About SafeWater
SafeWater makes EPA drinking water data accessible and understandable for every American.
Our Mission
Millions of Americans are concerned about the quality of their tap water, but the official data can be hard to find, harder to understand, and scattered across dozens of state and federal databases.
SafeWater consolidates EPA Safe Drinking Water Information System (SDWIS) data into one place, translating technical regulatory language into plain language. We believe people have a right to know what's in their water.
We cover 433,347 water systems serving 347 million Americans across all 50 states, Washington D.C., and U.S. territories.
Data Sources
EPA Safe Drinking Water Information System (SDWIS)
The primary source for all water system data, violation records, and monitoring results. SDWIS is the EPA's official database of public water systems regulated under the Safe Drinking Water Act (SDWA). It contains information on over 150,000 public water systems across the United States.
Visit SDWIS ↗Lead and Copper Rule (LCR) Monitoring Data
90th percentile lead and copper test results from the most recent monitoring period for each water system. Under the LCR, water systems must sample tap water at high-risk residences and report 90th percentile results. If this value exceeds the action level, corrective action is required.
Learn about the LCR ↗How We Calculate Scores
Lead Risk Level
Each state is assigned a lead risk category based on its average lead level across all water systems with reported data:
Low Risk
≤ 1 ppb
Caution
1 – 5 ppb
Elevated
5 – 15 ppb
High Risk
> 15 ppb
Violation Rate
Calculated as (lead violations + copper violations) / total systems. This normalizes for state size. A large state with many systems can have more raw violations but a lower rate than a small state.
Average Lead Level
Arithmetic mean of the most recent 90th percentile lead results across all water systems in the state that have submitted monitoring data. Note that many small systems only test periodically, and averages may not fully represent all residents.
Important Limitations
- Private wells are not covered. The Safe Drinking Water Act only regulates public water systems serving 25+ people or 15+ connections. Private well owners should test their own water independently.
- Lead contamination often originates inside buildings, not at the water treatment plant. Even systems with low lead readings can deliver water that picks up lead from old service lines or household plumbing.
- Data may not reflect the most recent tests. Monitoring frequency varies by system size and type. Large systems test more frequently; some small systems may test only every 1–3 years.
- PFAS, arsenic, nitrates, and other contaminants are regulated separately from the Lead and Copper Rule and require separate monitoring programs. Our current dataset focuses on LCR monitoring data.
- No violations does not mean perfectly clean water. Meeting EPA action levels means compliance with current regulations, but some scientists argue current limits are not protective enough, especially for children.
What You Can Do
Request Your CCR
Every public water utility must publish an annual Consumer Confidence Report. Contact your water provider or visit the EPA's CCR website.
Find your CCR ↗Test Your Tap
Order a certified home lead test kit or hire a state-certified lab. Especially important for homes built before 1986 with original plumbing.
EPA lead testing guide ↗Use a Certified Filter
NSF/ANSI 53 or 58 certified filters can remove lead. Reverse osmosis removes the broadest range of contaminants. Make sure the filter is rated for your specific contaminant.
NSF filter certification ↗Know Your Rights
If your utility has a violation, they must notify you within 24 hours (acute) or 30 days (non-acute). You can also request test results directly.
Public notification rules ↗