Understanding Your Water Quality Report
Updated February 20, 2026
Key Takeaway
Every municipal water system publishes an annual Consumer Confidence Report (CCR) detailing what is in your water. Understanding this report tells you whether you need treatment and what kind. Well water users need to test independently.
Overview
Every municipal water system publishes an annual Consumer Confidence Report (CCR) detailing what is in your water. Understanding this report tells you whether you need treatment and what kind. Well water users need to test independently.
What to Know
Buying Tips
- Request your CCR from your utility or find it at epa.gov/ccr.
- Pay attention to lead if you have a pre-1986 home.
- If water tastes like chlorine, a whole-house carbon filter eliminates it.
- Well water users: test annually at minimum.
Common Mistakes
- Assuming city water needs no treatment.
- Ignoring the CCR because water looks and tastes fine.
- Testing well water once and assuming it stays the same.
- Buying treatment without knowing what is in your water.
Bottom Line
Read your CCR annually. Test well water annually. Identify specific contaminants before buying equipment. Legal does not mean optimal -- treat based on your specific water chemistry.