Understanding Your Water Quality Report
Updated February 24, 2026
Every municipal water system publishes an annual Consumer Confidence Report (CCR) detailing what is in your water. Understanding this report tells you whether you need treatment and what kind. Well water users need to test independently.
Overview
Every municipal water system publishes an annual Consumer Confidence Report (CCR) detailing what is in your water. Understanding this report tells you whether you need treatment and what kind. Well water users need to test independently.
What to Know
Reading the Report
- The CCR lists detected contaminants with the level found, the MCL (Maximum Contaminant Level allowed), and the MCLG (goal level with no known health risk).
- Below MCL means legally compliant.
- But legal does not always mean optimal.
Key Contaminants
- Lead: any amount is concerning, especially in pre-1986 homes.
- Chlorine/chloramine: legal disinfectants that affect taste.
- Nitrates: agricultural contamination, dangerous for infants.
- PFAS: emerging contaminants not fully regulated.
- Hardness: affects pipes and appliances but not a health concern.
Well Water Testing
- Private wells are not EPA-regulated.
- Test annually for coliform bacteria, nitrates, pH, and total dissolved solids.
- Test for lead, arsenic, and radon if your area is known for them.
- Local health departments often offer free or low-cost testing.
Buying Tips
- Request your CCR from your utility or find it at epa.gov/ccr.
- Pay attention to lead if you have a pre-1986 home.
- If water tastes like chlorine, a whole-house carbon filter eliminates it.
- Well water users: test annually at minimum.
Common Mistakes
- Assuming city water needs no treatment.
- Ignoring the CCR because water looks and tastes fine.
- Testing well water once and assuming it stays the same.
- Buying treatment without knowing what is in your water.
Bottom Line
Read your CCR annually. Test well water annually. Identify specific contaminants before buying equipment. Legal does not mean optimal -- treat based on your specific water chemistry.
Frequently Asked Questions
What should I look for when buying understanding your water quality report?
Request your CCR from your utility or find it at epa.gov/ccr. Pay attention to lead if you have a pre-1986 home. If water tastes like chlorine, a whole-house carbon filter eliminates it.
What are common mistakes when buying understanding your water quality report?
Assuming city water needs no treatment. Ignoring the CCR because water looks and tastes fine. Testing well water once and assuming it stays the same.
What is the bottom line on understanding your water quality report?
Read your CCR annually. Test well water annually. Identify specific contaminants before buying equipment. Legal does not mean optimal -- treat based on your specific water chemistry.
What's the bottom line on understanding your water quality report?
Read your CCR annually. Test well water annually. Identify specific contaminants before buying equipment. Legal does not mean optimal -- treat based on your specific water chemistry.
What are the top tips for understanding your water quality report?
Request your CCR from your utility or find it at epa.gov/ccr.. Pay attention to lead if you have a pre-1986 home.. If water tastes like chlorine, a whole-house carbon filter eliminates it..
What mistakes should I avoid when buying?
Common mistakes: Assuming city water needs no treatment.. Ignoring the CCR because water looks and tastes fine.. Testing well water once and assuming it stays the same..
What are the best water treatment brands?
Top brands include 3M, AO Smith, APEC Water, Aqua-Star, Aquasana, Brita. Each serves different price points and needs.