Understanding your water quality is critical to great coffee and keeping your coffee machine in its best condition.
The Langelier Saturation Index (LSI) allows you to determine how corrosive or scale forming your water is by inputting a number of simple test results. This method takes into account the total dissolved solids (TDS); pH; general hardness (GH); alkalinity (KH) and the temperature of the water sample.
Results can range from corrosive to scale forming and the choice of water filter can then be determined to bring your water quality into a range that is both suitable for your coffee experience and which will protect your boiler and metal pipes from scale build-up. We offer a range of water filters here.
Of course, scale formation is dependent on temperature, so we look at the room temperature of water entering the coffee machine, the boiler temperature at 95 C and the steam boiler temperature of around 125 C.
Use the calculator below to determine your water quality by inputting the values and pressing “Calculate”.
Where you find that water at 95 C has an LSI reading of greater than 0.7, then scale formation is likely in the boiler and a scale reduction filter must be used to protect your boiler.
You are looking for an LSI of between 0.2 and 0.7 in your boiler at 95 C for excellent coffee and boiler protection. LANGELIER SATURATION INDEX
TDS (ppm)
pH
GH (Calcium ppm)
KH (Alkalinity ppm)
Temp °C
RESULTS
| °C | 23 | 95 | 125 |
|---|
What to do with your water-quality result
Use your brewer manufacturer’s guidance when choosing water or a filtration system. A qualified water-treatment supplier can help interpret your test results and set up a suitable filter.
For your next brew, explore Bean Online’s coffee beans or ground coffee. Our shop focuses on coffee and other beverages for home and office.