PUBLIC WATER SYSTEM TESTING

Water testing recommendations depend on the type of system a household uses and the presence of specific water quality concerns if any.

Residents on a public water system can find general water quality information in their Consumer Confidence Report (CCR). However, CCRs do not provide water quality information specific to your home, and the water flowing out of your faucet may have qualities different from the water samples tested in the CCR.

If you are interested in obtaining more specific information about household water quality, you can send water samples to certified water testing laboratories or purchase an in-home water test kit.

LABORATORY TESTING

If you are interested in testing your water, state and local health or environmental departments often test for common water quality indicators and contaminants, such as total coliform bacteria, fecal coliform bacteria, volatile organic compounds (VOCs), nitrates, total dissolved solids, and pH levels.

The Michigan Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) also maintains a list of certified drinking water quality analysis laboratories: List of Certified Drinking Water Quality Analysis Labs in Michigan.

If you would like more information about water quality and testing, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) maintains several useful resources.

• EPA Safe Drinking Water Hotline: +1(800) 426-4791
• State Certified Drinking Water Laboratories