Understand your test results
Upload a photo of your lab report, or type in the numbers. You'll get a plain-English answer for each one.
Have a photo of your lab report?
Upload it and we'll fill in the numbers for you. A clear, straight-on photo or a screenshot works best.
Your photo is read on your own device and is never uploaded or saved.
or type your numbers
This tool is for education. It isn't a substitute for a certified lab or a qualified professional. If bacteria, nitrate, arsenic, or lead are flagged, talk to a professional or your county health department before drinking the water.
Reference: the guidelines this tool uses
Health-related results
If any of these are over the guideline, take it seriously and follow up.
| Test | Guideline | Learn more |
|---|---|---|
| Total coliform bacteria | Absent | Bacteria guide |
| E. coli bacteria | Absent | Bacteria guide |
| Nitrate (as nitrogen) | 10 mg/L | Nitrate guide |
| Arsenic | 0.010 mg/L | Arsenic guide |
| Lead | No safe level | Talk to a professional if any is found |
| Copper | 1.3 mg/L | Corrosive water guide |
| Manganese | 0.3 mg/L | Manganese guide |
Cosmetic results (taste, stains, scale)
These affect how your water looks, tastes, and treats your plumbing, but aren't usually a health risk.
| Test | Guideline | Learn more |
|---|---|---|
| Iron | 0.3 mg/L | Iron guide |
| Manganese | 0.05 mg/L | Manganese guide |
| pH | 6.5 to 8.5 | Corrosive water guide |
| Total dissolved solids | 500 mg/L | Overall mineral content |
| Hardness | Over 7 gpg is hard | Hard water guide |
| Sulfate | 250 mg/L | Bitter taste; can have a laxative effect |
| Chloride | 250 mg/L | Salty taste; can come from road salt |
Guidelines are U.S. EPA standards for public water systems, which private well owners commonly use as a reference. For more detail, see the Pennsylvania Department of Health's guide, How to Interpret Water Test Results.