Read your water report
Type in the numbers from any water report, ours or another lab’s, and see how each compares with common drinking water guideline values, in plain words.
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Below 6.5 can corrode pipes; above 8.5 can taste soapy.
High values taste salty or bitter. Reverse osmosis lowers them.
Above about 0.3 causes stains and a metallic taste. An iron filter removes it.
Hard water leaves scale. A softener or scale control helps.
High nitrate often comes from nearby soakaways or farms. Reverse osmosis lowers it.
Any E. coli means the water should be treated or boiled before drinking. Clean the tank and retest.
Reading a report
Three things to look for
- The units. Most results are in mg/L, which is the same as parts per million.
- The guideline value. The level above which a result needs attention for drinking water.
- The sample date. Water changes with seasons. A result from two years ago may not describe today.
Are these limits official?
They are common drinking water guideline values, shown as examples. Your full Cascade report lists the exact reference used for each result.
Can I rely on this page for health decisions?
No. It helps you read numbers; for health concerns speak to a doctor, and for your water speak to the lab.
What if my report uses different units?
Call us and we will convert them for you.
Want the full picture?
Our borehole full profile tests 28 things and includes a call to explain every one.