Ancient Chinese tea master, Lu Yu, highly regarded as the Sage of Tea in Chinese culture, had a theory that the best water to use for brewing tea should be collected from the middle of a fast flowing mountain stream. Considering that most of us tea lovers don't have access to a gurgling mountain brook from which to collect fresh water to brew our tea, we have to work with the options available. But what are our options, and which of these are best for brewing tea? Can a berkey water filter help improve the taste?

A summer herbal tea

There are several different sources/types of water that are typically used for brewing tea. Each have distinct advantages and disadvantages when it comes to their impact on the flavor of tea.

Well Water for Brewing Tea

Any water that has a pH higher than 7 should be filtered before being used for brewing tea. This is because hard water is rich in minerals that can impart unwanted flavor on the tea. Well water, in particular, tends to always have a pH above 7, posing a problem for those wanting to brew the perfect tasting tea. Water with a pH higher than 8.5 is classified as hard water, and will leave you with bitter tasting tea if not filtered. If, when boiled, the water still smells of minerals after you have filtered it, you may need to use bottled water as an alternative source of water for brewing the perfect pot of tea.

Bottled Water for Brewing Tea

If your tap water is not suitable for making tea you can always revert to bottled water as an alternative solution. But bear in mind that not all bottled water is suitable. Mineral water, as the name indicates, is rich in minerals that will give your tea an unpleasant metallic taste, while distilled water, which is low in minerals, will brew a bland, flat-tasting tea that lacks body.

If you opt for bottled water for brewing your tea, the best choice would be spring water of high quality. Check the label to see what is in the water. Ideally, you are looking for spring water that is neutral (pH of 7), as this will also have a neutral flavor and won't negatively affect the taste of your tea. The level of Total Dissolved Solids (TDS) should be less than or equal to 30 parts per million. If you drink a lot of tea, the environmental impact and cost associated with purchasing bottled water are both factors to consider. In this case, it may be more economical, as well as environmentally beneficial, to invest in a good quality water filter and simply filter your tap water. Nowadays, with the impact that bottled water has on pollution and waste, we have a hard time recommending using bottled water. A good quality water filter will remove a wide range of drinking water contaminants, leaving you with water that is as good, if not better, than bottled water.

Peppermint Tea! Looks tasty!

Tap Water for Brewing Tea

Tea connoisseurs the world over consider filtered tap water to be a good stand by for brewing tea in the absence of a fresh water from a quick flowing mountain stream. If your tap water has a neutral taste it may be good to use straight from the tap without even needing to be filtered. However, bear in mind that a good quality water filter will also remove heavy metals, chlorine and other nasties that not only make your tea taste bad, but may pose a risk to your health.

So, What is the Best Water for Tea?

Ideally, you are looking for spring water that is neutral (pH of 7), as this will also have a neutral flavor and won't negatively affect the taste of your tea. Ultimately, clean, fresh filtered water not only makes great tasting tea, but also makes it safe to drink.