Get Your Water Professionally Tested
EPA data shows what your water system reports at the treatment plant. A home water test shows what is actually coming out of your tap. Old pipes, local plumbing, and distance from the plant can all change what ends up in your glass.
View Testing KitsWhy test your water?
System-level data is a useful starting point, but it does not tell the whole story.
EPA monitors at the plant, not your tap
Water quality data from the EPA reflects testing at the treatment facility or distribution points. By the time water reaches your faucet, it has traveled through miles of pipes that may introduce additional contaminants.
Old pipes add lead, copper, and more
Homes built before 1986 may have lead solder in their plumbing. Lead service lines are still common in many cities. Copper pipes can also leach into water, especially if it sits in the pipes overnight.
Private wells have no EPA monitoring
About 43 million Americans rely on private wells. These are completely unregulated by the EPA, meaning no one is testing them unless you do it yourself. Bacteria, nitrates, and heavy metals are common well water concerns.
PFAS and emerging contaminants
PFAS, microplastics, and pharmaceutical residues are increasingly found in drinking water. The EPA only finalized its first PFAS limits in 2024, and many water systems are still catching up on testing. A home test can fill in the gaps.
Recommended testing kits
We recommend Tap Score by SimpleLab. Order online, collect a sample at home, mail it back, and get lab-certified results.
Essential Water Test
$30
50+ contaminants
A solid starting point for anyone curious about their water quality. Screens for the most common contaminants including lead, copper, bacteria, nitrates, and hardness.
- ✓50+ contaminants tested
- ✓Lead and copper screening
- ✓Bacteria and nitrates
- ✓Water hardness and pH
- ✓Lab-certified results
Extended Water Test
$160
100+ contaminants
A thorough analysis covering metals, pesticides, and some PFAS compounds. Recommended for older homes, well water, or anyone who wants a more complete picture.
- ✓100+ contaminants tested
- ✓Heavy metals and pesticides
- ✓Select PFAS compounds
- ✓Volatile organic compounds
- ✓Detailed health risk summary
Advanced Water Test
$290
200+ contaminants
The most comprehensive home water test available. Covers every major contaminant category including the full range of PFAS compounds. Ideal for families, pregnant women, and anyone who wants total confidence in their water.
- ✓200+ contaminants tested
- ✓Full PFAS panel (all compounds)
- ✓Radioactive contaminants
- ✓Complete pesticide screening
- ✓Personalised filtration plan
PFAS Water Test
$200
30+ contaminants
Targeted testing for PFAS (forever chemicals) including PFOA, PFOS, and dozens of other compounds. If PFAS is your primary concern, this is the test to get.
- ✓30+ PFAS compounds
- ✓Includes PFOA and PFOS
- ✓Tests against new EPA limits
- ✓GenX and other emerging PFAS
- ✓Clear pass/fail for each compound
How it works
Order your kit online
Choose the test that fits your needs. Tap Score ships a sample collection kit directly to your door with everything you need.
Collect your sample
Follow the simple instructions to fill the pre-labelled vials from your tap. Takes about two minutes.
Mail it back
Drop the prepaid return package in the mail. No trip to the post office needed; just use your mailbox or any USPS drop-off.
Get your results
Receive lab-certified results in 3 to 5 business days. Your report includes a clear breakdown of every contaminant tested, health context, and filtration recommendations.
When should you test?
Some situations call for testing more than others. Here are the most common reasons people test their water.
Moving to a new home
You do not know the plumbing history. Test before you settle in.
Old or unknown plumbing
Homes built before 1986 may have lead solder. Homes before 1950 may have lead pipes.
After a system violation
If your water system has a recent EPA violation, test to see how your tap is affected.
Well water
Private wells should be tested at least once a year. The CDC recommends annual testing for bacteria and nitrates.
Pregnancy or infants
Lead and nitrates are especially dangerous for developing children. Testing gives you peace of mind.
Change in taste or smell
If your water suddenly tastes, smells, or looks different, testing can identify the cause.
Frequently asked questions
How is a home water test different from the EPA data on TapWaterScore?▼
TapWaterScore shows you system-level data collected by your water utility at the treatment plant or distribution points. A home water test measures what is actually coming out of your specific tap, after water has traveled through your local pipes, fixtures, and plumbing. If you have older pipes or live far from the treatment plant, results can differ significantly.
How do I collect a water sample?▼
Tap Score sends you everything you need: pre-labelled sample vials, clear instructions, and a prepaid return shipping label. You simply fill the vials from your tap following the instructions (usually a cold water tap that has been running for 30 seconds) and drop the package in the mail.
How long does it take to get results?▼
Most results are delivered within 3 to 5 business days after the lab receives your sample. You will get an email notification when your results are ready, and you can view them online through a secure dashboard.
Do I need to test if my water system has no violations?▼
A clean system-level report is a good sign, but it does not guarantee what comes out of your tap. Lead can leach from service lines and household plumbing. Copper can dissolve from pipes and fittings. These issues are specific to your home and would not show up in your utility's testing.
Is Tap Score a certified laboratory?▼
Yes. Tap Score tests are processed by SimpleLab's network of ISO/IEC 17025 accredited and state-certified laboratories across the United States. All results are lab-certified and legally defensible.
Should I test my well water?▼
Absolutely. Private wells are not monitored by the EPA or any government agency. The CDC recommends testing well water at least once a year for bacteria, nitrates, and any contaminants of local concern. If you have a well, testing is the only way to know what is in your water.
Which test should I choose?▼
For most people, the Essential Water Test is a great starting point. If you have older pipes, live near industrial or agricultural areas, or have specific health concerns, the Extended or Advanced test will give you a more complete picture. If PFAS is your primary concern, choose the dedicated PFAS test.
Not sure if you need a test?
Start with your free water quality report. If your area has violations or elevated contaminant levels, a home test can confirm whether your tap is affected.
Check Your ZIP Code FreeAffiliate disclosure: Some links on this page are affiliate links. If you purchase a water testing kit through these links, TapWaterScore may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. We only recommend products we genuinely believe are useful. Our editorial content is not influenced by affiliate partnerships.