Drinking Water Statistics from Tap Score

Contaminant data you can cite

All data below comes from actual lab tests submitted by U.S. households.

Feel free to quote these statistics with credit to Tap Score by SimpleLab.
We are an award-winning national water testing service for homes and businesses.
Thanks to our mail-to-lab kits anyone can have their tap tested in a certified lab.

Public City Water

  • 67.5%

    Bromodichloromethane

    Bromodichloromethane (BDCM) is a member of a group of disinfection byproducts called trihalomethanes (THMs) that form in water treated with chlorine. The EPA has classified BDCM as a probable human carcinogen.

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  • 75.4%

    Chloroform

    The EPA classifies chloroform as a probable human carcinogen
    based on animal evidence, and there is additional epidemiological
    evidence that chloroform may increase the risk of colon and bladder
    cancer in humans.

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  • 86.6%

    Fluoride

    Fluoride is present in nearly all city water due to its dental benefits. Most detections, however, are within the safe limits as fluoride is carefully monitored by the utility.

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  • 34.7%

    Lead (Pb)

    Lead detections in tap water are usually from old piping and plumbing in your own house. Therefore testing at your own tap rather than at the utility is crucial. Even low levels of lead can damage the brain and nervous system, slow development, and lead to problems with learning, behavior, hearing, and speech.

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Private Well Water

  • 26.7%

    Total Coliform

    Coliforms are a group of common bacteria found in soil, water, and the gut and fecal waste of humans and other warm-blooded animals. The presence of Coliform could indicate other issues with your well or well casing. Therefore the EPA recommends testing annually for Coliform and E. coli bacteria.

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  • 49.6%

    Lead (Pb)

    Though most heavy metals in well water occur naturally, lead is usually from old piping on your property or within your house.
    Exposure to lead can also cause anemia and impact the immune
    system for both children and adults. The EPA classifies lead as a
    probable human carcinogen.

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  • 61.1%

    Nitrate (as N)

    Nitrates have many uses from fertilizers to food preservatives. In drinking water, nitrate may be an indicator of nearby agricultural or septic tank contamination. Particularly infants are vulnerable to nitrates. Testing annually is recommended by the EPA since it's also a good indicator for issues with your well casing.

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  • 33.4%

    Arsenic

    Arsenic is a naturally occurring element. Long-term exposures to low-levels of arsenic concentrations in drinking water are associated with an increased risk for several types of cancer including bladder, gastrointestinal tract, kidney, liver, lung, pancreas, and skin.

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Water Quality Experts

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What test do I need?

When in doubt, we recommend that everyone start with one of our CORE KITS, which test multiple contaminants within a single test and are designed specifically for your drinking water source.

How long do results take?

Most people receive results within 3-5 business days after the lab receives their sample. However, some tests may require additional analytical time so be sure to check each kit’s product page for the most accurate estimate.

What will my report include?

Your report will rank your water against local and federal safety benchmarks, provide a thorough breakdown of any contaminants detected and how they may be affecting your health or plumbing, and provide non-biased treatment recommendations.

Are Tap Score labs certified?

Every lab facility in our network is certified with accreditations ranging from ISO to NELAC/ELAP, Direct State, DoD, DoE, DoH and beyond. Need a specific certification? Let us know so that we can meet your needs accordingly.