DRINKING-WATER GUIDE
Reading Your Water Report
A little knowledge makes the numbers less mysterious. Learn where to begin and what questions to ask of your public drinking-water report.
FOLLOW YOUR WATER
Start with the right provider
The provider listed on your water bill is often the clearest starting point. People living in one city may receive water from different systems.
Identify the provider
Check your water bill or your local utility’s official website. Private well users need separate guidance.
Find the report
Look for the system’s Consumer Confidence Report and check its reporting year.
Read it with care
Review the source, testing results, any reported violations, explanations, and relevant advisories.
A REPORT, NOT A CRYSTAL BALL
What annual reports do not show
Annual public water reports generally summarize monitoring for a reporting period. They cannot guarantee conditions at your exact faucet today, or account for every home’s plumbing.
- A ZIP code does not reliably identify your household supplier.
- Local advisories can be more current than the annual report.
- Private wells are generally outside public water-system reporting.
- If you have a specific concern about water at home, seek guidance from your provider or an appropriate accredited testing laboratory.