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A comprehensive collection of official data sources, testing services, safety guides, and educational materials to help you understand and improve your drinking water quality.
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) maintains several databases containing water quality testing results, violation records, and compliance information for every public water system in America. State agencies also maintain their own databases that may contain more recent or detailed local information. These official sources provide the foundation for understanding water quality in your community, and all data on US Water Grade is derived from these government databases.
The federal database containing water quality testing results, violation records, and compliance data for all 150,000+ public water systems in the United States.
Search SDWIS Database →Provides detailed compliance and enforcement data, including inspection history, violations, and enforcement actions taken against water systems.
Explore ECHO →The Environmental Working Group compiles EPA data into a searchable database and compares contaminant levels to health guidelines that are often stricter than legal limits.
Search EWG Database →Each state has a primacy agency responsible for enforcing drinking water regulations. State databases often have more current data than federal sources.
Find Your State Agency →While municipal water quality reports provide valuable information, they measure water at the treatment facility or distribution system, not at your tap. Home testing can reveal contamination from household plumbing, lead service lines, or well systems. Certified laboratories provide the most accurate results, though at-home test kits offer convenient screening for common contaminants. When choosing a lab, look for EPA or state certification to ensure reliable, legally defensible results.
The EPA maintains a list of state-certified laboratories that can test drinking water for regulated contaminants.
EPA Certified Lab Locator →Offers comprehensive mail-in water testing with easy-to-understand reports. Tests range from basic screening to advanced panels covering 100+ contaminants.
Visit Tap Score →A certified environmental testing laboratory offering comprehensive water analysis services for homeowners, businesses, and well owners.
Visit NTL Labs →Consider testing if you have a private well (annual testing recommended), notice changes in taste, odor, or appearance, have a home built before 1986 (potential lead plumbing), are pregnant or have infants, or have a compromised immune system.
Related Guide: Complete Guide to Home Water Testing
Every community water system serving more than 25 people must provide an annual Consumer Confidence Report (CCR), also called a Water Quality Report. These reports detail the source of your water, contaminants detected during testing, how detected levels compare to EPA standards, and potential health effects. Your water utility must deliver the CCR to you by July 1st each year, typically included with your water bill or available online. Understanding your CCR is one of the best ways to know what is actually in your tap water.
The EPA provides a searchable database of water quality reports from utilities across the country.
EPA CCR Search Tool →Your water bill lists your utility provider. Contact them directly to request your CCR or find it on their website. Many utilities now publish reports online with interactive features.
Focus on the contaminant table showing detected levels vs. Maximum Contaminant Levels (MCLs), any violations or health-based exceedances, source water assessments, and whether your water comes from surface water or groundwater.
Related Guides: How to Read Your Water Quality Report | Browse Reports by Location
Water filtration systems vary dramatically in their effectiveness, cost, and the contaminants they remove. No single filter removes everything, so choosing the right system depends on what contaminants are present in your water. NSF International certifies filters against specific standards, so look for NSF/ANSI certification numbers that match your concerns. Understanding filter types helps you make an informed investment that actually addresses your water quality issues rather than wasting money on unnecessary technology.
Search for NSF-certified water treatment products and verify claims made by manufacturers about contaminant reduction.
NSF Water Filter Standards →Related Resources: Complete Filter Selection Guide | Recommended Water Filters | Filter Cost Calculator
Approximately 15% of Americans, over 43 million people, rely on private wells for their drinking water. Unlike public water systems, private wells are not regulated by the EPA or covered under the Safe Drinking Water Act. Well owners are solely responsible for ensuring their water is safe to drink. This means regular testing, proper well maintenance, and understanding the specific contaminants that can affect groundwater in your area. Agricultural runoff, septic systems, and naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic and radon can all impact well water quality.
Comprehensive information on protecting and maintaining private drinking water wells, including testing recommendations and common contaminants.
EPA Private Wells Guide →Resources from the National Ground Water Association for well owners, including maintenance guides, contractor locators, and educational materials.
Visit WellOwner.org →The National Ground Water Association provides a directory of certified well contractors for installation, maintenance, and testing.
Find a Contractor →Understanding the health effects of water contaminants requires reliable information from authoritative health organizations. The CDC, WHO, and EPA provide science-based guidance on drinking water safety, health risks from specific contaminants, and recommendations for vulnerable populations. These organizations set the standards and guidelines that inform water quality regulations, and their resources help you understand the real health implications of contaminants that may be present in your water supply.
The Centers for Disease Control provides health-focused information on drinking water, including guidance for specific health conditions and vulnerable populations.
CDC Drinking Water →The World Health Organization provides international guidelines for drinking-water quality that serve as the basis for standards worldwide.
WHO Guidelines →Detailed health effects information for each regulated contaminant, including how exposure occurs and what health problems may result.
EPA Contaminant Health Effects →The Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry provides in-depth toxicological profiles for hazardous substances, including detailed health effect information.
ATSDR Profiles →Beyond regulated contaminants, researchers continue to identify emerging contaminants of concern. PFAS (forever chemicals), pharmaceuticals, microplastics, and other substances may be present in drinking water but are not yet fully regulated. These databases provide detailed information on thousands of chemicals, including those currently regulated, those under consideration for regulation, and emerging contaminants that scientists are studying. Understanding specific contaminants helps you make informed decisions about filtration and potential health concerns.
The list of unregulated contaminants the EPA is considering for potential regulation, including emerging contaminants of concern.
View Candidate List →Data from monitoring unregulated contaminants in public water systems, helping identify emerging threats and inform future regulations.
UCMR Data →Comprehensive resources on PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances), including health effects, exposure routes, and the latest regulatory actions.
EPA PFAS Resources →Free chemistry database with detailed information on chemical properties, safety data, and toxicity information for millions of compounds.
Search PubChem →Your local water utility is the authoritative source for information about your specific water supply. They can answer questions about your Consumer Confidence Report, explain recent water quality issues or treatment changes, provide information about lead service line replacement programs, and address concerns about taste, odor, or appearance. Most utilities have customer service lines and websites where you can access information, report problems, and find details about ongoing infrastructure projects that may affect your water.
Use the EPA's tool to find which water system serves your address and access contact information.
EPA Water System Search →The largest professional organization for water utilities, offering consumer resources and information about drinking water.
AWWA Consumer Resources →If you have concerns about your water utility's service or rates, your state public utility commission can provide oversight information and complaint processes.
Find Your State Commission →Water emergencies can occur due to natural disasters, infrastructure failures, contamination events, or boil water advisories. Knowing how to respond protects your health and your family. Emergency preparedness includes maintaining a water supply (one gallon per person per day for at least three days), knowing how to purify water in an emergency, and understanding when it is safe to use tap water again after an advisory is lifted. Quick access to emergency information can make a critical difference during water crises.
Step-by-step instructions for making water safe to drink during emergencies using boiling, bleach, or other methods.
Emergency Disinfection Guide →CDC guidance on what to do during a boil water advisory, including how to properly boil water and which activities require boiled water.
CDC Boil Water Guide →FEMA guidelines for storing water for emergencies, including how much to store and how to keep it safe.
FEMA Water Storage →These are more serious than boil water advisories. Do Not Drink means water should not be consumed even after boiling. Do Not Use means water should not contact skin or be used for any purpose. These are issued when chemical contamination is suspected.
Water quality science is constantly evolving as researchers identify new contaminants, better understand health effects, and develop improved treatment technologies. Peer-reviewed research informs regulatory decisions and helps identify emerging threats before they become widespread problems. Academic institutions, government agencies, and independent research organizations conduct studies on drinking water quality, infrastructure challenges, and public health impacts. Staying informed about current research helps you understand why certain contaminants are concerning and how standards may change.
Research programs focused on drinking water treatment, infrastructure, and emerging contaminants.
EPA Water Research →The leading research organization dedicated to safe, affordable drinking water. Publishes studies on treatment technologies, infrastructure, and health effects.
Water Research Foundation →The U.S. Geological Survey monitors water quality nationwide and conducts research on groundwater, surface water, and contaminant transport.
USGS Water Resources →Search the National Library of Medicine's database for peer-reviewed research on drinking water quality and health effects.
Search PubMed →The external resources linked on this page are provided for informational purposes. US Water Grade is not affiliated with these organizations and cannot guarantee the accuracy of information on external websites. For official information about your specific water supply, always contact your local water utility directly. If you have health concerns related to water quality, consult with a healthcare provider.