States with the worst tap water face recurring drinking water violations, toxic contaminants like PFAS and lead, and aging infrastructure that puts millions at risk, according to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). Protecting clean water from water pollution is essential, and understanding risks in your local water system can help mitigate exposure to water contamination. This guide ranks the hardest‑hit states, explains what’s driving poor water quality, and shows you how to check and protect your own tap. This guide also highlights which state has the worst tap water in 2025 and compares progress on us states most water cleaned up, showing where improvements have been made. We synthesize 2025 cross‑referenced data highlighting New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Louisiana, Massachusetts, Oklahoma, West Virginia, and Arizona, with county‑level patterns that often hit marginalized communities the hardest. You’ll get clear state snapshots, contaminant explainers, environmental justice insights, and step‑by‑step actions. Use the tables to compare risks, then follow our testing, filter, and reporting tips to reduce exposure now.
Key Findings at a Glance (2025)
Fast facts: violations, contaminants, and who’s affected
The numbers below summarize recurring risk factors that push certain states toward the top of any list of states with the worst tap water. The “health‑based violations” figures reflect the estimated population served by public systems that had at least one health‑based violation in 2025 projections. This is a practical way to compare exposure potential, because it tracks people affected, not just counts of paperwork violations.
Essential figures reported or widely cited for 2025:
| Metric | New York | New Jersey | Pennsylvania | Massachusetts | Louisiana |
| Lead service lines (approx.) | 299,629 | 294,554 | 261,023 | 132,627 | 140,762 |
| Population served under health‑based violations (2025 est.) | 10,182,249 | 2,807,128 | 1,821,238 | 1,457,187 | 1,598,546 |
Beyond these counts, the most widespread contaminants across the eight hardest‑hit states include PFAS, lead, TTHMs, HAA5, arsenic, and chromium‑6. Many systems also struggle with boil advisories and recurring Safe Drinking Water Act (SDWA) compliance issues. Violations and exposures are not spread evenly; they are concentrated by county and often fall hardest on low‑income, minority, tribal, and rural communities.
Why these states rank worst (root causes and risk drivers)
Several patterns repeat across the worst tap water in the US. Large numbers of systems report health‑based violations; older cities still rely on dense networks of lead service lines; and many communities sit downstream of industrial or agricultural pollution, which can result in contaminated water entering homes. Chlorine is essential for killing germs, but when it reacts with organic matter, it can form disinfection byproducts like TTHMs and HAA5 that carry long‑term cancer risk at elevated levels. Small and rural systems—common in parts of Oklahoma, West Virginia, and Louisiana—often lack funds, equipment, or operators to manage modern treatment, which lets problems linger.
How to use this guide
Scan the rankings and state snapshots to see how your state compares. If you want immediate peace of mind, jump straight to “What You Can Do” for testing and filter steps. If you want deeper context on risk, the contaminant explainer sections show how PFAS, lead, and DBPs affect health. Then use your annual Consumer Confidence Report (CCR) to check your local system’s status and contact your local water provider immediately.
How We Ranked States (Methodology & Sources)
Data sources and definitions (SDWA, CCRs, USGS, CDC/ATSDR)
To identify states with the worst tap water, we cross‑referenced public sources used by journalists, researchers, and regulators:
- EPA Safe Drinking Water Information System (SDWIS) and related compliance dashboards for violations and enforcement actions.
- EPA National Primary Drinking Water Regulations for standards and definitions.
- USGS sampling and PFAS detection studies to understand national and regional patterns.
- CDC/ATSDR health information for lead and PFAS to explain health risks.
- State environmental and health agency portals for local advisories, testing, and lead service line inventory efforts.
- Consumer Confidence Reports (CCRs), which your water system must publish each year.
A quick note on terms:
- A “health‑based violation” means a drinking water standard meant to protect health was exceeded. It is different from a “monitoring/reporting” violation, which is often a missed test or late paperwork.
- “Population served under a health‑based violation” is a useful exposure proxy, because it counts people served by a system that exceeded a standard—regardless of the number of discrete violations.
Weighted metrics for scoring
To rank the top 10 states with the worst tap water, we scored each state on:
- Population served under health‑based violations (largest weight)
- Severity of contaminants (lead, PFAS, DBPs, arsenic)
- Estimated lead service line counts or density in older neighborhoods
- Size of population potentially exposed across the year
- Recent enforcement actions and penalties
- Trend compared to the prior year (getting better or worse)
This mix balances near‑term risk (violations and PFAS detections) with longer‑term infrastructure risk (lead pipes). Because data quality varies by state and by system type, we applied conservative judgments when figures were incomplete.
Limits and caveats (county‑level variation)
Water quality varies block by block. A state can look “bad” based on total people affected, yet your city may deliver water that meets every standard. On the other hand, a “good” state can still have a small system with unsafe drinking water today. Some contaminants spike seasonally; samples can miss events that happen between tests; and new rules can shift how data is counted. Use this ranking as a starting point, then verify your own public water system’s data.
Top 10 States With the Worst Tap Water: 2025 Rankings
The eight states below stand out for the size and severity of their issues in 2025. Each has many systems with health‑based violations, large counts of lead service lines, or long history of water pollution. Several also show persistent PFAS and disinfection byproduct problems.
overview table
| Rank | State | Population served under health‑based violations (2025 est.) | Lead service lines (approx.) | Top widespread contaminants |
| 1 | New York | 10,182,249 | 299,629 | Lead, PFAS, TTHMs, HAA5, arsenic |
| 2 | New Jersey | 2,807,128 | 294,554 | PFAS, lead, TTHMs, HAA5 |
| 3 | Pennsylvania | 1,821,238 | 261,023 | PFAS, lead, DBPs, legacy industrial metals |
| 4 | Louisiana | 1,598,546 | 140,762 | TTHMs/HAA5, manganese, lead in older housing |
| 5 | Massachusetts | 1,457,187 | 132,627 | HAA5/TTHMs, lead in some zones |
| 6 | Oklahoma | Data varies by county | Not fully inventoried | TTHMs/HAA5, nitrates, chromium‑6 in some systems |
| 7 | West Virginia | Data varies by county | Not fully inventoried | Solvents (e.g., PCE), arsenic, lead |
| 8 | Arizona | Data varies by county | Low LSL counts, but older areas exist | PFAS, chromium‑6, DBPs, drought‑related stress |
| 9 | Michigan | Data varies by county | Not fully inventoried | PFAS, lead, nitrates, DBPs |
| 10 | Illinois | Data varies by county | Not fully inventoried | Lead, PFAS, TTHMs, HAA5 |
These ranks synthesize violation scale, contaminant severity, and infrastructure risk. If you live in any of these states, focus on your county or city. There are safe systems in every state—and high‑risk pockets almost everywhere.
Year‑over‑year changes (trendlines)
Two national shifts shape 2025:
- New, enforceable federal PFAS limits took effect in 2024. As utilities test more widely, violations may rise before they fall. That is not a sign of worse water; it’s a sign of newer standards and more testing.
- The federal lead rules now require detailed lead service line inventories and faster replacement timelines. Expect more accurate counts and more construction, especially in older cities in New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, and Massachusetts.
Some systems have already reduced DBPs by improving treatment and managing organic matter, while others are still struggling, especially in hot summers when DBPs spike. State and local water authorities should be responsible for maintaining safe public water supplies.
Water Quality Hot Spots— New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Massachusetts
New York: lead lines, TTHMs/HAA5, high exposure
New York ranks high because of its large population and many older systems. The state reports an estimated 299,629 lead service lines, which means lead can enter tap water if corrosion control fails at any point. Many systems also report TTHM and HAA5 exceedances, especially in warmer months when chlorine reacts with organic matter. A number of cities have faced enforcement actions in recent years, and some upstate communities with older mains and fixtures continue to record high levels of lead in first‑draw samples. In dense housing, small changes in water chemistry can raise lead at the tap even when the plant meets its targets. If you live in an older building, testing first‑draw and flushed samples can help you understand your risk.
New Jersey: PFAS epicenter, school lead, contaminated systems
New Jersey sits on several PFAS plumes from industry and firefighting foam sites, and the state has been an early leader in setting strict PFAS limits. That extra testing often reveals more detections. Many communities are moving to install PFAS treatment, and the state has pushed for cleanup funding from responsible parties. Older suburbs add the lead challenge—tens of thousands of legacy service lines and school fixtures that still need replacement. Disinfection byproducts also show up across the state, especially in small systems that treat river water with higher organic content. Parents and school staff often drive testing and fixture replacement, which is a strong model for local action in any state.
Pennsylvania: widespread PFAS detections and industrial legacy
Pennsylvania’s mix of older industrial towns, energy corridors, and large river systems puts it on most lists of states with the worst tap water. PFAS detections are widespread in public systems and surface waters, and some communities have faced years‑long cleanup efforts. The state also carries a heavy lead burden in older housing stock and legacy mains. DBPs appear across dozens of systems, and rural areas sometimes face nitrate spikes related to agriculture. While large cities like Philadelphia and Pittsburgh run advanced treatment and corrosion control, small systems can struggle with equipment, staffing, and the rising cost of compliance.
Massachusetts: HAA5 exceedances, lead lines, regional hot spots
Massachusetts often meets standards in many systems, yet it appears on worst‑state lists because of repetitive HAA5 exceedances, especially in smaller communities, and pockets of lead risk in older neighborhoods. Several cities have published aggressive plans to find and replace lead service lines and swap out school fixtures. Seasonal changes in river chemistry and algae can make DBPs control difficult for a few months each year. If your CCR shows recurring HAA5 spikes, choose a water filter at the kitchen tap and work with the utility on flushing guidance.
Water Quality Hot Spots — Louisiana, Oklahoma, West Virginia, Arizona
Louisiana: manganese, DBPs, and aging systems
Louisiana’s water challenges show up both in big and small systems. Aging mains, long residence times in hot weather, and high organic matter can drive TTHMs/HAA5 above limits in some towns. Some communities also report manganese issues, which can discolor water and affect taste. While not all cities have lead service lines, older housing stock can still leach lead from pipes or fixtures if corrosion control slips. Small systems face recurring boil advisories and staffing gaps. If you get a notice, follow it and check your CCR for DBP trend lines.
Oklahoma: DBPs, nitrates, and chromium‑6 in many utilities
Oklahoma has many small and rural systems that use surface water with high organic content, which can raise DBPs after chlorination. Nitrates from farming runoff can also push limits in some systems, which is especially risky for infants. Some tests find chromium‑6, a form of chromium with higher health concern than total chromium, though the federal standard is for total chromium. Local notices about HAA5 and TTHMs are common in some counties. If you see seasonal spikes, a certified filter can help at the kitchen tap.
West Virginia: industrial solvents, arsenic, and legacy contamination
West Virginia’s terrain, industry, and legacy sites create unique risks. Several systems have documented solvents like tetrachloroethylene (PCE), which typically come from industrial degreasing or dry cleaning. Some water sources show arsenic above limits, especially in wells drawing from certain rock formations. Older pipes and fixtures add lead risk at the tap for homes with original plumbing. Cleanup moves forward but can take time. If your town lists solvent exceedances, consider bottled water for formula preparation until treatment is confirmed, and ask about granular activated carbon or air‑stripping solutions in your CCR.
Arizona: PFAS, chromium‑6, drought pressure, and DBPs
Arizona faces water scarcity, which can stress treatment plants and distribution systems. Arizona’s tap water is also affected by these challenges. Some metro areas have reported PFAS exceedances linked to airports and fire training sites, while long residence times in hot climates can boost DBPs. Groundwater in parts of the state contains chromium‑6 at detectable levels, though total chromium must meet the federal standard. As surface water supplies shrink during drought, blending options can decline, which makes compliance harder. Many Arizona systems are investing in new PFAS treatment and more precise corrosion control. If you live near a large airport or base, check your CCR for PFAS testing schedules.
What’s in the Poor Tap Water? Contaminants & Health Risks
Across the United States, the quality of drinking water in the country varies dramatically from one region to another— even though every state’s water systems must follow federal safety standards set by the EPA. In some areas, water then flows through people’s homes carrying traces of lead, PFAS, or other pollutants that exceeds safe levels in drinking water.
Lead and lead service lines
Lead harms the brain and nervous system, especially in children and during pregnancy. There is no known safe level for lead in water; the federal rule uses an “action level” to trigger treatment and replacement steps. Lead gets into tap water when it passes through lead service lines or old plumbing and picks up lead if the water is corrosive— making it essential to filter water before use.. Modern corrosion control helps, and cities are required to build accurate lead service line inventories and remove these pipes over time. At home, first‑draw testing (water that sat in pipes overnight) shows your worst‑case lead levels.
PFAS (“forever chemicals”)
PFAS are a large group of industrial chemicals used in nonstick coatings, firefighting foam, and many products. Some PFAS can affect the immune system, thyroid, cholesterol, and increase cancer risk. The EPA adopted new enforceable PFAS limits in 2024, including very low levels for PFOA and PFOS. Because these limits are new and strict, many systems are still testing and planning treatment. Point‑of‑use filters that target PFAS can reduce exposure while plants build long‑term solutions.
Disinfection byproducts (TTHMs/HAA5)
Chlorine protects against deadly microbes, but when it reacts with natural organic matter in source water, it forms disinfection byproducts like TTHMs and HAA5. Long‑term exposure above limits may raise the risk of cancer and reproductive effects. Levels often rise in hot months and in areas with long pipe networks where water sits longer. Utilities can reduce DBPs by removing organic matter before disinfection, changing disinfectants, or flushing dead ends. At the tap, filtering and using fresh cold water for cooking help.
Metals and industrial pollutants (arsenic, chromium‑6, solvents)
In some aquifers, arsenic occurs naturally and can cause cancer and skin and cardiovascular issues if high over time. Chromium‑6 is a concern in some western groundwater; the federal drinking water standard covers total chromium. Solvents like PCE and TCE come from industrial processes and can raise cancer risk with long exposure. These pollutants need specific treatment methods such as activated carbon, anion exchange, or air stripping. If your CCR lists one of these, ask your utility which treatment is in use and how often samples are taken.
Who’s Most at Risk? Environmental Justice & Exposure
Water injustice hot spots and marginalized communities
The burden of poor tap water quality often falls on communities with older housing, tight budgets, and limited political power— forcing residents to settle for water that’s far from ideal. County clusters in older industrial corridors, rural tribal lands, and low‑income neighborhoods often face repeat advisories, higher lead risk, and slower repairs. People who rent may have less control over plumbing upgrades and may not always receive notices quickly. This is why clear, multilingual alerts and funded replacement programs matter.
Urban vs. rural systems and small‑utility vulnerabilities
Many small systems rely on part‑time operators, limited testing, and aging equipment. When a pump fails or a line breaks, boil water advisories can last longer. Large cities have more tools and labs, but they also have older pipes and more complex networks. Your risk depends not only on where you live, but on the health of your specific system and your building’s plumbing.
Schools, childcare centers, and older housing stock
Even when the public water meets standards, schools and daycares can have lead in fixtures. Regular testing and fixture replacement helps, but it can be uneven. In homes built before 1986, the plumbing itself can add lead. That is why first‑draw testing is so important in older houses and apartments.
Is bottled water safer than tap in these states?
Bottled water might seem like a quick solution to avoid contaminants, but it is not always safer and may contain microplastics. It is also expensive. A better long‑term plan is to settle for water that meets safety standards by verifying vital information about your water quality, testing your water, and using a certified water filter that ensures water is clean and safe for drinking. Keep bottled water for emergencies or when you receive a “do not drink” notice.
What You Can Do for Clean Water: Testing, Filters, Reporting
Read your Consumer Confidence Report (CCR) and use official tools
Your CCR summarizes the contaminants found, the highest levels, and any violations over the past year. You can usually find it on your city or water district website. Look for:
- Which contaminants exceeded a limit (if any)
- The highest running annual averages for TTHMs/HAA5
- Any detected PFAS and the dates tested
- Notes on lead sampling and corrosion control
- A phone number or email for water quality questions
Cross‑check your state’s drinking water portal for active advisories and enforcement actions. If your system serves a small town, call the utility to ask about sampling schedules.
Test your water: at‑home kits vs. certified lab testing
Use a home water testing kit to fill gaps between system‑wide data and your own tap, and test your water at least annually to ensure safety.
- At minimum, test for lead using first‑draw and flushed samples from your kitchen tap. If you have an infant or live in older housing, add a bathroom tap test.
- If you live near industrial sites, airports, military bases, or fire training areas, test for PFAS using a certified lab kit.
- If your CCR shows DBPs near the limit, consider checking TTHMs/HAA5 at the tap during late summer.
- If you are on a well, test for arsenic and nitrates annually.
Your state health or environmental agency can point you to certified labs that meet state and federal methods.
Choose the right water filter (NSF/ANSI standards)
Match the filter to the problem. Check the product’s performance data sheet (PDS) for the exact contaminants and reduction levels, and replace cartridges on schedule so the unit keeps working.
- Lead: NSF/ANSI 53 for lead reduction
- PFAS: NSF/ANSI 53 or 58 or 401, look for specific PFAS listed
- DBPs (TTHMs/HAA5): NSF/ANSI 53 for VOCs/THMs, or systems that list TTHM/HAA5 reduction
- Nitrates: NSF/ANSI 58 (reverse osmosis) can reduce nitrates. For households concerned about multiple contaminants, a reverse osmosis (RO) water filtration system is highly effective. RO systems can reduce lead, PFAS, nitrates, and other disinfection byproducts, delivering clean and safe drinking water directly from your tap.
- Whole‑house vs. point‑of‑use: Whole‑house helps with taste, chlorine, and sediment at every tap. Point‑of‑use gives higher reduction for drinking water at the kitchen sink.
If your CCR shows multiple contaminants, a layered approach may help: a whole‑house system for chlorine/DBPs plus a point‑of‑use unit for lead or PFAS at the kitchen tap.
Report violations and advocate locally
If you see color, odor, or frequent advisories, speak up. Here’s a simple path:
- Ask your utility for its lead service line inventory and replacement schedule.
- Request the latest PFAS test results and treatment plans.
- File a Safe Drinking Water Act complaint with your state or the EPA if you don’t receive a response.
- Attend utility board or city council meetings when water is on the agenda.
- Track timelines, budgets, and milestones for pipe replacement and treatment upgrades.
Your voice matters. When residents read CCRs, ask questions, and show up, projects move faster—and funding follows.
Where not to Drink Tap Water in the USA?
Avoid unfiltered tap water any time your utility or state posts a “do not drink” notice. Treat “boil water” advisories seriously for germs (boiling does not remove chemicals like PFAS or lead). Use caution in neighborhoods with known lead service lines until you test and install a certified filter at the kitchen tap. In the states ranked above—New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Louisiana, Massachusetts, Oklahoma, West Virginia, and Arizona—risk is clustered by county. If you are moving or traveling, check the local CCR and any active advisories before you drink from the tap.
What US State Has the Best Tap Water?
There is no official “cleanest” state list. Water safety is local and changes with source water, treatment, and pipe age. Many cities in many states deliver water that meets every standard all year. To find the cleanest and safest tap water for you, look for systems with no health‑based violations, strong corrosion control, and recent non‑detects for PFAS in their CCR. If your system checks those boxes and you maintain a water filter matched to your risks, your tap water at home can be safe and consistent.
Which US State Has the Worst Water?
Which US state has the worst tap water? Many reports rank New York highest, confirming it as the worst water in the US by population exposed and contaminant severity. In 2025 comparisons that consider population impacted, contaminant severity, and lead infrastructure risk, New York stands out for the number of people served by systems with health‑based violations. New Jersey and Pennsylvania follow due to PFAS, DBPs, and legacy lead. Louisiana, Massachusetts, Oklahoma, West Virginia, and Arizona round out the list because of repeated DBP issues, industrial pollutants, and, in Arizona’s case, drought‑related stress that makes compliance harder. The key point is that bad news is not universal. Some systems in these states are excellent; some systems in “good” states struggle. Always check your local data.
Interpreting Your City’s Water Report
Reading your CCR can feel technical. Here’s a simple way to make sense of it. Focus on the table that lists each contaminant, the highest level detected, and the legal limit (MCL). If the highest level is above the limit, that is a health‑based violation. If it is near the limit, ask your utility what steps it is taking to reduce it. For lead, read the 90th percentile value and note how many samples exceeded the action level. For PFAS, look for the specific compounds tested and whether they are non‑detect. When in doubt, call the number on the report and ask a plain‑language explanation.
Quick Contaminant Guide You Can Share
- Lead: no safe level. Comes from pipes and fixtures. Use corrosion control and certified filters.
- PFAS: very low legal limits. Comes from industry and foam. Needs advanced treatment or point‑of‑use filtering.
- TTHMs/HAA5: form during disinfection. Reduce organic matter, manage water age, and filter at the tap.
- Arsenic: natural in some wells. Requires specific treatment. Often an issue for private wells.
- Chromium‑6: form of chromium found in some western groundwater. Check CCR; federal rule covers total chromium.
- Nitrates: farm runoff risk. Dangerous for infants. Reverse osmosis helps at the tap.
Daily Habits that Reduce Exposure to Poor Water Quality
Small habits add up. Use cold water for cooking and drinking, because hot water can leach metals faster from pipes. Let water run until it is cold if it has sat in the pipes for many hours, especially in older homes. Replace faucet aerators, which can trap particles. Keep your filters on schedule; a full cartridge does not work like a new one. If your system posts a boil advisory, boil at a rolling boil for at least one minute before cooling and storing. Remember, boiling does not remove PFAS, TTHMs, or lead—it only kills germs.
FAQs
1. Where is tap water most unsafe right now?
Right now, tap water is most unsafe in areas where your local utility or state has issued a “do not drink” or boil water advisory. These notices signal a real risk of unsafe water and show that the drinking water quality may be compromised. Homes with older plumbing, especially those with lead pipes, are particularly vulnerable if corrosion control isn’t properly maintained, since lead can leach into water even if the treatment plant meets its targets. Some regions consistently appear on lists of the worst drinking water, especially in small towns or rural areas with aging infrastructure. To stay safe, always check your utility’s website or state water portal for the latest advisories before using tap water for drinking or cooking. If you live in an older home, consider testing your local water, using certified filters, and following flushing recommendations to improve safety.
2. What city has the best water in the US?
When people ask which city has the best water in the US, taste contests often name different winners each year, but a great taste doesn’t automatically mean it’s healthy water. What really matters is how safe and clean it is to drink. Some cities are known for having some of the highest-quality water in the US, and a few even rank among the best water in the world, but conditions can vary block by block. To be sure, the safest approach is to check your Consumer Confidence Report (CCR), do water testing at home, and use a reliable water filter if needed. Look for systems where tap water has the highest safety standards, low contaminant levels, and effective corrosion control. Remember, even in cities with top-rated water, older homes or plumbing can impact safety, so regular testing and water filtration system help ensure your drinking water remains consistently safe and healthy water for you and your family.
3. Does boiling remove PFAS, TTHMs, or lead?
No. Boiling your water might kill bacteria and other microbes, but it won’t get rid of chemicals like PFAS, TTHMs, or lead. In fact, boiling tap water in the U.S. can sometimes concentrate certain contaminants rather than remove them. If you’re concerned about chemical exposure, filtering your tap water with a certified system is the safest route. Depending on your needs, a whole house water filter can help treat all home water, not just the kitchen tap. Some areas, especially those with older infrastructure or industrial impact, may have public water systems where water has the highest average levels of chromium-6, PFAS, or DBPs. Regular testing of your home water, checking your local Consumer Confidence Report, and choosing the right filtration method ensures your water is safe for drinking and cooking. Small steps like this can make a big difference in protecting your family from long-term chemical exposure.
4. How do I check if my home has a lead service line?
Checking if your home has a lead service line is an important step to make sure your community water is safe. Start by looking up your city’s lead service line map or inventory and requesting any available records. A lot of cities will even verify the information for you if you call or submit a request. Next, do a careful visual inspection at your meter—sometimes older pipes or connectors reveal whether lead is present. If you’re not sure, it’s safest to assume your home might have lead and take precautions like using a certified filter for drinking water. Understanding the standards for tap water and how your state’s water systems monitor lead helps you make informed decisions. Different regions use methods that each state’s water authorities recommend for testing and corrosion control, so checking local guidance is key. Combining these steps ensures your home water stays as safe as possible.
5. Are private wells covered by the Safe Drinking Water Act?
Private wells are not covered under the Safe Drinking Water Act, which means they don’t get the same monitoring and protections as public tap water systems. That doesn’t mean the water is automatically unsafe, but it does mean homeowners need to take responsibility for testing and treatment. People who rely on a private well should test their water at least once a year for contaminants like nitrates, arsenic, bacteria, and other issues with their water that are common locally. Unlike treated water from public systems, untreated water from wells can carry risks, especially if the well is shallow or near agricultural or industrial activity. Homeowners should install the right treatment system based on test results to ensure drinking water for residents is safe. Regular monitoring, maintenance, and following local health guidance help keep well water reliable and reduce potential health risks compared to relying solely on taste or appearance.