Methodology

How VetMyAddress builds a report.

We turn public environmental records into a first-screening report for a specific address. The goal is to show what is worth reviewing, what the source can and cannot prove, and what to ask next.

1. Match the address

We normalize the submitted U.S. address and match it to latitude, longitude, ZIP, county, state, and census tract identifiers where available.

2. Query public records

We check federal and public datasets for air quality, drinking-water compliance, flood zone, natural hazard, regulated facility, and Superfund signals.

3. Grade each category

Each category is interpreted with source-specific rules so one signal does not hide another. Grades are screening signals, not health or safety determinations.

4. Explain what to review

The report translates findings into plain-English context, confidence notes, freshness notes, and practical questions to ask before buying, renting, or relocating.

How to read a grade

A grade is a plain-English screening signal for a category such as air quality, drinking water, flood and natural hazard, or pollution and cleanup sites. It is designed to help you prioritize review. It is not a promise that a home is safe or unsafe.

A/B

Lower concern

No major signal in the checked public records.

C

Worth reviewing

A signal exists and deserves context before deciding.

D/F

Needs attention

A stronger signal appears in public records.

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No clear data

A source was unavailable or could not match confidently.

Important limitations

  • Public datasets can lag real-world conditions or contain incomplete records.
  • Some sources are address-level, while others are monitor, tract, utility, county, or radius-based.
  • A nearby environmental record does not automatically confirm exposure at a property.
  • VetMyAddress is not a Phase I Environmental Site Assessment, medical advice, legal advice, real estate advice, or insurance guidance.