Tap Score / SimpleLab
SimpleLab (formerly SimpleWater, Inc.) is the company behind Tap Score. They developed Tap Score as a mail order (Level 3) Informational and (Level 4) certified outreach testing program for private well owners, water utility customers, and professionals.
To view a summary of Tap Score’s testing Click Here
Highlighted below is a selection of their sampling kits.
If you have a water issue and are unsure of the contaminant or cause, we recommend using the KnowYourH2O Self-Diagnostic Tool. Our Self Diagnostic Tool can assist in making a preliminary diagnosis of your issue so you can determine the best test kit.
Learn more about specific contaminants by visiting our Get Informed Contaminant section. To find a particular contaminant, Search the KnowYourH2O Contaminant Index or use our site search. If you’re unable to find what you need, Contact the Know YourH2OTeam.
Categories
A. The Basics (City Water / Well Water)
C. Industrial Contaminants / Organics/ Synthetic Organics
D. Bacterial Microbiological and Mold Package
E. Water Testing – Nuisance Issues (Potential Health Issues)
F. Rainwater Capture -Water Harvesting Projects / Remote Off the Grid Systems
G. Water Testing Radiological Issues
K. Synthetic Volatile Organic Compounds (SVOC)
A. The Basics (City Water / Well Water)
Water Tests for Wells and Springs (Private Systems)
City Water and Utility Water Customers (Public Water Systems)
Certified Home Loan Water Test
The test package provides all required materials to properly collect and submit a sample for certified laboratory testing. Reported results will include a detailed analysis of the testing parameters required by VA, FHA, and USDA. Note: You will likely need a third-party sampler to facilitate this testing.
B. Environmental Monitoring
Pond and Lake Testing
Testing includes: pH, Total Dissolved Solids (TDS), Nitrate-Nitrogen, Alkalinity, Aluminum, Iron, Manganese, phosphorus, Sulfate, enterococcus, Total Coliform, E. coli., and Hardness.
Algae Enumeration
Concentration (colonies per milliliter) of motile, non-motile, and diatom algae.
Cyanobacteria Enumeration
Cyanobacteria, also known as “blue-green algae,” can enter into drinking water supplies during periods of freshwater and marine harmful algal blooms (HABs). HABs can occur anytime there is an excessive accumulation of algae growth. Cyanobacteria contamination in drinking water can lead to taste and odor issues and produce toxins (called cyanotoxins) that can cause illness and even death in both humans and animals. This can be a problem for public water systems that use surface water sources like lakes, streams, rivers, and/or groundwater sources influenced by surface water. This testing package is ideal for people near a harmful algal bloom event who notice the unpalatable taste and odor issues in their drinking water.
Agricultural Testing -Hydroponics Testing
Basic water quality testing to assess overall suitability for use in hydroponic agriculture and aquaculture.
Testing includes: Alkalinity (as CaCO3), Aluminum, Antimony, Arsenic, Barium, Beryllium, Boron, CSMR, Cadmium, Calcium, Chloride, Chromium (Total), Cobalt, Copper, Fluoride, Grains per gallon, Hardness, Hardness (Ca, Mg), Hardness (Total), Iron, Langelier Saturation Index, Lead, Lithium, Magnesium, Manganese, Mercury, Molybdenum, Nickel, Nitrates (as N), Phosphorous, Potassium, Selenium, Silver, Sodium, Sodium Adsorption Ratio, Strontium, Sulfate, Thallium, Tin, Titanium, Total Dissolved Solids, Uranium, Vanadium, Zinc, and ph.
C. Industrial Contaminants / Organics/ Synthetic Organics
Drugs and Pharmaceuticals Water Test
More than half of Americans regularly use a prescription drug, all of which are eventually flushed or tossed into our water supply and environment. These chemicals are being discovered in places where they shouldn’t be, including US tap water (typically in extremely low concentrations).” Little is known about how these potential endocrine disruptors. The chemicals may affect your body in tiny doses over long periods of exposure. This is an easy way for anyone to test their drinking water for pharmaceuticals, personal care product chemicals, and other potential chemicals that could trigger autoimmune disorders.
Testing includes: 17 alpha ethynyl estradiol, 17 beta estradiol, 4 para nonylphenol, 4 tert Octylphenol, Acetaminophen, Bisphenol A (BPA), Caffeine, Carbamazepine, Ciprofloxacin, Diclofenac Sodium, Erythromycin, Estrone, Fluoxetine, Gemfibrozil, Ibuprofen, Naproxen, Primidone, Progesterone, Sulfamethoxazole, Testosterone, Triclosan, and Trimethoprim.
Bottled Water Testing
The testing covers general water quality, heavy metals, minerals, volatile organics, chemical by-products, and organics related to plastics leaching from the containers.
BPA (Bisphenol-A )Water Test
The results are a quantifiable analysis of the level of Bisphenol-A (BPA) in the water.
Microplastics Water Test
Microplastics enter the drinking water supply from various pollution and waste pathways, such as tires rubbing against the pavement, synthetic clothes, paint dust, dry fall, precipitation, and microfibers. The impacts of microplastics on human health and wildlife are not well understood. Reported results will include a detailed analysis of polyethylene, polypropylene, polyvinyl chloride, and polystyrene particles between 5 mm and 0.003 mm in size.
Plastics Leachates Water Test
Tests water samples for chemicals associated with plastic leaching and other contamination exposure routes.
The impacts of plastic compounds on human health and wildlife are not well understood. Plastics Leachates Water Test is a laboratory-based analysis that gives you everything needed to properly sample and send your water back to the lab for quantification of the following contaminants:
• Polyethylene (MTBE, 2.4-di-tert-butyl-phenol)
• Polyvinyl chloride (VC and VOCs)
• Phthalates
Perchlorate
Perchlorate is a chemical compound containing the perchlorate ion, ClO⁻ ₄. The majority of perchlorates are commercially produced salts. They are mainly used as oxidizers for pyrotechnic devices (fireworks and explosives) and control static electricity in food packaging. While it has often been detected in water supplies in close proximity to sites where solid rocket fuel is manufactured or used, there are also locations in the United States that lack a clearly defined source, which suggests the source may be airborne.
1,4 Dioxane (ether)
The United States Environmental Protection Agency (US EPA) classifies 1,4 Dioxane as a possible human carcinogen. 1,4 Dioxane is highly soluble in water. Exposure pathways include ingestion of drinking water, inhalation of vapors, and workplace contact. Maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) have not been established for 1,4 Dioxane.
Sucralose
Sucralose is a zero-calorie artificial sweetener, and Splenda is the most common sucralose-based product. Sucralose is made from sugar in a multistep chemical process in which three hydrogen-oxygen groups are replaced with chlorine atoms.
D. Bacterial Microbiological and Mold Package
Total Microbiology Water Test
Comprehensive Assessment
This is a comprehensive pathogen and microbiological screening for the identification and enumeration of thousands of species of bacteria, protozoa, algae and more in tap water, well water and other surface water. This data is collected using Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) and Nuclear Magnetic Resonance(NMR) spectroscopy to identify the array of species and genera present. This test is ideal for understanding the biological health and safety of your water, especially if people or animals at your location are getting sick or if you have a nuisance bacterial issues, repeated issues with Microbiological Regrowth or MIC (Microbiologically Induced Corrosion), and skin irritation, rashes and infections.
Universal Bacteria Genetic Identification Test
(DNA Fingerprint)
This water testing package provides a comprehensive bacterial DNA analysis of a water sample to uncover sources of biological hazards. This is the ideal test for determining the biological health of water and pinpointing the source(s) of contamination—especially from surface waters such as lakes, rivers, and beaches and vulnerable groundwater sources that have repeatedly tested positive for Total Coliform and E.Coli using traditional indicator tests.
Giardia and Cryptosporidium Water Test
Targeted testing for the presence and enumeration of Giardia Cryptosporidium in drinking or surface water
Mycobacterium Water Test
Targeted testing of non-tuberculosis mycobacterium (NTM) in drinking water. Mycobacteria can grow in drinking water distribution systems and cause disease in humans. There has been a rise in non-tuberculosis mycobacterium detections–particularly in large office complexes and buildings, hospitals, and other healthcare offices–due to heater-cooler units required during operations, i.e., sick building (“plumbing”) syndrome.
Legionella Water Test
Legionella is a gram-negative bacterium that often lives in still, warm water but can survive under a wide range of temperatures and conditions. Legionella is most frequently found in air-conditioning units, faucets, pools, spas, showers, and other water-related devices–and is the cause of Legionnaire’s Disease. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), between 8,000 and 18,000 Americans are hospitalized yearly with Legionnaire’s.
Mold and Fungus Water Test
Mold is a form of fungus that spreads through the production of spores. These spores are invisible to the naked eye and able to survive in harsh conditions. Rapid mold and fungus growth occur in areas with lots of moisture–particularly near leaks in pipes, windows, or rooftops. However, mold and fungus can survive in very harsh conditions and can thrive in a variety of environments. This testing package is ideal for people noticing a musty, mildewy, or moldy taste in their water or seeing biofilm/slimy buildup on fixtures.
Reported results will include detailed, quantified analysis of various molds, fungi, and total heterotrophic bacteria count (HPC). Along with analysis for black mold and other Aspergillus formations and full speciation of Penicillium and Cladosporium genera–it also reports total heterotrophic bacteria count (HPC) https://mytapscore.com/products/hpc-water-test?rfsn=2615807.4d4632. Total HPC includes bacteria, yeasts, and molds and is an excellent way to demonstrate a quantified presence or absence of microbial activity in a water supply.
Pseudomonas Water Test
Pseudomonas aeruginosa in drinking, groundwater, and surface waterPseudomonas bacteria are naturally present in the ground and within many well and surface drinking water sources. When present in the water supply, P. aeruginosa can form biofilms on surfaces of pipes and other fixtures–such as home water treatment devices using carbon filters or membranes. In high concentrations, Pseudomonas aeruginosa bacteria can cause problems with color, taste, odor, and turbidity in drinking water–as well as present a potentially dangerous health infection (particularly for those with already compromised immune systems).
Other Parameters
Many other parameters can be found at the Specialized Testing Services Section of their website
E. Water Testing – Nuisance Issues (Potential Health Issues)
Ammonia
Ammonia can enter water supplies from agricultural-related runoff or if a municipal water system uses chloramine for disinfection purposes and into the environment via failing septic systems. The presence of ammonia may also suggest microbiological regrowth or cross-connections in a water distribution system.
MBAS
Surfactants: The presence of MBAS or methylene blue active substances in a water sample serves as an indicator of nearby industrial waste dumping or other related contamination (such as those from PFAS/PFOS/PFOA) and in rural areas may suggest the presence or issues with failing septic systems).
Hydrogen Sulfide
Hydrogen Sulfide does not typically present a health risk in domestic drinking supplies, it is a nuisance and can contribute to your water’s acidity—leaching potentially hazardous metals from plumbing and appliances, but this may suggest a problem with a failing septic system, microbiologically induced nuisance or corrosion, cross-connections with sewage systems, or the presence of Manganese related or Sulfate Reducing Bacteria.
Cyanide
Cyanide may enter the drinking water supply in various ways, including: through nearby metal mining activity, various industrial processes (particularly those using organic chemicals), or by steel manufacture.
Asbestos
“Asbestos may be introduced into drinking water when asbestos-containing materials dissolve in water distribution pipes (such as air-conditioning pipes) or from nearby industrial activity. Asbestos cement pipes make up between 12% to 15% of drinking water systems in the United States. When inhaled, asbestos is a well-known human carcinogen (cancer-causing agent), but research does not yet demonstrate an increased risk of cancer from ingestion of asbestos in drinking water.”
In addition, asbestos is an earthen-based mineral that naturally occurs in the environment. Asbestos can be found in serpentinites (metamorphic rock), altered ultramafic rocks (igneous and metamorphic rock), and some mafic rocks (silicate mineral or igneous rock rich in magnesium and iron). Other rock types known to host asbestos include metamorphosed dolostones, metamorphosed iron formations, carbonatites (intrusive or extrusive igneous rock), and alkalic intrusions (deposits are orthomagmatic, i.e., ore fluid was the magma).
Glycol (Antifreeze)
Ethylene glycol is often odorless and colorless but may impart a sweet taste in water.
Hexavalent Chromium
Hexavalent chromium–also called chromium-6 or CrVI–is a form of elemental chromium in the +6 oxidation state. Trivalent chromium (CrIII) and hexavalent chromium together compose what is normally called “total chromium.” Chromium may convert between the trivalent and hexavalent states in both water and the human body, depending on the environmental conditions. While trivalent chromium is an essential nutrient, hexavalent chromium is a potent human carcinogen. (see Hinkley groundwater contamination at Wikipedia)
Total Organic Carbon (TOC)
Total Organic Carbon (TOC) is the number of carbon atoms tied up in organic compounds in a water sample. It is a non-specific indicator of water quality (because pure water contains NO carbon). This method does not identify the specific carbon-containing compounds, only the presence of organic carbon water. This test can be used as an indicator of microbiological regrowth in the distribution system, treatment system, or resin, suggesting the potential for creating disinfection by-products, presence of biofilms, organic contamination of a water source, or post-treatment contamination of drinking water.
Tannis
(Water looks like tea or yellowish?) are a naturally occurring organic material that is typically described as “fulvic” or “humic acid.” These weak organic acids form when vegetation is degraded and fermented, and then enters the water supply and usually choose the pH and alkalinity of the water to decrease and create a bitter taste and have an appearance like “tea.” This package is ideal for clients on well water–particularly those noticing yellow coloration, staining of fabrics, fixtures, and dished. Tannins also often impart a musty/earthy odor in water and can lead to an unpleasant taste. They are also precursors for the creation of disinfection by-products. (Note: The discoloration of laundry may also be related to an elevated level of iron and manganese in the water. Therefore, we suggest you add this test to a Well Water testing package. This is not a common problem for “City Water,” but it could happen.
F. Rainwater Capture -Water Harvesting Projects / Remote Off the Grid Systems
You Must Get the Water Tested (Human or Livestock Consumption or Water Reuse) Rainwater harvesting with a rainwater catchment system includes the collection and storage of rainwater into tanks or cisterns. Rooftop rainwater harvesting has become increasingly popular as a way to provide off-grid high-quality drinking water. Rainwater can also be used for gardening, livestock, and irrigation, etc. The most common materials used to capture and store rainwater are tile, metal sheets, and plastics.
Essential Rain Water Test
The testing includes heavy metals, minerals, general chemistry, silica, coliform, and E. coli. (Bacteria)
Advanced Rainwater Test
The testing includes heavy metals, minerals, general chemistry, silica, coliform and E. coli., trihalomethanes, and volatile organic compounds.
Note: Water Treatment Current News Item: If you are looking for a remote off-the-grid water system, we suggest you look at the Crystal Quest Portable Reverse Osmosis Unit (200 gpd).
G. Water Testing Radiological Issues
If you suspect a radiological issue, we suggest you first do the following:
Visit the Radioactive Isotopes Section of the KnowYourH20 website starting with Gross Alpha. For the more scientifically inclined or professional, check out the Physic/s page in our Water Science Basics Section.
Standard Radiological Screening Tests Testing
Includes: Gross alpha particles (EPA 900.0), gross beta particles (EPA 900.0), uranium (EPA 200.8), radon in water (SM 7500 Rn B), radium-226 (EPA 903.0) and radium-228 (EPA 904.0).
Tritium
A radioactive isotope of hydrogen. The radiation from the decay of tritium is in the form of beta particles, which are very low energy. Tritium was disbursed throughout the world by atmospheric nuclear weapons testing that took place from the mid-1950s to the early 1960s. Tritium is currently produced by reactors that generate electricity. EPA has established a Maximum Contaminant
Level (MCL) of 4 millirems per year for beta particle and photon radioactivity from man-made radionuclides in drinking water.
Cesium (Beta emitter)
Cesium-137 is a radioactive isotope of cesium is a radionuclide that spontaneously forms when radioactive materials such as uranium and plutonium undergo nuclear fission. It is commonly associated with the operation of nuclear reactors and radioactive waste and fallout from nuclear weapons testing. Cesium-137 can also be used in the sterilization process for food products and medical equipment, along within an array of industrial applications.
Deuterium
Deuterium is one of two stable isotopes of hydrogen (Heavy Water). Heavy water has a slightly sweet flavor. Ice cubes made out of heavy water float in heavy water but sink in regular water. “While heavy water isn’t radioactive, it’s not entirely safe to drink. The issue is the extra mass of heavy water compared with ordinary water. The mass difference slows biochemical reactions that use water. One key issue is that heavy water disrupts mitosis, the cell division used to repair injuries and grow new cells. Replacing 20% of regular water in cells with heavy water is survivable for humans and other mammals (although not recommended). Swapping 25% of water with heavy water causes (sometimes irreversible) sterilization. Replacing 50% of water with heavy water is lethal. It’s not a pretty death, either. Heavy water poisoning resembles radiation poisoning or cytotoxic poisoning from chemotherapy.” (Source: Science Notes)
Strontium-90
Strontium-90 is used in medical and agricultural studies. It is also used in thermoelectric devices that are built into small power supplies for use in remote locations, such as navigational beacons, remote weather stations, and space vehicles. Strontium-90 is used in electron tubes, radioluminescent markers, as a radiation source in industrial thickness gauges, and for the treatment of eye diseases. In addition, nuclear accidents and nuclear weapons testing is a source. If Strontium-90 enters the body, it tends to deposit in the bone marrow, and the bone and the body see it as something similar to calcium and magnesium.
H. Herbicides Pesticides and Insecticides in Drinking Water
Chemicals used to manipulate or control undesirable vegetation.
Learn more about Herbicide/Pesticides
Glyphosate
(N-(phosphonomethyl) glycine) is a broad-spectrum systemic herbicide and crop desiccant. It is an organophosphorus compound, specifically a phosphonate, which acts by inhibiting the plant enzyme 5-enolpyruvylshikimate-3-phosphate synthase. Glyphosate usage is in the news, and there are many ads related to suggestive health issues related to significant use and exposure.
Pesticides / Organochlorine
A pesticide is any substance used to kill, repel, or control certain plant or animal life forms that are considered pests.
Acrolein
(propenal) is an unsaturated aldehyde. It is a colorless liquid with a piercing, acrid smell (taste is strong and sharp, pungent, biting, burning, and usually unpleasant.). The smell of burning is caused by glycerol in the burning fat breaking down into acrolein. It is commonly used for aquatic weed control for submerged vegetation.
Diquat
DiquatDiquat is an aquatic herbicide. Under the Safe Drinking Water Act, the federal maximum contaminant level goal(MCLG) and the MCL for diquat are 20 ug/L.
Imidacloprid
Imidacloprid is an insecticide that was made to mimic nicotine. Nicotine is naturally found in many plants, including tobacco, and is toxic to insects.
I. Disinfection By-Products
Learn more about Disinfection Byproducts
Haloacetic Acids Testing
Includes Dibromoacetic Acid (DBA), Dichloroacetic Acid (DCA), Haloacetic Acids (Total), Monobromoacetic Acid (MBA), Monochloroacetic Acid, and Trichloroacetic Acid (TCA).
Chlorate
Chlorite and chlorate are disinfection by-products resulting from using chlorine dioxide as a disinfectant and for odor/taste control in water.
J. Forever Chemicals
PCBs (Polychlorinated biphenyl) and Chlorinated Pesticides
Learn more about PCBs/PFAS/Perfluorinated Chemicals
Polychlorinated biphenyls are mixtures of up to 209 individual chlorinated compounds (known as congeners). There are no known natural sources of PCBs. PCBs are either oily liquids or solids that are colorless to light yellow. Many PCB mixtures are known in the US under the trade name Aroclor. PCBs have been used as coolants and lubricants in transformers, capacitors, and other electrical equipment because they don’t burn easily and are good insulators. PCBs can also be found in motors of old well pumps.
GenX and PFAS (Forever Chemicals)
GenX is the Trade Name for a group of man-made chemical compounds known as per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS). PFAS are man-made chemicals that do not occur naturally in the environment. These chemicals have broad uses in commercial products such as food packaging, nonstick coatings, and firefighting foam, household products, consumer products, cosmetics, and other coatings.
K. Synthetic Volatile Organic Compounds (SVOC)
SVOCs are a broad group of moderate volatility substances found in pesticides, plasticizers, flame retardants, furnishings, personal care products (PPCP), electronics, and cleaning agents. They include many types of chemicals which exhibit a wide range of different chemical properties. Common SVOCs include polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs), polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), pesticides (organophosphorus, organochlorine, nitrogen-based), polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), phthalates, chloroalkanes, phenols, dioxins, and more.
Articles
7 Pathogens That Contaminate Drinking Water
What’s the White Residue on My Fixtures?
Drinking - Water Topics Articles by the KnowYourH20 Team
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