Produced in cooperation with the Environmental Protection Agency W henever you turn on the tap at home, you may wonder if chemicals or particles are affecting the taste or appearance of your drinking water. You may even worry about harmful organisms, like bacteria, or chemical pollutants, like pesticides or industrial solvents. If you suspect a problem with your drinking water, you may have thought about buying a home water treatment unit. This brochure discusses what to consider before buying a water treatment unit and the various types available.
Some states have even more stringent standards.
For information about the quality of your public drinking water, contact your local water utility office. In contrast, private well owners are subject only to state and local laws, and they are responsible for the quality of water from their wells. For help with possible drinking water problems in a private well, contact your local health department. If you want to have your water analyzed, use a state-approved testing laboratory. If you discover a problem with your drinking water, you may want to hire a competent water-quality contractor to help you select the appropriate water treatment unit.