FOZ (São José do Rio Preto, Brazil)

published by Tomás Alves@flatwhite173

Diagnosis
Estimated TDS: 314 mg/L (from label)
21
/ 100 Unbalanced
HCO₃⁻ Neutralizes coffee's natural acidity. Low = brighter, more acidic cup; high = rounder, more muted acidity. 269 mg/L (ideal 40–75 mg/L) high
Ca²⁺ Binds to extracted compounds and helps carry body — gives the cup roundness and depth. 0.5 mg/L (ideal 10–30 mg/L) low
Mg²⁺ Has a strong affinity for acidic and fruity compounds, pulling out brighter, livelier notes. 0 mg/L (ideal 3–10 mg/L) low
Na⁺ In excess, adds a faint salty edge that can flatten sweetness. 105 mg/L (ideal 0–10 mg/L) high
K⁺ Real but subtle and under-studied effect — some baristas associate it with a touch more perceived sweetness. Low weight in the score. 0.4 mg/L (ideal 0–10 mg/L) ideal
SO₄²⁻ Tends to sharpen acidity and add a drying finish: more brightness, less body. 7 mg/L (ideal 0–25 mg/L) ideal
Cl⁻ Tends to round out sweetness and body. 0.4 mg/L (ideal 0–30 mg/L) ideal
BODY LIGHT SMOOTH ACIDIC

Body × perceived acidity

Reading

Mineralization is quite high. The water saturates easily and tends to under-extract, giving a muted, dull cup — and it raises the risk of scale in your kettle or machine.

Alkalinity is high, buffering most of the coffee's acidity away — the cup will likely taste flatter and more buttery, with little brightness.

Calcium and magnesium are scarce, so there's little to carry body — expect a thinner mouthfeel.

Sodium is high enough to risk a faint salty edge that can flatten perceived sweetness.

Overall: this water fights against a clean extraction — consider blending it or switching waters if you can.

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Heuristic model inspired by ranges discussed by the SCA and specialty roasters. Not an official lab report — think of it as a starting point; your palate has the final word.

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