Weindependently evaluateall of our recommendations.
If you select links we provide, we may receive compensation.
Worried about your water?
The Spruce
These kits can help!
A lab test costs significantly higher, and results may take a week or more to receive.
However, you will get a more accurate, comprehensive analysis.
PHOTO: Amazon
This kit has three vials, allowing you to take a water sample from your faucet easily.
It also comes with a prepaid shipping label to submit the samples to a internet of EPA-certified laboratories.
According to the manufacturer, you should receive results in about five business daysthough it can take longer.
PHOTO: Amazon
Tap Score tests for 114 water-quality parameters and provides results in a highly detailed lab report.
You may also receive unbiased filtration recommendations, health guidance, and taste evaluation, depending on the results.
The steep price is one of the only drawbacks to this otherwise outstanding water testing kit.
PHOTO: Amazon
Its significantly more expensive than at-home test strips, and you wont get immediate results.
That way, homeowners can perform frequent testing and detect changes or patterns in their water quality over time.
This kit also provides readouts on your water hardness, total alkalinity, and pH.
PHOTO: Amazon
The 16-in-1 water test will give you almost instant results in less than two minutes.
However, the separate bacteria test will need to sit out for 48 hours to produce accurate results.
If bacteria are detected, its recommended that you send a sample to a lab for further testing.
PHOTO: Amazon
The color-coded results can be hard to read, a common complaint with home water testing kits.
It serves as a great foundation for assessing the safety of your water from the comfort of your home.
Of course, further action must be taken if any contaminants are detected.
PHOTO: Amazon
It also provides readouts on total alkalinity, water hardness, and pH.
Note that this kit doesnt test for lead, another contaminant often found in well water.
The color-coded drop reagents are easier to interpret than paper strips, which is a plus.
PHOTO: Amazon
This water testing kit also includes a circular water treatment chart, helping youadjust the chemical levelsif needed.
JNW Direct Water Total Hardness Strips are easy to use and deliver results in minutes.
This testing kit is extremely affordable, and it includes 150 strips, allowing you to perform multiple tests.
The Spruce
The included ebook provides additional information about your water hardness.
There are two tests for mercury, iron, and copper, but there is only one lead test.
Users would have appreciated an additional lead to double-check their results, especially those that received inconclusive results.
It has a large backlit LCD screen that is easy to read and provides results within seconds.
The HoneForest Water Quality Tester is battery-operated and can be reused as often as needed.
However, the battery is not replaceable, rendering the gadget disposable over time.
On a positive note, the ppm meter will shut off automatically after two minutes to conserve the battery.
This digital water tester has a protective carrying case and a belt clip for easy access and portability.
If you have a well, theHealth Metric Well Water Test Kitis a great choice.
This kit screens for the most contaminants found in well water and delivers results in less than five minutes.
Digital water testing kits use a metal electrode to identify raw impurities in your water source.
Some instruments can also gauge the waters temperature and pH.
Most digital testing kits dont screen for specific compounds or contaminants, however.
More comprehensive water testing kits can detect a wide variety of contaminants.
Number of Tests
Some kits include multiple testing strips, allowing for frequent water supply monitoring.
Products that can be reused provide a better perspective of your water quality over time.
In case of human errora common occurrence with DIY test kitsyou can perform additional tests for accuracy and reliability.
Depending on what your water source is, you will be on the look out for different contaminants.
For those on city water, Bates says, Resources likewww.ewg.orgfeature tap water databases searchable by zip code.
These show the current amounts of contaminants like arsenic or lead present in water in your area.
Why Trust The Spruce?
Sage McHughis a writer who joined The Spruce in 2019.
Our Experts:
Iron in Well Water.Minnesota Department of Health
