What the in-home test covers
Our in-home water test is a screening, not a certified laboratory analysis. It's designed to give a quick, practical snapshot of common water quality indicators using on-site test strips and meters. Typical screening points include:
- Chlorine/chloramine presence (relevant for Charlotte Water customers)
- Water hardness (calcium and magnesium)
- Total dissolved solids (TDS)
- pH level
- Iron presence (especially relevant for well water)
These readings help identify whether taste, odor, staining, or scale issues you've noticed line up with measurable water characteristics, and which type of treatment, if any, would actually address them.
What to expect during the visit
A technician visits your home, asks a few questions about what you've noticed (odor, taste, staining, scale, dry skin, spotting on dishes or glassware), and runs the on-site screening at a convenient tap. You'll get a plain-English walkthrough of the results on the spot.
The visit is typically a short, focused appointment. // TODO(owner): confirm and publish an actual typical duration once scheduling data is available.
No-pressure recommendation
If the screening doesn't point to anything worth addressing, we'll say so. If it does, we'll walk through what the options generally look like — for example, a whole house water filter for chlorine/chloramine and taste, a water softener for hardness, or reverse osmosis for drinking-water polishing. There's no obligation to move forward, and we won't pressure you into a system you don't need.
When a certified lab test is the better tool
An in-home screening is useful for everyday water quality questions, but it isn't designed to detect everything, and it isn't a substitute for certified lab analysis. We'll recommend a certified lab test instead of (or in addition to) the in-home screening when the concern involves:
- Lead — typically requires certified lab analysis; point-of-use reverse osmosis (NSF/ANSI 58) is a common way to address lead at the tap once confirmed.
- PFAS ("forever chemicals") — requires specialized lab testing; see our PFAS filtration page for general background.
- Bacteria — especially important for private wells; requires a certified lab, not an on-site strip test.
If you're on a private well, pairing an in-home screening with certified lab testing is generally the right combination — see our well water treatment page for more detail.
Charlotte Water quality context
If you're on municipal water, Charlotte Water draws from Mountain Island Lake and Lake Norman and disinfects with chloramine (a combination of chlorine and ammonia). Charlotte Water publishes an annual Drinking Water Quality Report, and its 2022 report notes the utility monitors for 70+ PFAS compounds with low or non-detect results. Charlotte tap water is reported to meet state and federal requirements — many residents still choose to filter for taste, odor, chloramine, or general peace of mind, which is exactly what an in-home test can help clarify.
How to request your free test
Fill out the form on this page with your address and a convenient time, and we'll schedule your in-home screening. There's no cost and no pressure — just clear answers about your water.
If you live beside a fairway or in a golf community, our golf course water testing guide explains why your water source matters and when a certified lab panel is more useful than an assumption based on distance.
Frequently asked questions
Is the free water test a certified lab analysis?
No. It's an in-home screening using on-site test strips and meters for common indicators like chlorine/chloramine, hardness, TDS, pH, and iron. For health-relevant concerns like lead, PFAS, or bacteria, we recommend certified lab testing.
How long does the in-home test take?
It's typically a short, focused visit. // TODO(owner): publish an exact typical duration.
Is there any obligation to buy a system after the test?
No. The test is informational and no-pressure. If the results don't point to anything worth addressing, we'll tell you.
Do I need a free water test if I'm on Charlotte Water?
Many municipal customers still want to understand chloramine presence, hardness, or TDS levels in their own home, since plumbing and fixtures can affect water locally even when the source meets regulatory requirements. The test can clarify whether treatment would help.
Can the test detect lead or PFAS?
No, the in-home screening isn't designed to detect lead or PFAS. Those require certified laboratory testing, which we can recommend if there's a specific concern.
Do you test well water too?
Yes, the in-home screening works for both municipal and well water customers, though for wells we also recommend certified lab testing for bacteria and other well-specific concerns.
How do I schedule the test?
Use the form on this page with your address and preferred time, and we'll follow up to schedule your visit.