exact mineral levels and pH you require, as well as TDS up to 250 ppm depending on the demands of the barista.
Hard Water & Limescale
Hard water is one of the most common issues with tap water in America. The SCA recommends total hardness levels of 50 – 175 ppm as CaCO₃ to minimize scaling and maximize the coffee’s flavor.
Chlorine & Off-Flavors
Disinfection chemicals such as chlorine and their byproducts can cause an unpleasant metallic, bitter or chemical flavor in brewed coffee.
High TDS
Total dissolved solids refers to the concentration of all minerals, salts, metals and organic substances in water. Too high (>250 ppm) or low (<75 ppm) TDS negatively influences coffee’s extraction.
Local Municipal Water Variability
Water quality can vary drastically depending on the treatment facilities of your municipality and their standards. Take the guesswork out of cleaner, purer water with Kinetico.
Our Commercial Water Solutions for Coffee Shops
Water Filtration Systems
Target chemicals and sediment with our non-electric filtration systems designed for commercial, high-volume operations.
Softener Systems (Ion Exchange)
Our water softeners use ion exchange (cation or anion) to significantly reduce minerals and metals in water, which contribute to scaling on all water-using equipment.
Purification Systems (Reverse Osmosis)
Purification helps remove unwanted contaminants, including TDS and chemicals such as PFAS. We offer reverse osmosis specifically for cafés to enrich water with minerals needed for optimal coffee brewing.
Sanitization Systems
We use ultraviolet sanitization to target bacteria, viruses and other harmful organisms in water. UV sanitization is especially beneficial for businesses on well water.
Benefits of Water Treatment & Filtration for Coffee Shops
Better-Tasting Coffee
Lower Maintenance Costs
High-quality water means less time and money spent descaling, replacing parts or servicing your equipment.
Prolonged Equipment Lifespan
Water at the optimal hardness and pH levels helps significantly reduce wear and tear on espresso and coffee machines.
Consistent Quality
Serve customers the delicious coffee they expect, every time. Our water systems work around the clock with minimal servicing or down-time needed.
Improve Your Water and Business With Kinetico
Every businesses’ water is different. That’s why at Kinetico we offer custom-tailored, non-electric water treatment solutions for restaurants, coffee shops and other food and beverage operations large and small across the country. Get started today with a free, no-obligation water analysis.
