About TapWaterScore
Free water quality reports for every US ZIP code, powered by EPA data.
150K+
Water systems tracked
43,000+
ZIP codes covered
100%
Free, no signup required
Where the data comes from
All water quality data comes from the EPA Safe Drinking Water Information System (SDWIS) via the ECHO (Enforcement and Compliance History Online) database. This is the federal system that tracks every public water system in the United States. Water utilities are legally required to report their testing results and any violations to the EPA.
We pull violation history, lead and copper testing results, and system details directly from EPA endpoints. Our grading system is based on violation history, contaminant types, and how recent the issues are. Health-based violations are weighted more heavily than monitoring or reporting violations.
How we're different
| Feature | TapWaterScore | EWG | EPA Direct |
|---|---|---|---|
| Uses official EPA limits | Yes | No, uses own stricter guidelines | Yes |
| Easy to understand grades | A-F grades | Contaminant counts | Raw data only |
| Filter recommendations | Yes, NSF-certified | Yes, but sells own filters | No |
| Free access | 100% free | Free | Free |
| Lead/copper testing data | Yes | Partial | Yes, but hard to find |
What we don't cover
TapWaterScore covers public water systems only. Private wells (serving approximately 15% of US households) are not regulated by the EPA and are not included in our data. If you rely on a private well, we recommend getting your water tested by a certified laboratory.
Important: Our reports show system-level data reported to the EPA. Conditions at your specific tap may differ due to building plumbing, service line materials, or local infrastructure. For the most accurate results, consider a professional water test.
Why we built this
Every American has the right to know what is in their drinking water. The data exists, but it is buried in government databases, locked behind technical jargon, and scattered across thousands of municipal websites. We believe this information should be easy to find, easy to understand, and free to access.
With PFAS contamination affecting 176 million Americans and lead concerns at their highest level since 2001, understanding your water quality has never been more important.
Contact
Questions or feedback? Email us at contact@tapwaterscore.com