Testing 101

Why test my drinking water?

We spend thousands of dollars a year performing maintenance on our homes, but how often do we think about the health and safety of our drinking water? There are multiple reasons now may be a good time.

READ MORE

Reasons to test your drinking water

Glass with Greenish Water
1

Changes in Color or Odor of Your Water

There are many reasons your water may be yellow, brown or smell like rotten eggs or sulfur. Some of those reasons are safe, others not so much, but there is only one way to find out.

Drinking Water Filtration System illustration
2

Before Installing a Filtration System

Before spending thousands on water treatment, ask yourself what you’re actually treating. Understanding what’s in your water can narrow your choices and save you money in the long run.

Local Water Facility illustration
3

Local Water Quality Concerns

Everything from natural disasters (floods, hurricanes, wildfires) to municipal mismanagement can allow contaminants to creep into your water supply. And local governments are not always quick to be transparent.

Old Plumbing or Infrastructure illustration
4

Old Plumbing or Infrastructure

The age of our homes and pipes have a heavy impact on our water quality. Drinking water traveling through old pipes can pickup lead, copper and bacteria along the way.

Family Health and Safety illustration
5

Family Health & Safety

Contaminants in our drinking water can cause everything from chronic illness to pregnancy complications and often exist without visible evidence. Testing is the only way to provide peace of mind.

Common contaminants people test for

Click the term to learn more

Total Coliform

What is it?

Coliforms are a group of common bacteria found in soil, water, and the gut and fecal waste of humans and other warm-blooded animals. It is common practice to report total coliform results as "presence" or "absence" rather than an exact concentration as their mere presence is enough to trigger further testing or corrective action. Presence of coliform bacteria is used as an indicator to identify when water is contaminated with human or animal waste. The presence of fecal coliforms indicates inadequate water treatment or a problem with the local water distribution system. While most coliform bacteria are harmless, some strains cause illness.

Not all water tests are created equal.

Just because a water test is “free” or claims to tests hundreds of substances does not mean it’s better. Our tests and lab network deliver scientific facts, not marketing spin.

OUR SCIENCE

How can we
support you?

We know this stuff feels complicated, but we are dedicated to making it easy. Answers to all your big (and small) questions are always a chat away.

SUPPORT

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.

What’s the turnaround time?

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 does 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.