Where Can I Get My Water Tested?
With water quality a hot topic these days, there are many reasons to consider taking action. But how do you know where you can get your water tested? And with so many options, how do you know you've chosen the right test?
Let's take a look at some of the broader considerations.
What Makes for a Good Water Test?
Before we get to the where or hows of water testing, it's important to consider the what: What should I test my water for? A good water test is one that covers all the basics.
A basic water test should test not only for general water chemistry parameters like hardness, pH, alkalinity, TDS, etc., but also for a handful of common and often dangerous contaminants. Always ensure you're testing for heavy metals like lead, arsenic, and chromium.
Additionally, public utility customers should think about disinfection byproducts (DBPs)—like trihalomethanes (THMs), haloacetic acids (HAAs), chlorite and bromite—an unfortunate consequence of necessary water chlorination.
If you own a private well, always add nitrate(s), coliform and E. coli bacteria to your basic testing regimen.
Beyond those parameters, consider if testing for some local risks fits into your budget. For example, if you live near heavy industry or a military base, you might want to think about volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and PFAS.
- Do-it-yourself test strips are neither accurate nor comprehensive. Cheap test strips for $20 simply won’t cut it (here’s why).
- Stay on top of your own concerns. Whether you're curious about your water quality or want to know if something specific is in your water, don't let water filtration companies—which spend a lot of money annually on tactics to lure customers—or social media influencers dictate your approach.
- It doesn’t matter so much that the lab is near you, what’s more important is that the lab needs to maintain EPA, NELAC or Direct State accreditations.
- Find a lab with a broad list of capabilities (not only coliform bacteria and lead, but other common contaminants like arsenic, manganese, uranium, PFAS, etc.)
- Find a lab that offers free shipping both ways.
Laboratory Water Testing Options
So what options do you have when it comes to testing with a laboratory? You can have a local lab that accepts water samples test your water by contacting them directly, or you can use mail-in services—some are offered by utilities or treatment companies, while some, like Tap Score, specialize in mail-in test kits.
Local Lab Water Testing
✅ Sometimes offer limited free testing
✅ Might know local risks
❌ Limited testing capacity
❌ Cumbersome drop-off process
❌ Difficult to understand results
❌ Can become very expensive very quickly
❌ No customer service
❌ No help with treatment solutions
Free mail-in water test kits
✅ Increased number of analytes tested
✅ Convenient and easy
❌ Might double as a sales tool for expensive filters
❌ Often difficult to understand results
❌ No customer service
Tap Score mail-in water test kits
✅ Widest range of testing options available
✅ Convenient and easy
✅ Easy to understand results
✅ Free expert advice
✅ Commission-free treatment suggestions
What About Local Water Quality Reports (CCR)?
If you receive water from a local utility, remember that they monitor your tap water to ensure it's safe to drink according to EPA regulations (like the Maximum Contaminant Level). Annually, these utilities prepare and mail out an overview of its water quality and the levels of a small number of contaminants like lead and copper. This is called a Consumer Confidence Report (CCR).
CCR's are only a glimpse at local water quality as it stands at the utility. That excludes the miles of piping that transports your water, and the plumbing in your own house or building, all of which make a big difference in water quality. Utilities also typically use chlorine to remove pathogenic microorganisms from your water, but this treatment process can create the dangerous DBPs we mentioned earlier, byproducts that can only be detected at the tap—and only by a laboratory.
That's why testing at your tap is so important.
Why Tap Score Is the Leader in Home Water Testing
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Customer service and satisfaction is our highest priority.
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Your testing is performed in 125+ accredited water testing labs across the USA.
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You’ll get free shipping both ways.
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Choose from over 2000 different contaminants to test for.
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It’s easy to choose the best testing kit for your needs.
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Get dependable results without waiting for weeks.
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Reports are visually-oriented and easy to understand, assessing both potential health and plumbing impacts, and even include unbiased treatment recommendations—but only if your water needs it.
Advanced City Water Test
Ideal baseline for testing tap water provided by a local water utility–including metals, minerals, and chlorine-related byproducts.
Essential Well Water Test
Ideal for regular testing of private or shared well water.
PFAS Water Test
Test your drinking water for PFOS, PFOA, and other PFAS compounds.
If you have questions about what to test for in your area, ask Tap Score or visit the website.
For the full list Tap Score Water Test options, click here.