About US Water Grade
Providing accurate, accessible water quality information for every American community.
Who We Are
US Water Grade is an independent informational resource dedicated to making water quality data accessible to everyday Americans. We are a small team of data analysts and researchers passionate about environmental health and public information transparency.
We are not affiliated with the EPA, any water utility, or water filter manufacturers. Our goal is to present publicly available government data in a clear, understandable format so you can make informed decisions about your drinking water.
Our Mission
Every American deserves to know what is in their tap water. US Water Grade provides comprehensive, easy-to-understand water quality reports for 10,000+ US cities, empowering families to make informed decisions about their drinking water.
We believe that water quality data should be accessible, not buried in technical reports. By translating EPA data into clear grades and actionable recommendations, we help millions of Americans understand their water safety.
Data Sources
All water quality data on US Water Grade comes from official government sources:
Primary Data Source: EPA Water Quality Reports
- EPA Safe Drinking Water Information System (SDWIS) - The official federal database containing water quality testing results, violation records, and compliance data for all public water systems in the United States.
- EPA ECHO (Enforcement and Compliance History Online) - Provides compliance and enforcement data for water systems.
- Consumer Confidence Reports (CCRs) - Annual water quality reports that water utilities are required to provide to customers.
We do not conduct our own water testing. All contaminant data reflects official testing performed by water utilities and reported to the EPA. Data is updated quarterly as new EPA reports become available.
Editorial Methodology
How We Calculate Water Quality Scores
Our scoring methodology converts raw EPA data into understandable grades using a transparent, reproducible process:
- Contaminant Analysis (50% of score): We compare each detected contaminant level against EPA Maximum Contaminant Levels (MCLs). Contaminants below 50% of MCL are considered safe; 50-100% are elevated; above 100% exceed limits.
- Compliance History (30% of score): We review EPA violation records for the past 5 years, including monitoring failures, treatment technique violations, and MCL exceedances.
- Infrastructure Assessment (20% of score): We consider water system size, source type (groundwater vs. surface water), and population served.
Grade Scale
Content Review Process
All educational content on contaminants, health effects, and water treatment is based on information from the EPA, CDC, and peer-reviewed scientific literature. We cite our sources and update content when new guidelines are issued.
Update Frequency
Water quality data is refreshed quarterly to reflect the latest EPA data releases. City pages display the last update date. If you notice outdated or incorrect information, please contact us.
Affiliate Disclosure
US Water Grade is a free resource supported by affiliate partnerships. When we recommend water filters or testing kits, some links may be affiliate links, meaning we earn a small commission if you make a purchase at no additional cost to you.
Our recommendations are based on contaminant profiles and filter certifications, not affiliate relationships. We only recommend products that are NSF/ANSI certified for the specific contaminants they claim to remove.
Important Limitations
While we strive for accuracy, there are important limitations to understand:
- Municipal vs. Home Water Quality: Our data reflects water quality at the treatment plant or distribution system. Your home's water may differ due to plumbing, pipes, or fixtures.
- Testing Gaps: Not all contaminants are tested regularly. Emerging contaminants like PFAS may be under-reported in some areas.
- Regulatory Limits: EPA limits do not eliminate all health risks. Some limits have not been updated in decades despite new research.
- Individual Sensitivity: Vulnerable populations (infants, pregnant women, immunocompromised individuals) may need stricter standards.
For these reasons, we recommend home water testing if you have specific concerns, especially if you have older plumbing or are in a vulnerable population.
Contact Us
Have questions about our methodology, found an error in our data, or want to provide feedback? We'd love to hear from you.
Contact Us →Health Disclaimer
This website is for informational purposes only and is not health advice.
The information provided on US Water Grade is intended to help you understand publicly available water quality data. It should not be used as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.
Contact your local water utility for official water quality information and concerns.Your water utility is the authoritative source for information about your specific water supply. You can request a copy of your annual Consumer Confidence Report (CCR) directly from them.
If you have health concerns related to your water quality, please consult with a healthcare provider. Vulnerable populations including pregnant women, infants, elderly individuals, and those with compromised immune systems should take extra precautions and seek medical guidance.