Water testing

Test the water, then decide what to fix

Most people search for "water quality testing" before they know whether the real issue is lead plumbing, a private well, a bad taste/odor problem, or a local contaminant. Start broad, then narrow the test.

A home test strip, a labeled lab sample bottle, and a folded water report side by side

Home kits

Water quality testing kits: what they can and cannot tell you

Use kits for screening and learning what to test next. Use a certified lab when the result drives a health, landlord, utility, or purchase decision.

Testing guide

Labs

Water quality testing near me: how to find the right lab

What to ask your water supplier, health department, or state drinking-water authority before paying for a test.

Testing guide

Lead

How to test water for lead at home

Lead cannot be seen, tasted, or smelled. The useful path is service-line clues, certified sampling, and a certified filter while you wait.

Testing guide

Metals

Heavy metals in water: what to test first

Lead, copper, arsenic, cadmium, chromium, and mercury need different context. Start with your source and local risk.

Testing guide

Private well

Private well testing: what to test, how often

Wells sit outside the federal rules — testing is on you. The EPA/CDC schedule: annual basics, a periodic metals panel, and when to test immediately.

Testing guide

Decision path

Which test do you actually need?

Situation	Start with	Why
City water, no specific symptom	Annual Consumer Confidence Report plus your utility's lead-service-line inventory.	The report explains the water system; the inventory helps with the pipe to your home.
Older home or lead concern	Lead-specific water test from a certified lab, plus a service-line check.	EPA says dissolved lead cannot be seen, tasted, or smelled; testing is the sure way to know.
Private well	Local health department/state guidance and a lab test matched to local contaminants.	EPA says private well owners are responsible for safe household drinking water.
Buying a filter	Test first if possible, then match the filter certification to the contaminant.	A taste filter is not automatically a lead, arsenic, PFAS, or bacteria solution.