What's in My Tap Water?
How to find out what's actually in your water — and which filter fits.
Read your city's water report
Every US utility publishes a yearly Consumer Confidence Report (CCR). Search your city name plus "water quality report". It lists detected contaminants and how they compare to legal limits.
Check the EWG Tap Water Database
The Environmental Working Group compares results against health guidelines, which are often stricter than legal limits. Enter your ZIP code to see results.
Test if you're on a well
Private wells aren't tested by anyone but you. A certified lab test (about $100–$300) checks bacteria, nitrates, arsenic, iron and hardness. Test yearly.
Match the filter to the problem
Taste and chlorine: carbon pitcher or under-sink. Lead or PFAS: look for NSF 53 / 473 certification. Many contaminants at once: reverse osmosis. Hard water or iron: whole-house system.
Not sure which filter fits?
Take the Filter Finder