What’s Really in Your Tap Water? How to Check Your Local Water Quality

Ever wondered if the water coming out of your tap is as fresh and clean as it looks?

Whether you use tap water for drinking, cooking, or watering your plants, it’s good to check occasionally to see exactly what’s in it. Thankfully, getting a report on your local tap water quality is much easier than you might think.

Here’s a quick, step-by-step guide to help you access this information and gain some peace of mind about what you’re pouring into your glass.

Step 1: Contact Your Local Water Utility Company

Your local water utility company is a great starting point. By law, these companies are required to monitor and report on the quality of your drinking water each year.

They compile this information into a document called a Consumer Confidence Report (CCR), which is typically sent out by July 1. This report highlights the source of your water, any contaminants present, and how they measure up against EPA safety standards.

To access your CCR, check the contact information on your water bill or do a quick online search for your city’s water utility. Give them a call or send them an email to request your copy if you haven’t received it already as some utilities mail this to customers.

Step 2: Explore Your Water Utility’s Website for the CCR

Many water utilities have made CCRs easily accessible on their websites. Head to your local utility’s site and look for sections titled “Water Quality”, “Reports”, or “Annual Water Data.”

If you’re unsure where to start, most websites have a search bar where you can type in “Consumer Confidence Report” or “CCR.” Within minutes, you’ll have valuable information about the safety of your local water supply without having to leave your couch.

Step 3: Use the EPA’s CCR Search Tool

Sometimes, finding information on your utility’s website isn’t as straightforward as you’d hope. That’s where the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) can help you locate a report. The EPA offers a CCR Search Tool that allows you to quickly search for water quality reports in your area by entering your zip code or city.

This tool provides direct links to your CCR, ensuring that you never miss out on this essential information.

Step 4: Utilize the EPA’s Drinking Water Data and Tools

If you’re the type of person who loves digging deeper into details, the EPA has even more resources for you. Their Drinking Water Data and Tools section provides a wealth of insights into local drinking water systems. These tools include data on potential health risks, contamination levels, and compliance with EPA standards.

For an even more comprehensive understanding of water quality, you can also explore resources like the Environmental Working Group (EWG) Tap Water Database. These platforms go beyond basic CCRs to offer detailed reports on nearly 50,000 water systems nationwide.

Conclusion

Knowing what’s in your tap water is an easy way to take control of your health and well-being. By following these simple steps, you can confirm that your water is safe or take the necessary steps to address any concerns.

Armed with the right information, you can confidently make decisions about filtration systems, bottled water alternatives, or anything else your household might need.