Advanced City Water Test
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Test for the most common issues in public utility water. Recommended as the best water test for your home by The New York Times' Wirecutter (2022-2025).
- Certified lab testing
- Fast turnaround at lab (5 business days)
- Free shipping, both ways
- Unbiased treatment advice
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“Most affordable, extensive test on the market. I would buy another one tomorrow.”
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“Accurate testing. Great customer service. This one livest up to the hype.”
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“This test is very thorough. Excellent detailed report. I wish I would have done it sooner.”
About the Advanced City Water Test:
This is the right test for you if:
- Served by a water utility with known contamination issues.
- Live in a home built before 1986 or an area served by old infrastructure.
- Have young children or other vulnerable individuals in your home.
- Want to check for chemicals from plastic pipes.
- Concerned about over-chlorination and the resulting chemicals.
1. Sample
You'll get everything you need to collect your drinking water sample, including easy-to-follow instructions.
2. Ship
Shipping is free, so getting your sample to the lab won't cost you a thing.
3. Test
We route your sample to an independent, certified lab in our network that's best equipped to analyze your water.
4. Report
In 5 to 7 business days, you'll get an interactive digital report that breaks down your water quality, with clear tips on what to do next.
Sampling Instructions
Sampling Materials
Shipping to Lab IncludedThe Advanced City Water Test kit includes analysis for 111 analytes:
Properties: 5
Alkalinity (as CaCO3) / Hardness / Specific Conductivity / Total Dissolved Solids / pH
Disinfection Byproducts: 6
Bromochloromethane / Bromodichloromethane / Bromoform / Chloroform / Dibromochloromethane / Dibromomethane
Inorganics: 7
Boron / Chloride / Fluoride / Nitrate (as N) / Nitrite (as N) / Phosphorus / Sulfate
Metals: 25
Aluminum / Antimony / Arsenic / Barium / Beryllium / Cadmium / Chromium (Total) / Cobalt / Copper / Iron / Lead / Lithium / Manganese / Mercury / Molybdenum / Nickel / Selenium / Silver / Strontium / Thallium / Tin / Titanium / Uranium / Vanadium / Zinc
Minerals: 4
Calcium / Magnesium / Potassium / Sodium
Pesticides: 2
cis 1,3 Dichloropropene / trans 1,3 Dichloropropene
Petroleum Compounds: 7
Benzene / Ethylbenzene / Methyl Tertiary Butyl Ether / Naphthalene / Toluene / m,p Xylene / o Xylene
VOCs: 44
1,1 Dichloroethane / 1,1 Dichloroethylene / 1,1 Dichloropropene / 1,1,1 Trichloroethane / 1,1,1,2 Tetrachloroethane / 1,1,2 Trichloroethane / 1,1,2,2 Tetrachloroethane / 1,2 Dichlorobenzene / 1,2 Dichloroethane / 1,2 Dichloropropane / 1,2,3 Trichlorobenzene / 1,2,3 Trichloropropane / 1,2,4 Trichlorobenzene / 1,2,4 Trimethylbenzene / 1,3 Dichlorobenzene / 1,3 Dichloropropane / 1,3,5 Trimethylbenzene / 1,4 Dichlorobenzene / 2,2 Dichloropropane / Bromobenzene / Bromomethane / Carbon Tetrachloride / Chlorobenzene / Chloroethane / Chloromethane / Chlorotoluene 2 / Chlorotoluene 4 / Dibromochloropropane / Dichlorodifluoromethane / Dichloromethane / Ethylene dibromide / Hexachlorobutadiene / Isopropylbenzene / Styrene / Tetrachloroethylene / Trichloroethylene / Trichlorofluoromethane / Vinyl Chloride / cis 1,2 Dichloroethylene / n Butylbenzene / n Propylbenzene / p Isopropyltoluene / sec Butylbenzene / tert Butylbenzene
Calculated Parameter: 9
Bicarbonate / Carbonate / Chloride-to-Sulfate Mass Ratio / Expanded Hardness / Grains per gallon / Hardness (Calculated) / Langelier Saturation Index / Sodium Adsorption Ratio / Total THMs
Self Tests: 2
Free Chlorine / Total Chlorine
Choose your preferred shipping method at checkout:
1. Standard (Both Ways)
- Orders shipped to you via FedEx.
- Typically shipped within 12-36 hours of placing your order.
- Arrives within 2-3 business days of shipment.
- Includes 2-day shipping to the lab via FedEx.
2. Standard to You | Overnight To Lab
- Orders shipped to you via FedEx.
- Typically shipped within 12-36 hours of placing your order.
- Arrives within 2-3 business days of shipment.
- Includes overnight shipping to the lab via FedEx.
3. Overnight (Both Ways)
- Orders shipped to you via overnight FedEx.
- Typically shipped same day as order placed.
- Arrives within 1 business day of shipment.
- Includes overnight shipping to the lab via FedEx.
4. Urgent Orders
- Questions about shipping? Contact our support team.
Independent, Accurate & Actionable Test Reports.
After our labs evaluate your water, we generate your Tap Score™ using an algorithm that removes subjectivity and supports unbiased solutions.
- Contaminant Breakdown
- Health Risks & Considerations
- Impact on Home & Plumbing
- Treatment Recommendations
Certified, Regional Lab Testing.
With over 250 world-class testing facilities in our network, we can test your water with greater specialization, faster speeds and higher standards.
Customer service meets science.
After our labs evaluate your water, we generate your Tap Score™ using an algorithm that removes subjectivity and supports unbiased solutions.
- Human-Powered Support
- PhD Scientists on Call
- Real-Time Product Recommendations
- 24/7 Chat, Phone or Email Access
"It was easy and gave us a lot of good details. We learned that we do not have arsenic in our well water. We also learned our water is super hard and the report actually said "do not water your plants with this water, it will kill them" I just thought I sucked at growing plants, it's nice to know its not me, it's the hard water."
Amazon Customer
"This test is worth it. It is the same price or cheaper than any lab I've seen, but you just mail it in. The results were were extremely detailed and the online interface is very user-friendly and easy to understand."
Amazon Customer
Simple interface and useful information make this a good value. I live in a 1956 airspace condo with good pipes but bad maintenance, so for everyone’s peace of mind I went ahead and got this done (and also previously ran basic asbestos tests on the plasterboard and ceiling popcorn. We’re all good here!
— C. FISHER
Amazon Customer
The testing done is superior to what we had done by a local company. This makes it an excellent value for those of us that are on our own wells. If you want a water test that is outstanding check these folks out.
— TOM G.
Amazon Customer
Go ahead. Ask us anything
We know this stuff feels complicated, but we are dedicated to keeping it simple. Answers to all your questions are always a chat or FAQ away.
Which test is right for me?
When in doubt, start with a Core Kit to analyze multiple contaminants with a single test. If you have more specific motivations for testing, try our Customize My Kit feature to match your needs to the right test(s).
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 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.