How to Improve Your Tap Water Quality
Practical steps to ensure safer, better-tasting water for your home.
Environmental Data Analysis
Health Information Reviewed
Health-related content reviewed by Michael Rodriguez, MSc, Public Health Consultant, to ensure public health recommendations are accurate and appropriate.
Last reviewed: February 2026
Immediate Actions You Can Take
Run Water Before Using
If water has been sitting in pipes for 6+ hours, run cold water for 30-60 seconds before drinking or cooking. This flushes out any lead or other metals that may have leached from plumbing. Use the first flush for non-consumption purposes (watering plants, etc.).
Use Cold Water for Drinking & Cooking
Hot water dissolves contaminants from pipes more easily. Always use cold tap water for drinking, making beverages, and cooking. Heat the water after drawing it if needed.
Review Your Consumer Confidence Report
Every water utility must provide an annual water quality report. This free report lists all detected contaminants and violations. Request it from your utility or find it online to understand your specific water issues.
Clean Aerators Regularly
Faucet aerators (the screen at the tip) trap sediment and particles. Unscrew and clean them monthly to prevent buildup. This simple maintenance improves flow and reduces particulate matter in your water.
Water Filtration Solutions
Choosing the Right Filter
Not all filters remove all contaminants. Match your filter to your water's specific issues:
For Lead & Heavy Metals
- • Reverse osmosis systems
- • NSF/ANSI 53 certified carbon filters
- • Distillation units
For PFAS & Chemicals
- • Reverse osmosis (most effective)
- • Activated carbon (some PFAS)
- • Ion exchange systems
For Chlorine & Taste
- • Activated carbon filters
- • Pitcher filters
- • Faucet-mount filters
For Bacteria & Parasites
- • UV purification
- • Reverse osmosis
- • Distillation
Filter Maintenance Is Critical
Old filters can become breeding grounds for bacteria and may release trapped contaminants:
- Replace filters according to manufacturer schedules (typically every 2-6 months)
- Track gallons filtered if your system has a counter
- Notice changes in flow rate or taste as signs filters need replacing
- Keep replacement filters on hand so you don't delay changes
- Consider setting phone reminders for filter replacement dates
Home Water Testing
Municipal water reports show water quality leaving the treatment plant, but your tap water may differ due to pipes and fixtures. Home testing reveals what's actually in your water.
When to Test Your Water
- Your home was built before 1986 (potential lead pipes)
- You notice changes in taste, color, or odor
- A family member experiences unexplained health issues
- You're pregnant or have young children
- You use well water (test annually)
- There's nearby industrial activity or agriculture
- Your neighborhood had recent pipe work
Testing Options
Free Utility Testing
Many utilities offer free lead testing. Call and ask.
Cost: Free
Tests: Usually lead only
Home Test Kits
DIY kits for common contaminants. Results in minutes to days.
Cost: $15-$50
Tests: 5-15 contaminants
Lab Analysis
Certified laboratory testing for comprehensive analysis.
Cost: $50-$300+
Tests: 50-200+ contaminants
Key Contaminants to Test For
- Lead: Most critical, especially in older homes
- Bacteria (coliform): Indicates sanitation issues
- Nitrates: Important for infants and pregnant women
- PFAS: Emerging contaminant of concern
- Arsenic: Common in some regions, serious health risk
- Copper: Can leach from pipes
Plumbing & Infrastructure Improvements
Replace Lead Pipes
If your home was built before 1986, you may have lead service lines or solder. Lead is extremely dangerous, especially for children. Check with your utility about lead pipe replacement programs (some cities offer free replacement).
Cost: $1,500-$8,000+ depending on location and pipe length. Some utilities and states offer grants or low-interest loans.
Upgrade Fixtures
Old fixtures may contain lead. Replace faucets and showerheads with lead-free certified products (marked "lead-free" or meeting NSF/ANSI 372).
Cost: $50-$300 per fixture
Install Whole-House Filtration
For comprehensive protection, whole-house systems filter all water entering your home. Useful if you have widespread contamination or want filtered shower/bath water.
Cost: $1,000-$4,000+ for installation and equipment
Budget-Friendly Solutions
Clean water doesn't have to be expensive. Here are effective solutions at different price points:
| Budget | Solution | What It Does |
|---|---|---|
| $0 | Flush pipes before use | Reduces lead and metals |
| $20-40 | Pitcher filter | Improves taste, some contaminants |
| $30-80 | Faucet-mount filter | Chlorine, lead, some chemicals |
| $50-200 | Under-sink carbon filter | Many organic contaminants |
| $200-500 | Reverse osmosis system | 95-99% of contaminants |
Pro Tip: Start with free actions (flushing pipes, reading your water report), then add a basic filter if needed. Test your water to know if you need more advanced filtration before investing in expensive systems.
Additional Resources
Internal Tools
External Resources
- • EPA Safe Drinking Water Hotline: 1-800-426-4791
- • NSF Filter Certification Database: nsf.org
- • Environmental Working Group's Tap Water Database: ewg.org/tapwater