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    Sample Lab Report

    What Your Report
    Actually Looks Like

    This is a real example of the comprehensive lab report every customer receives. 8 categories, 40+ contaminants, health context, and actionable recommendations.

    Hydrology University

    Comprehensive Water Quality Analysis

    Report ID: HU-2024-08-14523
    Lab: EPA Cert. #OH-01234
    Sample Date: August 12, 2024
    Received: August 14, 2024
    Report Date: August 21, 2024
    Analyst: Dr. Rachel Kim, PhD — Environmental Chemistry
    Overall Grade
    C
    72/100
    Fair
    1247 Oakwood Drive, Columbus, OH 43215
    Municipal (Columbus Dept. of Public Utilities)
    Turnaround: 7 business days

    Executive Summary

    Your water sample from 1247 Oakwood Drive, Columbus, OH 43215 received an overall grade of C (Fair — 72/100). While your water meets most EPA standards, we identified 2 contaminants exceeding federal limits (PFOA and PFOS) and several approaching regulatory thresholds (lead, THMs, hardness).

    The most significant finding is PFAS contamination above the 2024 EPA limits. PFOA was detected at 6.2 ppt (limit: 4 ppt) and PFOS at 8.4 ppt (limit: 4 ppt). Additionally, lead was detected at 12.3 ppb — below the 15 ppb action level but well above the health-based goal of 0 ppb.

    2
    Exceed EPA Limits
    6
    Approaching Limits
    32
    Within Safe Limits
    40+
    Total Tested
    D
    Lead & Heavy Metals
    45/100
    D
    PFAS / Forever Chemicals
    40/100
    C
    Microplastics
    62/100
    A
    Bacteria & Pathogens
    95/100
    C
    Chlorine & DBPs
    65/100
    B
    Nitrates & Nitrites
    82/100
    C
    Hardness & Minerals
    60/100
    B
    pH & Corrosivity
    80/100
    Detailed Findings

    Category-by-Category Results

    Click any category to expand and see individual contaminant results, EPA comparisons, health context, and recommended solutions.

    Lead & Heavy Metals

    D
    45/100 — Poor

    Elevated lead detected — likely from aging service line or interior plumbing. Copper levels are within limits but elevated.

    PFAS / Forever Chemicals

    D
    40/100 — Poor

    Multiple PFAS compounds detected above the 2024 EPA limits. This is consistent with regional industrial contamination patterns in central Ohio.

    Microplastics

    C
    62/100 — Fair

    Moderate microplastic contamination detected. Particle counts are consistent with typical U.S. municipal water supplies. No federal standard currently exists.

    Bacteria & Pathogens

    A
    95/100 — Excellent

    No bacteria or pathogens detected. Chlorine residual is maintaining adequate disinfection through the distribution system to your tap.

    Chlorine & DBPs

    C
    65/100 — Fair

    Chlorine levels are within EPA limits but disinfection byproducts (THMs) are approaching the maximum contaminant level. DBPs form when chlorine reacts with organic matter in pipes.

    Nitrates & Nitrites

    B
    82/100 — Good

    Nitrate levels are within EPA limits for municipal water. Slightly elevated compared to pristine sources, consistent with agricultural activity in the regional watershed.

    Hardness & Minerals

    C
    60/100 — Fair

    Moderately hard water detected. This is typical for central Ohio's limestone aquifer. While not a health hazard, hard water causes scale buildup, reduces soap efficiency, and shortens appliance life.

    pH & Corrosivity

    B
    80/100 — Good

    pH is slightly below neutral, indicating mildly corrosive water. The Langelier Saturation Index suggests slight corrosion tendency, which can leach metals from plumbing over time.

    Action Plan

    Personalized Recommendations

    Based on your results, here are our prioritized recommendations — ordered by urgency and health impact.

    URGENT

    Install PFAS-Certified Filtration

    PFOA and PFOS exceed 2024 EPA limits. Install an NSF P473 certified reverse osmosis or activated carbon system at your primary drinking water tap within 30 days.

    HIGH

    Address Lead Exposure

    Lead at 12.3 ppb is below the action level but above the health-based goal of 0. Install an NSF 53 certified lead filter and flush pipes for 2+ minutes after non-use periods.

    MODERATE

    Reduce Disinfection Byproducts

    TTHMs at 68 ppb are approaching the 80 ppb limit. A catalytic carbon filter at point-of-use will significantly reduce chlorine and DBP exposure.

    ADVISORY

    Water Softening Recommended

    At 185 ppm hardness, consider a salt-based or salt-free water softener to protect appliances, reduce scale, and improve soap efficiency.

    Free 15-Minute Consultation Included

    Every report includes a complimentary phone consultation with one of our water quality specialists. They'll walk you through your results, answer questions, and provide unbiased recommendations — no sales pitch, just science.

    4.9/5 avg rating

    Disclaimer: This is a sample report for illustrative purposes only. Actual results will vary based on your specific water source, location, and plumbing. All testing is performed by EPA-certified laboratories using approved analytical methods. Results should not be used as a substitute for professional medical advice. If contaminants exceed EPA limits, contact your local water utility and consider consulting a licensed water treatment professional.

    Testing methods: EPA 200.8 (metals), EPA 537.1 (PFAS), SM 9223B (coliform), EPA 524.2 (VOCs), SM 2340C (hardness), SM 4500-H+ (pH). Chain of custody maintained from sample collection through analysis.

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