dont use the filter disk. just use water from a brita water filter or similar product. thats what i do . my coffee comes from hawaii . i use a clear h20 water filter that attacheson the end of my water faucet/ i use this fliltered water for coffee or making tea in the microwave. i put 2 tea bags in a containerof filtered water and set the microwave for 5 minutes for one container or 7 for 2. the water where i live is gross but the water at my other home is worse. it makes the tea taste like it was made with muddy water. so im taking my old mr coffee and water filter to my other place and getting new ones for my principle residence