FIND A LOCATION NEAR ME 
Edit Location or Service
Everything You Need to Know About Water Testing
Turn Your Well Water Into Swell Water with Culligan Water
Read More
Take the next step
Additional Support
What to Expect at Your Culligan Water Test and Consultation
Discover More
Updated: February 24, 2023 February 25, 2022
There’s no overstating the importance of water, from cleaning and bathing to drinking and cooking. In fact, life and water go hand-in-hand — one couldn’t exist without the other.
It’s clear that this resource is vital — so shouldn’t we be thinking about it regularly, instead of just those moments when we need to turn on the tap?
Water deserves its opportunity to stand in the spotlight. Luckily, that’s exactly what water testing does: This is your chance to give your home’s water the attention it deserves.
Here’s everything you need to know about water testing and the valuable insight it can provide into making sure you have the top-quality water your family and home deserve.
Don’t worry — water testing isn’t about grades, and no studying is required. Instead, water testing is your chance to pull back the curtain and see what’s actually in the water running through the faucets and water-using appliances in your home.
Here are a few water testing basics:
Water testing services provide information about your drinking water, overall water quality and more. It can help identify any issues that may be present and point you in the direction of the best, most effective water solutions.
Different water tests can identify different issues. Here are just a few things a water test might look for:
Culligan’s free in-home water test, for example, can identify the presence of chlorine, TDS, hard water and more. For even more information on your water quality, you can also have water tests performed at a laboratory, where experts can look for other possible contaminants including lead, arsenic, bacteria and more.* In fact, Culligan’s IL EPA-certified lab analyzes more than 15,000 water samples every year.
The frequency of your water tests should depend on the source and type of your water supply. As a rule of thumb, you should test private well water annually. This is particularly important because water quality for private wells isn’t federally regulated. For municipal water, specific issues like hard water buildup, odors or discoloration are one reason to get your water tested, but there are several other situations that call for water testing as well.
Even if you test your water regularly, there are a few situations that suggest another test is in order. If one or more of these water issues occur, it’s best to test.
There are two basic sources of water: a private well or the city water supply. Here’s what to know about water testing for each type:
Many people who live in urban areas rely on city water. This water is protected by a variety of regulations like the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) drinking water regulations and the Guidelines for Canadian Drinking Water Quality. In addition to setting standards that regulate the monitoring process for chemicals, bacteria and other uninvited guests in the water supply, the EPA requires the annual publication of a Consumer Confidence Report in the U.S., which includes information on the source of the water supply, water quality and more.
While these guidelines and reports provide important information, they don’t cover everything — for example, what happens to your water between the water treatment plant and your home. For this reason, city water users should make routine water testing a habit as well.
If you’re one of millions relying on private wells, that means you’re most likely drawing from an underground water supply called an aquifer. This water isn’t regulated by the same environmental health or community health guidelines that protect the public water system, which means you’re responsible for checking and maintaining your water quality.
Don’t worry — you can drink well water. You just have to do a little extra work to make sure that water is as pure-tasting, clean-smelling and clear-looking as possible (not to mention free of potential health issues), which is why private well owners need water tests, too.
Once your water sample has been checked and tested, you’ll get the information you need to take any necessary next steps. Here’s a breakdown of a few things a water test might tell you:
At Culligan, we want to help you get the better water you deserve. Here are a few valuable resources to help you learn more about the importance of hydration, regular water testing, problem water and what you can do to improve your water quality.
Are you ready to find out what’s really going on when you turn on the tap? You’ve come to the right place. Our free water tests are fast, simple and informative — just lead your local Culligan Water expert to a faucet and let them take care of the rest.
Schedule your free, in-home water test today.
*Contaminants may not be present in your water.
Get better water in your home by scheduling an appointment with your local Culligan Water Expert.
Be prepared - review these important tips to navigate an emergency that could impact your water.
Here are a few approaches that work — and a few that don’t.
With any of our soft water systems, get more out of your water-using appliances while spending less on energy and detergent.
See Water Softeners
There’s never been a better time to enjoy the convenience of scheduled bottled water deliveries from the Culligan® Water Experts
See Water Delivery Options
Culligan’s water filtration systems have improved water quality for thousands of families worldwide.
See Water Filtration Systems