Guide

How to read your TapCheck report

A short walkthrough in plain English. Educational context from public utility monitoring — not a faucet lab test, not medical advice, and not meant to scare you.

  1. Confirm the utility name

    Compare the matched system with the name on your water bill. If several systems overlap your ZIP, use the chooser. Permalink and share links can keep a chosen PWSID.

  2. Read the confidence badge

    High = unique service-area match. Multi = overlapping areas — pick the bill match. Medium / low = HQ ZIP or city estimate — treat as approximate until you confirm.

  3. Read the plain ranking first

    Each row leads with everyday wording. A contaminant above both thresholds shows both red pills: “Above legal limit” and “Above health guidelines.” The ppb/ppt numbers sit underneath for anyone who wants the detail.

  4. Legal limit vs health guideline

    The legal limit (MCL) is the regulatory number shown. The health guideline is usually a California PHG (often much stricter). If no PHG exists yet, we may compare to California’s notification level instead — clearly labeled, and never called a PHG. Above the health comparator only, the row shows a red alert (for example “Above health guidelines” or “Above California’s notification level”) plus a multiplier line. Above both legal and health thresholds, it shows both red pills and both comparisons. Neither label is a compliance ruling, faucet test, or medical advice. We avoid a green “all good” pill on the same card that lists blunt Health concerns.

  5. “Why people look this up”

    Some rows include one calm background sentence about why a contaminant is commonly discussed. That is not medical advice and not a claim about your household. Ask a clinician about health questions.

  6. What the numbers represent

    Values are curated detections from California public monitoring for the water system — usually not your kitchen tap. Home plumbing (especially lead) can differ.

  7. Filter notes are educational

    Carbon vs RO suggestions are general patterns, not a prescription. Check NSF/ANSI claims for the exact model before buying. Filters 101 has more detail.

  8. Optional next step

    If you want a local installer to explain options, use the optional form on the report. No obligation; this consumer site does not show plumber plan prices.

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