Privacy Policy

Introduction

Welcome to US Water Grade ("we," "our," or "us"). We are committed to protecting your privacy and handling your personal information responsibly. This Privacy Policy explains how we collect, use, disclose, and safeguard your information when you visit our website at https://uswatergrade.com.

Please read this privacy policy carefully. By using our website, you agree to the collection and use of information in accordance with this policy.

1. Information We Collect

1.1 Automatically Collected Information

When you visit our website, we automatically collect certain information about your device and browsing behavior, including:

• Log Data: IP address, browser type and version, operating system, pages visited, time and date of visit
• Device Information: Device type, screen resolution, and device identifiers
• Usage Data: How you navigate our website, which pages you view, and which links you click
• Location Data: Approximate geographic location based on your IP address

1.2 Cookies and Tracking Technologies

We use cookies and similar tracking technologies. Types of cookies we use:

• Essential Cookies: Required for the website to function properly
• Analytics Cookies: Help us understand how visitors use our website (Google Analytics)
• Advertising Cookies: Used to deliver relevant advertisements (Google AdSense)

1.3 Treatment Quote Requests

If you fill in the "get a treatment quote" form on a city page, we store what you enter (ZIP code, state, city, the water concern you select, first name, phone and/or email, the page you were on, and a hashed - not readable - form of your IP address for abuse prevention) on Cloudflare's infrastructure, and we may forward it to ourselves by private message. We use it for exactly one purpose: to pass your request to one certified water-treatment installer serving your area, who may contact you about it. We do not sell or rent it, add you to marketing lists, or share it with anyone else. We may receive a referral fee from the installer if you hire them. To withdraw a request or have it deleted, email [email protected].

1.4 Reader-Submitted Water Readings

The "add your tap-water test result" form (city pages, state water-testing pages and /readings/) collects no personal data: we store only the ZIP code, state, the water source you pick, the numeric readings you enter, an optional kit or lab name and an optional short note, plus the page you submitted from. Do not put names, addresses or contact details in the note - we remove any we see. A hashed - not readable - form of your IP address is kept for one hour solely to limit how many submissions one connection can make, then expires automatically. Approved readings are published anonymously on this site under a Creative Commons Attribution licence and are clearly labelled as unverified reader submissions, separate from EPA data.

2. How We Use Your Information

We use the information we collect for the following purposes:

• Provide and maintain our service: To operate and provide you with access to our water quality data
• Improve our website: To understand how users interact with our site and make improvements
• Analytics: To monitor website traffic, user behavior, and performance metrics
• Display advertisements: To show relevant advertisements through Google AdSense
• Comply with legal obligations: To meet legal and regulatory requirements

3. Third-Party Services

3.1 Google Analytics

We use Google Analytics to track and report website traffic. Google's use of the data is governed by the Google Privacy Policy. You can opt out by installing the Google Analytics Opt-out Browser Add-on.

3.2 Google AdSense

We use Google AdSense to display advertisements on our website. You may opt out of personalized advertising by visiting Google Ads Settings.

3.3 EPA Water Quality Data

Water quality data on our website is sourced from publicly available EPA and state water quality reports. We do not share any user data with the EPA or other government agencies.

4. How We Share Your Information

We do not sell, trade, or rent your personal information to third parties. We may share your information with:

• Service Providers: Third-party service providers (Google Analytics, Google AdSense) who assist us in operating our website
• Legal Requirements: We may disclose your information if required by law

5. Your Privacy Rights

Depending on your location, you may have certain rights:

• Right to Access: Request information about personal data we hold
• Right to Rectification: Request correction of inaccurate information
• Right to Erasure: Request deletion of your personal information
• Right to Opt-Out: Opt out of cookies and personalized advertising

California Residents (CCPA)

California residents have the right to know what personal information is collected and to request deletion. We do not sell personal information.

European Union Residents (GDPR)

EU residents have rights under GDPR including access, rectification, erasure, and data portability.

6. Cookie Management

You can manage your cookie preferences through your browser settings. Most browsers allow you to:

• View what cookies are stored
• Delete some or all cookies
• Block third-party cookies
• Block all cookies

7. Children's Privacy

Our website is not intended for children under the age of 13. We do not knowingly collect personal information from children under 13. If you are a parent or guardian and believe your child has provided us with personal information, please contact us.

8. Data Security

We implement reasonable security measures to protect your information, including HTTPS encryption, secure hosting infrastructure, and regular security monitoring.

9. Changes to This Privacy Policy

We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time. When we make changes, we will update the "Last Updated" date at the top. Your continued use of our website indicates acceptance of the updated policy.

10. Contact Us

If you have any questions about this Privacy Policy, please contact us at: