How to Read and Understand Your Water Test Report
After submitting your water test kit to Safe Home Test Kits, you will receive a detailed laboratory report showing the results of your water sample. While this report contains everything needed to understand your water quality, it can include technical terms and measurements that may be unfamiliar.
This guide explains how to read your water test report, what each section means, and how to better understand your results.
Report Information
The first page of your report contains your sample information, including your name, kit type, order number, testing dates, and any notes included with your sample.
Many customers perform testing multiple times throughout the year, test water from different locations, or compare water before and after installing filtration. This information helps you identify and compare different reports.
Understanding Your Water Test Report Key
The next section of your report is the report key. This explains the symbols, abbreviations, and definitions used throughout your results. Many of these terms are explained in more detail throughout this guide.
Parameter Name
The first column lists the name of each parameter tested. Examples include Aggressive Index, Alkalinity, Bicarbonate, Arsenic, Lead, and many others.
Each parameter represents a specific measurement related to your water quality. You can search individual parameters on the Safe Home Test Kits website to learn more about what they mean, common sources, and potential concerns.
Instrument Limit and Non-Detect Results
The instrument limit shows the lowest concentration that our laboratory equipment can accurately measure.
For example, if the instrument limit is 2.0 ppm and your result is below this amount, the report may show the parameter as non-detect.
A non-detect does not mean the parameter is completely absent. It means the amount present is below the level our equipment can reliably measure.
Your Sample Result
The “Your Sample” column shows the actual result from your specific water sample.
It is important to remember that a water test represents a snapshot of your water quality at the time of collection. Water quality can change over time due to factors such as changes in well conditions, seasonal changes, plumbing changes, or changes in a municipal water source.
EPA Limits and Guidelines
Some parameters have EPA-established limits or guidelines. For regulated drinking water contaminants, these may be based on EPA Maximum Contaminant Levels (MCLs), which represent levels established for public drinking water systems.
Not every water quality parameter has an EPA health limit. Some parameters are primarily related to taste, odor, staining, plumbing, or appliance performance rather than health concerns.
If your result exceeds an applicable EPA limit, it may indicate that additional investigation, water treatment, or plumbing evaluation should be considered. The best solution depends on the specific parameter and the source of the issue.
Understanding Report Color Coding
Your results are color coded to help you quickly identify potential concerns:
- Green: The parameter was not detected or is within the applicable recommended range.
- Yellow: The parameter was detected at a low level (less than 50% of the applicable limit).
- Orange: The parameter is elevated but remains below the applicable limit (between 50% and 100%).
- Red: The parameter exceeds the applicable limit.
- Black X: The sample failed validity requirements. This is typically used for bacteria samples that did not arrive at the laboratory within the required timeframe.
Color coding is designed to help identify areas that may require attention but should always be interpreted alongside the specific parameter information.
Units of Measurement
Water quality parameters can be measured using different units. The most common measurement on water reports is mg/L (milligrams per liter).
For most water testing purposes, mg/L is equivalent to ppm (parts per million). This measurement describes how much of a specific substance is present in a liter of water.
Health, Aesthetic, and Appliance Concerns
The final section identifies whether a parameter is primarily considered a health, aesthetic, or appliance concern.
Some parameters may affect more than one category, but they are generally grouped by their primary concern.
Health concerns are parameters that may affect human health if present at elevated levels. Examples include arsenic, lead, and nitrate.
Aesthetic concerns affect the taste, odor, color, or appearance of water. Examples include iron, sulfur, and other minerals.
Appliance concerns affect plumbing systems, fixtures, and appliances. Examples include hardness, which can contribute to mineral scale buildup over time.
For example, arsenic is primarily a health concern and cannot be detected by taste, smell, or appearance. Hardness, on the other hand, typically does not create a significant health concern but can contribute to scale buildup and reduced appliance efficiency.