With a few household or hardware store items, these easy, DIY observation methods can clue us in to both the helpful and harmful properties our water source may be harboring. While they won’t deliver precise, quantifiable or lab-grade results, they provide a practical starting point for curious or concerned public water consumers.

This article includes links to public water quality data — from both government and independent sources — to help you better understand the tap water you may be drinking, and how its imperfections could be affecting your health and hydration.