Water Testing Information
Your Water?
Explore informational guides about water testing. Water-test kit purchases are unavailable through Hydrology University while provider details are being confirmed.
Why Test Your Water?
Utility water-quality reports describe monitoring for a water system and may not reflect conditions at an individual tap. Household plumbing and water sources can differ.
Aging Pipes
Older service lines and household plumbing can affect water at the tap. A ZIP code alone cannot tell you what is in your water.
Learn MoreForever Chemicals
Learn about PFAS testing and how to check which parameters appear in a utility report or provider test panel.
Learn MoreMicroplastics
Explore information about microplastics and the methods and limitations of available testing services.
Learn MoreUnregulated Wells
Private-well testing needs depend on the water source and selected parameters. Confirm suitable tests and guidance with a provider.
Learn MoreWater Testing by Use
Testing options and relevant parameters vary by water source and intended use. Explore these guides for questions to consider and confirm test capabilities with a provider.
Drinking & Cooking
Explore testing topics such as metals, PFAS, and microbiological parameters. Test panels and methods vary by provider.
Learn MoreShower & Bath
Learn about water characteristics and testing options relevant to bathing and household use. Confirm panel details with a provider.
Learn MoreDishwashing
Explore water characteristics that may be relevant to dishwashing, including hardness and other provider-tested parameters.
Learn MoreLaundry & Clothes
Learn about water characteristics such as hardness that may be relevant to laundry. Confirm whether a provider tests the parameters you need.
Learn MoreCar Washing
Explore water characteristics such as dissolved minerals and how providers describe their test methods and results.
Learn MoreBaby & Infant
Find information about water-testing options for households with infants. For health questions, consult an appropriate qualified professional.
Learn MorePet Water
Explore water-testing topics relevant to pets and confirm test options with a provider. Ask a veterinarian about animal-health concerns.
Learn MorePool & Spa
Learn about pool and spa testing topics and confirm which parameters and methods are included in a specific service.
Learn MoreGarden & Irrigation
Explore water-testing topics relevant to irrigation and gardening. Test suitability depends on the water source and intended use.
Learn MoreQuestions About Testing Services
Support and interpretation options differ by provider. Ask the provider what assistance is available for a specific service and report.
Ask the provider about its report format, tested parameters, and stated limitations
Confirm available panels, collection requirements, costs, and support directly with the provider
Consult an appropriate qualified professional for health-related interpretation
Contact the Provider
Ask the testing provider whether support is available for its service and report.
How It Works
Water-testing services and procedures vary. Confirm requirements, costs, and timelines directly with the provider.
Choose a testing provider
Compare available water-testing services and confirm the test panel, collection requirements, price, and terms directly with the provider before making a decision.
Follow provider instructions
Sample collection requirements vary by test and provider. Follow the specific instructions supplied by the provider you choose.
Return the sample if required
If the service requires a mailed sample, confirm packaging, return shipping, and tracking arrangements with the provider.
Ask about analysis
Laboratory methods and test panels differ. Ask the provider which methods and parameters apply to the specific service.
Review your results
Review the provider's report and consult the provider or an appropriate professional if you have questions about interpretation.
What the Test Covers
Water-testing services differ in their panels and analytical methods. Confirm details with the provider for a specific test.
Lead & Heavy Metals
Including lead, copper, arsenic, mercury, and chromium-6
Learn MorePFAS / Forever Chemicals
PFOA, PFOS, and other per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances
Learn MoreMicroplastics
Particle count via lab analysis
Learn MoreBacteria & Pathogens
E. coli, coliform bacteria, and other biological contaminants
Learn MoreChlorine & DBPs
Chlorine, chloramine, THMs, and haloacetic acids
Learn MoreNitrates & Nitrites
Agricultural runoff indicators and nitrogen compounds
Learn MoreHardness & Minerals
Calcium, magnesium, iron, manganese, and TDS
Learn MorepH & Corrosivity
Langelier Saturation Index and corrosion potential
Learn MoreBlood is held at about pH 7.4 in healthy people, while EPA's 6.5 to 8.5 range for tap water is a non-enforceable guideline for taste and plumbing, not a health standard; this 43-second explainer walks through the numbers. Watch the 43-second video on YouTube or read the full guide.
Sample Report Preview
View Full Sample ReportThis example does not show a measured sample or determine whether water is safe to use. Actual report contents and interpretation vary by provider and context.
Possible Report Elements
Report formats and included services vary; confirm details directly with the provider.
Results presentation
Ask the provider how findings are displayed and whether any scores or comparisons are included.
Tested parameters
Confirm which parameters and methods are included in the specific service.
Interpretation
Ask the provider what interpretation or follow-up guidance, if any, is offered.
Benchmarks
Check whether the report includes reference values and how they are described.
Provider support
Confirm whether consultation or customer support is available and whether fees apply.
Report limitations
Review the provider's stated limits and consult a qualified professional for health questions.
Comparing Water-Testing Services
| Feature | Home Test Strips | Big Box Lab Kit | Availability |
|---|---|---|---|
| Test panel | Varies | Varies | No kit purchase through HU |
| Analytical methods | Varies | Varies | No kit purchase through HU |
| Provider support | Check provider | Check provider | No kit purchase through HU |
| Price and terms | Check provider | Check provider | No kit purchase through HU |
Water-Testing Topics
These graphics are illustrative and do not show test results or identify substances in a water sample.
Illustrative images
Lead Particulates
Illustrative image. A visual alone cannot identify particles or determine their concentration.
Learn moreMicroplastic Fibers
Illustrative image of a particle type discussed in water-testing guides; confirm analytical methods with a provider.
Learn moreColiform Bacteria
Illustrative image. Ask a provider what a particular microbial test detects and how to interpret its findings.
Learn morePurchase unavailable
Water-test kit purchases are currently unavailable through Hydrology University while provider details are being confirmed. Hydrology University is not accepting kit orders. No payment, shipping, or refund is offered through this page.
Frequently Asked Questions
Learn About Water Testing
Explore our informational guides. Kit purchases are unavailable through Hydrology University while provider details are being confirmed.
Kit information