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Topic · Water

Understand your water before buying equipment

Your water source and the question you need answered should guide the next step.
A glass of water on a sunlit kitchen windowsill.

Choose a task

  • 01Guide

    Choose a water test

    Write down the question you want answered and identify your water source first.

  • 02Comparison

    Water-testing routes

    Supplier report, local or public-health guidance, or an appropriate laboratory test.

  • 03Comparison

    Filter comparison

    Begin with the question or identified treatment goal. Certification is not a blanket claim about all contaminants.

  • 04Free resource

    Free worksheet

    Record your source, your question and three testing options side by side.

Not sure where your water comes from?

Identify the supplier before you choose a test: check a recent water bill or, if you rent, ask the property manager. If you are still unsure, contact your local water utility or health department.

Until you know the source, this site does not recommend a test kit.

Do not buy a filter simply because a test package or advertisement uses a broad reassurance claim.

Sources and review

Sources show the date they were accessed. A person has not yet recorded a check date for this page.

  1. EPA: Consumer Confidence Reports, US Environmental Protection Agency (accessed October 13, 2026) — Public-water quality reports and supplier information.
  2. EPA: private-well water, US Environmental Protection Agency (accessed October 13, 2026) — Routine private-well testing and local guidance.
  3. NSF: water-treatment standards, NSF (accessed October 13, 2026) — Certification must be matched to a specific model and reduction claim.
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