Start by knowing your water source
The first question is simple: is the property on a public water system or a private well? Public systems report compliance data to regulators. Private wells are usually the owner's responsibility, which means testing becomes much more important before purchase.
Public water records to review
- Health-based violations: These involve contaminants above legal limits and deserve the most attention.
- Monitoring violations: These can mean required samples were late, missing, or incomplete.
- Consumer confidence reports: Annual summaries that often explain source water, detected contaminants, and compliance history.
- Lead service line information: Especially important for older homes and older neighborhoods.
Private wells need separate testing
If the property uses a private well, do not rely only on regional data. Ask for recent lab results or order a test during due diligence. Common tests include bacteria, nitrate, arsenic, lead, PFAS where relevant, and local contaminants connected to agriculture or industry.
Questions to ask before closing
- Which water system serves this exact address?
- Has the system had recent health-based violations?
- Is the home served by old lead pipes or unknown service lines?
- If there is a well, when was it last tested by a certified lab?
- Are nearby industrial, agricultural, or military sites relevant to groundwater?
Related: PFAS in Drinking Water
PFAS (“forever chemicals”) are now regulated under EPA's 2024 MCL rule and tracked in federal monitoring data. If PFAS is a priority concern — especially near military bases or industrial sites — see the PFAS homebuyer guide and what living near a military base means for your water.
Bottom line
Water quality research should be address-specific. Public records help you screen quickly, but private wells, older plumbing, and local contamination history may require direct testing before you buy.
Check any address
See the public-record picture for any U.S. address
VetMyAddress turns public EPA, FEMA, AirNow, water, and Census-backed records into a plain-English address report.