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 blog will help you read and understand your CCR, one section at a time.

Step 1: WHAT IS YOUR CCR?

Every year, by July 1, 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 Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) safety standards

Your CCR is free!

Step 2: FIND YOUR CCR

• From your local water utility – most of them post the CCR online and notify customers by their water bill, e-mail or mail. If you didn't receive it — please contact them.

• From the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) site — search for it at epa.gov/ccr

Step 3: 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 4: 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

Step 5: EXPLORE THE HYDRATION GLOSSARY TO UNDERSTAND WORDS IN YOUR CCR

Our Hydration Glossary is a a plain-language guide to 140+ water and hydration terms, including the most common contaminants, safety limits, and testing methods.

FINAL WORD?

Tap Water can be a great choice — if you understand what's in it and how to make it work for you.

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 to protect your health and your budget.