How to Read a Consumer Confidence Report (CCR)

You don’t have to be a scientist to understand your water report — just someone who cares about what comes out of your tap. This guide will help you read your CCR like a pro, one section at a time.

Step 1: What Is a CCR?

Every year, your local water utility is required to publish a Consumer Confidence Report (CCR).
It tells you:

• Where your water comes from
• What contaminants are detected (and in what amounts)
• Whether those amounts meet EPA safety standards

Look for it by mail, on your utility’s website, or by searching online:
[Your city] + Consumer Confidence Report + [year]

Step 2: Understand the Contaminant Table

This is the heart of the report — but it can look like alphabet soup. Focus on these columns:

• Contaminant Name – like chlorine, lead, or nitrates
• Level Detected – how much was found in your water
• MCL – Maximum Contaminant Level allowed by EPA
• Likely Source – where the contaminant comes from (e.g., agriculture, industry, old pipes)

Look for anything above the MCL or flagged as a violation. Even if it’s within limits, compare it to health-based guidelines, not just legal limits.

Step 3: Know What to Watch For

Some contaminants deserve special attention, especially for families with kids, pregnant women, or aging adults:

• Lead & Copper – often from household plumbing
• Disinfection Byproducts – like THMs and HAAs, linked to long-term exposure risks
• Nitrates – dangerous for infants and pregnant women
• Chromium-6 – not regulated in all areas but flagged for health concerns

Final Word?

Your CCR is more than a report — it’s a roadmap.
The better you understand what’s in your water, the easier it is to choose the right solution for your home.

💧Want help decoding your report or improving your water quality?