Close-up of a glass of water with a droplet falling into it, creating bubbles and ripples.

Water Quality

The quality of tap water varies from place to place depending on:

Utilities that provide water are required to meet safe drinking water standards set by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).

Harmful germs or chemicals can get into tap water by:

  • The water source

  • Contaminated pipes in home or building

Health Impacts

Germs and chemicals in drinking water cause a variety of mild to serious health issues. symptoms depend on the type of germ or chemical in unsafe water.

water quality

Private Well Info

If you do not pay a water bill, you likely get your tap water from a private well. EPA’s safe water standards do not apply to privately owned wells. Therefore, you are responsible for testing your well water and removing any germs or chemicals to make it safe to drink.