What makes water tasty? Water contains various chemical elements. The quantity and quality of these elements make good water. Calcium makes water sweet and smooth, potassium (kalium) and silicic acid make it taste refreshing. Thus, water may taste good or bad depending on the proportion of such elements in the water. In China, one of the oldest known civilizations to utilize drinking water for teas, has a saying: "The pot is the father of the tea but water is the mother." The quality of water you use for tea is very important. Ancient Chinese tea masters listed and ranked different water sources in degrees of excellence:

1. A mountain stream that bubbles over mossless rocks or pebbles

2. Mountain streams generally

3. Uncontaminated lowland springs

4. A fast-flowing river

5. A Well