Frequently Asked Questions
Short, plain answers to the questions readers ask most about tap water, testing and plumbing.
General questions
Is tap water in the US generally safe to drink?
Most public water systems meet federal standards most of the time. Problems are more often local, coming from a property's own plumbing, a private well or a specific event such as a main break.
Why does my water smell like chlorine?
Many utilities add chlorine or chloramine to keep water disinfected as it travels through pipes. A mild chlorine smell is normal and usually fades if water is left in an open pitcher in the refrigerator.
Why is my water cloudy?
Cloudiness that clears from the bottom up within a minute is usually tiny air bubbles and is harmless. Cloudiness that does not clear, or that comes with a color or odor, is worth investigating.
Why is my water brown or orange?
Usually because iron or manganese has been stirred up in pipes, often after nearby construction or a main repair. If it does not clear after running the cold tap for several minutes, contact your utility or building manager.
Questions about testing
Can I tell if my water has lead by looking at it?
No. Lead in water has no color, taste or smell. Only laboratory testing can tell you how much lead is in a sample.
How often should I test my water?
Private well owners are commonly advised to test at least once a year. On public water, testing usually makes sense when something changes: a renovation, a new baby, a change in taste or color, or concerns about older plumbing.
What is the difference between a home test kit and laboratory testing?
Home test strips give a rough indication for a few parameters. Accredited laboratories use standardized methods with known detection limits, and professional sampling follows procedures that make the result meaningful.
What is a first-draw sample?
A first-draw sample is the first water collected from a tap after it has sat unused for several hours, usually overnight. It shows what someone drinking first thing in the morning would be exposed to.
Questions about plumbing
How do I know if I have a lead service line?
Your water utility may have records, and many publish service line inventories. You can also look where the pipe enters your home: lead pipe is dull gray, soft and shows a shiny silver color when gently scratched.
Do water filters remove lead?
Some do. Look for a filter certified to reduce lead, and replace the cartridge as the manufacturer recommends.
Is bottled water safer than tap water?
Not necessarily. Bottled water is regulated differently, and tap water from a well-run public system is held to strict standards. Bottled water can be a sensible short-term choice while a problem is being investigated.
Have a question about your own water?
Olympian Water Testing offers water-testing support 24/7 across New York, New Jersey and Connecticut.